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The Model F design is built as seen below. Water enters from both ends simultaneously and flows into the center. A submersible internal pump in the center section will pump water back up to the tank.

This has become the most popular of the sumps I build and is copied by many that want to make their own.  I've seen stores with this similar layout under their display tanks because it provides beneficial filtration and incorporates a nice refugium zone.

This sump is made with 3/8" acrylic and is a rimless sump.  Rimless provides greater access to the various areas, but it doesn't help keep saltcreep in the sump and off the woodwork of the stand.  

Dimensions: 40" x 14" x 16" (holds 34 gallons to the top)

The sump holds the ASM skimmer, a refugium, a LR zone, bubble trap & float switch to maintain the water level.

Sump that has to be shipped:

All sumps are shipped with insurance to protect both you and me.  They are carefully packed with 4" of padding on all six sides, including beams to keep it centered at all times.

The Model "G" External (formerly the Model G-modified) is a sump that allows for an external pump.  If the sump isn't drilled, an internal pump can be used of course.  The skimmer section houses the protien skimmer and bubble tower, and the large refugium allows the hobbyist to see inside easily.  Water from both zones pours into the center area, and then flows behind the refugium zone to the external pump.

The benefit of this design is the increased linear travel time that avoids issues with microbubbles.

After several years of building sumps, a potential customer asked me to build him a custom tank. My concern is always about the livestock and until then I'd never considered building a display system. He urged me to do it, not taking no for an answer. This was my first attempt.

He wanted the tank to have a black panel the full width of the tank to hide the plumbing leading to the sump and I wanted it to have an overall clean look.

You must make a series of decisions for your next sump order to meet your specific needs.  The following Q&A should help cover most points, but feel free to ask me for additional help via email if you wish.

How large should the sump be?

A sump gives you greater control over your reef or fish-only display tank. The benefits far exceed the risks, and thus most successful aquariums you'll see utilize a sump. Some even incorporate a refugium as well. Here are the numerous benefits derived from incorporating a sump into your current setup:

People ask if I'll build and ship a sump to their location, and I always forewarn them that is is very expensive. Here's why.

You've got this large acrylic vessel that has to get from Point A (Ft. Worth, Texas) to Point B (somewhere else in the U.S.)...

Peter, a member of DFWMAS wanted a large sump to consolidate all the smaller units he's been using under his 3' x 5' open top display tank. This tank was used last year at MACNA XIV, for Clam and SPS sales. Peter brought it home, and made an amazing SPS reef. Check out some of the pictures I took.

Richard Harker continues this topic in Part 2:

Close-up of carbons tested in this two-part series. Clockwise from upper left-hand corner: Carbon from Lifegard, Hydrocarbon 2, carbon from ESV and carbon from Seachem.