• Side SAMP. Pros and Cons

  • Michael3221

Good day! I have a question about organizing a side sump. I have a 150*60*50 (height) aquarium and I want to create a soft marine environment. I don't want to drill the walls or the bottom. I'm interested in opinions on organizing a side sump. Thank you! P.S. I have read forums, but... I haven't come to a consensus...

Kenneth2761

I used something like that at the beginning of my activity in 2008 for a whole year. The aquarium was 250 liters with a side sump of about 60 liters, until I restarted it in a larger volume of 400 liters. I found some photos and I smile looking at how difficult and at the same time primitive everything was for me back then. He helped me a lot and taught me during that time, for which I am grateful. I should note that at that time in Zaporizhzhia, no one else could help in creating a marine aquarium; I was the third person to keep a marine aquarium at home, and now there are already 47 people. Look at the photos; maybe you'll understand something, and if not, call me.

Catherine

It can be organized and will work, but the display takes up space and needs to be covered somehow. Maybe it would be better to make a sump along the entire length behind the back wall (if you can access it for maintenance) without drilling precisely. Just adjust the size according to this principle.

Brian6895

Thank you very much for the tips! Here are the original photos. I think I will not use a console but will frame 20-35 cm (depending on the foam board I find).

James4757

Maybe a hanging filter? With 20-30 cm, you still won't get a decent sump. If the aquarium is soft, everything will be fine anyway.

Joseph1346

The aquarium is definitely soft. 30 cm. I thought based on the assumption that the foam is 17-25 cm thick.

Mark7376

Currently, there is an aquarium with a side sump; there was no possibility to make a regular one. I separated 30 cm, and the sump turned out to be 300x550x500 in height. The advantages are that there is no need to worry about water overflow, and the return pump has a lower power. The downside is only the visual perception, but this can be resolved. I made the height ratio of the partitions as shown here.

Katie4842

So you can completely do without a return pump; it will be enough to have a drain from the foam generator.

Stuart

How to drain the water from the drain back to the return? It's relevant for me too. (energy savings).

Andrew7823

Just like in the BOYU TL 450, through the holes in the partition.

Phillip9722

I'll add my two cents. In small aquariums, I also prefer an internal sump. I have a 200-liter aquarium, of which 150 liters is the display. I really like it; everything is convenient. My sump is at the back, so you don't even notice it's there. Regarding space, on one hand, it does take up some, but on the other hand, there's no overflow shaft, and the cabinet is free! I think a return pump is necessary, but it will also serve the function of creating current (the height difference is minimal - any pump will blow very strongly).

Brian6895

99% that I will do the side one, tomorrow I will order the glass and hit the road... with a pump of 4-5 tons, a return won't be needed, but we'll see.

Bethany

Even if you clone the Deltek 1250, the side SAMP will take 20 cm from the 150 cm.

John3432

Maybe it’s worth drawing what you have, both options (the attached and the glued SAM)?

Andrew9246

I picked up the glass... and the idea came up to make a SAMP in the form of a corner shaft in the far corner.

Melissa3820

I fenced off an area of 32*30 cm in the far corner. In two days, I will be pouring water.

Kevin262

It's very interesting what you've got, when you have time, show me the pictures. I just ordered an aquarium with a side sump too.

Kayla7655

I will try to show it this evening.

Monica

This is how it is. A photo taken with a phone during the work process.

Jason9952

Please advise what can be used to make an opaque partition separating the side sump so that light from the algae tank does not reach the display?

Cassandra7840

I used dark glass.

David3217

What kind is needed? Can decorative be used? Or is there a special one? If it's special, where can I get it? Or should I use a PVC sheet?

Collin

Let the light fall, it will not fall for long, until the glass is overgrown with magnesium and growths.

David

Thank you! And one more question: can silicone be used for saltwater like for freshwater systems? If the aquarium is glued with black silicone, is it suitable or does it need to be re-glued? If it's not too much trouble, please let me know which one can be used.

James5103

I used regular silicate. It is preferable to use aquarium sealant, as regular sanitary sealant contains more heavy metals.

Charles

It can be both black and transparent. The main thing is that it should be aquarium-safe!)))))

Jason9385

If the samp performs the functions assigned to it, what difference does it make where it is located?! This is probably more of a question for blondes or complete idiots.

Breanna9982

a little respect!

Lindsay

I have respect for all aquarists! Well, let's not ask silly questions?! When the aquarium in the photo is at least 300 liters – is it the sea?!

Natalie

What kind of relationship do you have with marine aquaristics to discuss and insult here?

Melissa3820

If I have offended anyone, I apologize! But personally for you, the sump can fulfill its assigned functions based on a volume of ¼ of the main aquarium volume, regardless of whether it is located under the ceiling, under the aquarium, or on the side – this decision is purely personal! All other decisions are made solely by one person and do not require outside intervention!

Kendra2262

Dear colleagues, thank you for your responses!!! It is very nice when people try to help with advice. THANK YOU))))

Tina

I have about 80 liters, not measured exactly, the aquarium is 450 liters. Nitrate is 0.2-0.5 and phosphate is 0, almost undetectable. It means it's performing its function, and by the way, it's at the same level. The aquarium is 3 years old and is stocked with fish and corals quite well.

Sarah

I'm returning to the topic of sand inside the display. We're moving from 400 to 740 (the frontosa have settled into their new home). I don't feel like drilling, so I'm thinking of building a village out of stones for the clownfish and the heater. The downsides are clear, but for a marine aquarium (MA) without the intention of being a SPS tank, I think it's an acceptable option.

James4757

I almost figured out how the water will enter the sump, but if it is pumped into the sump, it will be a disaster; the water should be drained out, and it should flow in by gravity. In case of a failure, the pump will simply burn out if water is not coming in, and if you do the opposite, then if the drain gets clogged, the entire aquarium will be on the floor. It should flow in by gravity through a tube, based on the principle of communicating vessels.

Caroline1599

If the question is for me, I just placed a penny in the display (far right corner). That's all.