How to build a sump from a standard Tank

Hey just showing how to save a buck for sure, I have yet buy a sump since I been in this hobby for almost 20 years now. So ILl show ya a easy way to make sump and not spend a ton to do it.


ok here is pic of the tank I got it for 25 bucks.
Notice I stood it on its end, Makes very easy lay baffles and silicone this way


Here is how braced the baffles waiting for silicone. I knew these Tom Clancy novels would come in handy sometime. Start at the Bottom baffle and silicone it in, Then lay down another baffle using a space for distance you want them apart and silicone it in.

After it sets up flip on the other end and repeat procedure, and end up with this.


Skimmer side

Return side


there ya go, I priced glass at Lowes and it would come to about 35 bucks for dbl strength, I had this 1/4 in plate from another project and just used that. Its easy and fun. Hope this helps.

Mate !!!!

Sensational Stuff

Good post RD, how much room do you generally leave for a skimmer and how much for the return pump?

I determine by what iam going to use, LIke the Reef Devil needs space for it and good size pump. The return I usually make it standard 7 to 8 inches, Most in sump pumps for tanks are usually smaller in width that, so I use that as a standard.

Heh made mine to tight , it fits but a millimeters game

I leave a little room. That way If Change something, I dont have redo the area just to accommodate it.

LOL that was a problem with my last sump on my 75g.

The triple baffles at the end to kill off the bubbles?

Yep there are 2 bubble traps plus the bubble tower I installed. So in the past it worked really well no bubbles getting in the Fuge area and no vortexing bubbles from OF. Oh yeah and I still need to build the platform for the skimmer. Ill make that from egg crate.

Looks nice RD

thanks Chris

Looks pretty good, did you put into action yet??

Originally Posted by billrob71

Looks pretty good, did you put into action yet??

yeah, we need some pics of it installed and running......


great job on the build

They are comming, I am leaving town thursday for Michigan to pick up my girl, wont be back till probably Sunday. Ill install it then, I did water test today and went fine, It wont be up and fully functional till I get my pumps for the return and my skimmer, then it should be good to go.

Have you already filled your display tank?

Nope not yet, After looking at the sump I decided to recut 2 baffles, I dont like how high they are, I was thinking of more water volume to lesson any chemical impact, but now I think Iam gonna change the fuge area to a little less volume. It will also ensure that if a power failure happens I wont have a flood. Ill take a pic of the display and how Iam going to have it. But it will remain this way tiill i get back, Dont feel like messing with it right now.

Well re-cut the baffles and reinstalled em, Will do water test tommorrow again to make sure no leaks. As for looking good? NOT!! Lousy job I did, But if it functions who gives a crap. I noticed the older I get less iam concerned about looks then funtionality, I always thought it was the other way around.

Originally Posted by Reefdaddy

Dont feel like messing with it right now.

I knew you would fix it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just kidin

Originally Posted by Reefdaddy

Well re-cut the baffles and reinstalled em, Will do water test tommorrow again to make sure no leaks. As for looking good? NOT!! Lousy job I did, But if it functions who gives a crap. I noticed the older I get less iam concerned about looks then funtionality, I always thought it was the other way around.

I am with you being functional is the most important. My baffles look like crap, but hey they work!

Nice job on the sump. Mine cost me about $10 to make.