How To Build Your Own Sump Tank For An Aquarium

A sump can be beneficial to any aquarium– freshwater, saltwater or reef. The added water volume helps stabilize pH,dilutes nitrites and nitrates and also adds water surface for oxygenation. A sump is also a good way to hide equipment such as protein skimmers and heaters and is the perfect place to add chemicals to your system without risking chemical burn to your tank's inhabitants.

Step 1

Place the sump lower than the aquarium. The larger the sump, the better, regardless of the size of your aquarium.

Step 2

Drill two holes on opposite sides of the tub or tank for your inflow and outflow pipes. The holes should be toward the center of the tub to insure that the water will not flood out if the tank is turned off. The holes should be cut to size for your PVC piping. The inflow must be higher than the outflow to prevent backwash.

Step 3

Attach the sump so that the water moves from the filter, to the sump and protein skimmer through the UV or ozone sterilizer, then to the chiller.

Step 4

Place a powerhead to push water from the sump, out the PVC piping up into the sterilizers, chillers or aquarium, depending on what equipment you are using. Use silicone sealant and a few pieces of PVC in gradually increasing size until the water is moving steadily upwards. Format PVC piping into "stairs" rather than straight up vertical.

Step 5

Seal PVC piping into holes with silicone sealant so the sump is watertight.