Purpose and principle of operation of an aquarium sump

It takes more than just adding water and fish to keep an aquarium healthy and vibrant. A sump is one of the most important items that many aquarium hobbyists use to maintain the best possible conditions in their tanks. It may appear a little technical to those unfamiliar with the idea, but it’s actually just a useful system that operates in the background.

Comparable to an additional tank beneath your primary aquarium is a sump. It assists in filtering the water to ensure that it is pure and secure for your fish. However, the sump does more than just filter; it also frees up additional room for accessories like protein skimmers and heaters, keeping the main tank uncluttered.

Your aquarium’s appearance and health can significantly improve if you know how and why sump pumps work.

Purpose

A standard filter, aerator, or other straightforward mechanism can handle purifying water in small tanks. A sump pump is required for aquariums larger than 300 liters. It has the following objectives:

• Maintains the volume of water at the required level.
• Stabilizes the state of the biocenosis, protects against changes in such important characteristics as acidity and hardness.
• Carries out mechanical, chemical and biological filtration of water, eliminates the formation of bacterial film, organic matter and debris.
• Due to evaporation of the water surface, it lowers the water heated by lamps by 1-2℃, reducing the risk of overheating of aquatic inhabitants.
• Saves space in the tank, since this filtering equipment is of a remote type.
• Saturates the water with oxygen during the process of water circulation through the compartments. Additionally mixes the layers, providing fresh water to bottom inhabitants.
• Controls the concentration of chemicals introduced for the development of plants.
• Creates a water flow, providing a comfortable environment for fish such as Labeo, Beaufortia, Sevelia, Rainbowfish, which require a fairly strong current. At the same time, it eliminates the "dead zones" of filtration, where toxins accumulate.

A canister filter is far less efficient than such a strong filtration system. Because it can be challenging to achieve perfect transparency in a marine aquarium, a sump is particularly important. Such equipment drastically reduces problems in large aquariums where changing the water requires a labor-intensive process or where certain qualities of the liquid must be carefully maintained.

Device and principle of operation

The mechanical filtration of liquid is the foundation for an aquarium sump’s operation. Underneath the aquarium is a cabinet housing the equipment.

The following is the operating scheme:

• Water from the pond with fish is drained through the lower hole (or through the top using a pump) into the first compartment of the sump. There are coarse filter elements – tangled fishing line, a piece of synthetic padding, foam sponges or washcloths with varying degrees of porosity. This part of the structure should not be narrower than 10 cm, otherwise you will have to wash the filters frequently. Skimmers are often installed here.
• The water flow enters the second compartment, where the substrate for biological treatment is located. At the bottom of this part there is an elastic plastic mesh on which porous materials (expanded clay, lava) are laid out for colonies of nitrifying bacteria. Under the mesh there is a built-in sprayer connected to the compressor.
• In the third compartment with a carbon filter, nitrites are neutralized.
• The fourth box is designed to heat the filtered liquid using a 200 W heater. The water temperature is set in accordance with the needs of the fish.
• A return pump is installed in the last tank to raise water into the aquarium. When it reaches the required level, it is distributed by gravity through the overflow column into the technical tank. The capacity should be sufficient to accommodate all the liquid in the event of an accident.

A homemade biofilter’s compartment count can vary based on the aquarium’s size and the level of purification needed. You can make a homemade device better. Include mini-treatment facilities with UV sterilizers, phytoplankton, or calcium reactors, for instance. For marine aquariums, scrubbers, or algae filters, are installed.

An aquarium sump is a submerged water filtration system that is hidden and located beneath the main tank. Its functions include waste removal, water level maintenance, and providing room for extra equipment such as protein skimmers and heaters. In order to give fish and plants a healthier environment, it functions by taking water from the aquarium, filtering it, and then putting the clean water back into the tank.

Advantages and disadvantages

For an aquarium, a sump is an installation that has numerous advantages.

• prevents the appearance of a film on the surface of the water and the accumulation of debris;
• maintains the same water level;
• creates additional flow;
• saturates with oxygen.

The following are a sump’s drawbacks:

• noisy operation;
• additional space is needed for the equipment.

Another drawback is the requirement to drill holes in the aquarium’s bottom. The solution for owners of a DIY sump is to install a pump. But such a device’s ability to function will be entirely dependent on a steady supply of electricity.

DIY Aquarium Sump

This apparatus aids in the long-term maintenance of ideal conditions for aquatic life in an artificial pond. Although specialty stores carry a wide variety of models, you can also build your own sump.

Materials and tools

In order to make a sump on your own, get ready:

• glass of the required size;
• corner holders;
• degreasing liquid;
• napkins (paper towels);
• clamps to secure the glass holders;
• stand blocks;
• glass cleaner;
• spatula;
• plastic "nozzles" – attachments for glue;
• measuring tape;
• sealant;
• sharp stationery knife;
• pliers;
• heat gun.

To ensure that the glass is level on the surface, get a piece of plywood ready. A manual diamond glass cutter is required if you have to cut the glass yourself. It is best to cut the glass at the time of purchase if you lack glassmaking experience.

Video of production

The following video material provides step-by-step instructions on how to make a sump using your own hands.

An essential part that improves the stability and general health of your tank is the aquarium sump. It functions by bringing in more water, enhancing filtration, and making room for more equipment—all of which help to create a more stable and clean environment for your aquatic life.

You may choose your aquarium setup more wisely if you comprehend the function and workings of a sump. The health of your fish and plants can be significantly enhanced by adding a sump, regardless of your level of experience as an aquarist.

Purchasing a sump is the first step toward building a productive and low-maintenance aquarium. It makes maintenance simpler, facilitating the preservation of water quality and guaranteeing the health and vibrancy of your underwater ecosystem.

Video on the topic

Sump launch how it works and why it is safe#fishtank #aquarium #aqwastudio #aquarium keeping #sump

First Launch of the Sump

Installing the sump. Launch. Configuring the system. Everything works

Sump. How it works? Why is it needed?

SAMP – What is a sump?, the simplest scheme, some features and tips