How to Build a Custom Sump for Your Reef Aquarium

In today's episode, we are going to show you how we turned a 30 gallon rimless aquarium into a custom sump with a built-in ATO reservoir for a 50 gallon display tank.

This was a fun and fairly easy DIY project we are confident you can do at home after watching this tutorial.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEARN

READ ACCOMPANYING BLOG POST (with full video transcript!)

HOW TO SET UP A REFUGIUM IN YOUR SUMP

HOW TO ADD A SUMP USING AN OVERFLOW BOX

THE BENEFITS OF USING A SUMP FOR FILTRATION

TRIGGER SYSTEMS SUMPS FEATURES & BENEFITS

RETURN PUMPS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHOP FOR TANK GEAR

Sumps

In-Sump Skimmers

Auto Top-Off Systems

ATO Reservoirs

Media Reactors

Filter Media

Overflow Boxes

Filter Sock Holders

Probe Holders

Plumbing Parts

Submersible Pumps

Mineral Mud

If you found this video helpful, please like, share and subscribe to help ensure we can create more helpful videos for you just like this.

Until next time, take care and happy reefkeeping!

[lilpold]

I was searching for exactly a video like this for 4 days and you just uploaded the perfect video !

[matthewwagner]

THANK I've looked at SO MANY videos to find how much of a gap to leave between the baffles and the exterior walls and this is the ONLY video where I've found that detail... 1/4th inch on each side, so have it cut 1/2 short to the internal dimensions! That's what I've been looking for.

[kingsize]

thanks for this video definitely adding to favorites for the future

[BagusSumanjaya]

thanks for the video, straight to the website now :)

[johnatella]

1/4th of an inch seems too big of a space on the sides to me, but I haven't built one before. Would an 1/8 or 3/16th be too small on each side?

[toshi]

This channel teach me so much. One question tho. Instead of sump can I use fluval canister filter that I am using for fresh water?? Along with some live rocks?

[jackielarkin]

I have a 90 gallon saltwater aquarium, what size sump would work best? thanks

btw...great videos for this newbie.

[Yarosien]

Thank you for this video!! Are you shipping to israel?

[callahanwelsh]

Aloha!...so question, I am getting back into having a tank as allot of people are limited on funds for a saltwater tank:

1. Is it better to spend/invest the money on a UV light or a protein skimmer?

2. Is it better to invest in a "hangover" surface protein skimmer OR a submerged protein skimmer?

3. Should one invest their money into a professional sump or a "do it yourself" sump with a plastic tote and 3 dresser drawer?

Mahalos and aloha from MauiWaui!!

[Djwasi]

Hello Robert! I am new to saltwater hobby, I have 30G tank with live rocks and fish only, do I need the sump for my aquarium and what size is good for my tank. thank you

[brianwestbrook]

What size sump would o need for a 120g? I was thinking about a 40g breeder, thoughts?

[camerongarcia]

Would plexiglass be a good medium to use instead of glass?

[glenngilbert]

Hello,

I am using a 30 gallon Aqueon tank for my sump and would like to know what size baffles I would need. I think I am going to go with a Reef Octopus skimmer but do not know which one to go with. I have a 90 gallon aquarium and was thinking about housing soft coral and a few fish. This is my first sump aquarium and really need some advice. Also, what are the advantages of having a refugium.

Thanks

Glenn

[jesusgarcia]

can you give me the exact measurements for this sump I got a 55 gallon tank I think it would be perfect for

[robertlangford]

what size sump to use for a nano mixed reef tank

[glenngilbert]

Another quick question,

What section of the sump should I put the skimmer in. I see some people have live rock in one section with the skimmer in the middle and the return pump next to the skimmer. Would that setup be good or would it be difficult to remove the skimmer to clean it? Thanks.

[shanefernandes]

Can my sump be the same size as my display tNk?

[xschopz]

I have 75 gallon display with 40 gallon sump/refugium I just set up as my first tank. Having issues keeping 78 degrees with 300w heater in my sump. Where does everyone put their heaters?

[Freakinfrog]

So I SHOULDN'T use a 5 gallon rubbermaid container for a 29 gallon tank??

[volcommaveric]

How does the water get into that taller left side? I’m confused lol