5X2.5X2.5 w/ sump

[dexterng]

May I know can I convert my 5X2.5X2.5 with sump into planted tank? Any bro doing that? Will the gravel or soil suck in by the underflow?

[eviltrain]

You might need to diy a acrylic / glass box to cover the underflow so that It will take in water above the soil

Hope this will help you out.

[jeffteo]

Underflow is not really suitable for planted tank without modification. As Alan mention, you got to build a rectangle partition around the underflow to prevent soil from going into the under flow.
If injecting CO2, the part where water falls cannot be too high till splashing as it will gas off the CO2. Recommended to be around 1 cm from the top where water flow down to the next section. A photo of the system will helps a lot.

[himyick]

Without pictures, i would assume your tank comes with the normal overflow box, which consist of a underflow (where water from bottom layer is channeled up to the overflow) and overflow (where water from top layer overflows into the overflow box). What I did for my tank (3ft w sump) is I cut styrofoam strips (shaped like a door wedge) and wedge them into the slot where the water enter the underflow. making sure that the foam is thicker than the slot, so that it would not get sucked into the slot. And because of the foam's buoyancy, it will constantly create a upward pressure, further sealing the slot when tank is filled. The final result may not be 100% water tight but good enough for the job.

On the issue of CO2, optimum distribution of CO2 is the challenge for overflow tanks. Water that have passed through the sump will be free from CO2, due to firstly the overflow actions, followed by trickle actions in the wet/dry chamber (assuming you have a wet/dry chamber). Thus its important for the return water to be infused with CO2 before returning to the main tank.
Hope this helps.

[jeffteo]

The lesser the gushing and bubbling of water in the overflow, the lower the CO2 lost. I am using PVC over flow pipes with clear hose to a sump for my 3 feet planted and tuning the flow of the water going down into the sump is important. The lesser the air is suck into the pipes, the lower the CO2 lost. The only sound I hear on my system is the humming of the pump, no sound of water. If you can hearing sound of waterfall or flowing stream, CO2 lost should be high.

[dexterng]

I actually have a PVC to reduce the water fall sound, as the tank is in office. The only concern underflow which may suck in the soil. I have a plastic partition which I bought from Daiso to prevent small fish suck into it. Will this help to prevent the soil to suck in?

[jeffteo]

I actually have a PVC to reduce the water fall sound, as the tank is in office. The only concern underflow which may suck in the soil. I have a plastic partition which I bought from Daiso to prevent small fish suck into it. Will this help to prevent the soil to suck in?

Is there a ball valve to control the flow into the sump. Got to match the flow rate with the return flow into the tank to minimize any air being suck down into the PVC pipe.

[stormhawk]

Alternative is to fix a PVC pipe into your underflow hole. It must be a nice fit so it can rise above the soil layer. Use silicon and seal the pipe to the underflow hole. Make sure this is done properly, then you can use a fine netting to cover the top of the pipe so no soil gets sucked in. The plastic partition may only be useful to prevent larger soil particles from being sucked under into your sump.

[jeffteo]

I actually have a PVC to reduce the water fall sound, as the tank is in office. The only concern underflow which may suck in the soil. I have a plastic partition which I bought from Daiso to prevent small fish suck into it. Will this help to prevent the soil to suck in?

I suppose water travel from the underflow -> PVC pipe -> sump right? You can put a prefilter on the PVC intake, a sponge with bigger holes to prevent any soil that gets through the plastic partition. Too fine sponge will clog up very fast. Something like what GEX HOF using on the intake.

The plastic partition you got from daiso, it is the black plastic mesh use for potted plants? If yes, I worry the soil will clog up the mesh slowing down the flow and eventually flooding the tank on top if your sump does not have fail safe feature.

[dexterng]

No, is translucent, which is meant for drawer partition. I will try to take photo and upload when back to office on Monday!

[jeffteo]

Is it those that you piece together to form a grid with all the small boxes to put things. The structure is hollow in the middle like carton boxes.
If yes, the gap should be large enough for soil to flow pass. It can be soil that are kick up by the fish that get sucked through it but should not be a lot.

[stormhawk]

I think a photo of the empty tank with that "fish screen" is highly necessary in this case to help him out with further suggestions.

[dexterng]

This is the "partition" I am talking about.
partition.jpg

[eviltrain]

how long is the fish screen? i might be able to draw out a design for you to counter the soil problem

[dexterng]

No idea. It actually cover the whole width of underflow as shown. I used it to prevent feeder being scuk into it previously for my Arowana and Ray!

[Stormz]

I believe the partition might not be enough to prevent the soil to be suck in, it might cause you to have soil lost overtime. Preventing feeders yes, but soil I wouldn't say it's advisable.

[jeffteo]

I think you need to use glass and silicon to build a high "fence" around the underflow to prevent soil from going in. 1 inch above the soil level will be good.
Then you can still keep the fish screen there.

[eviltrain]

you can customise or diy a box like this

to cover up your under flow.

*do not follow the dimension given, it rough estimation only.

[dexterng]

This is good idea!

[stormhawk]

Looking at your grid, the only type of gravel that will not get sucked through are large coarse gravel. You can opt for a low tech tank, using pebble-type gravel and plants like Java Fern on driftwood, as long as you silicon the grid you currently have to the position it is in. This is the simplest option without having to do up a box.

The other idea I have is this, which is similar to what Alan and Jeff suggested:



Edited your image to show you what I mean.

The black edges represent the edges of a piece of acrylic cut to the required length and height to fit the angle nicely and where you need to apply the silicone. As long as your gravel layer does not exceed the top part of the silicon piece, you need not do a DIY mesh piece. The red sections show the variable parts, distance from the sump intake and the eventual height of this "divider". This method will require some skill on your part to seal the piece in place, because the outer section is easy to do, the inner isn't and may require you to wiggle your finger somewhat, or use a tool to spread the silicone in the inner section.