im completely new to diy filters and want to make a diy sump filter out my spare 10 gallon for the 55 gallon im getting tomorrow. first question, if i use a heater rated for a 30 gallon and a heater rated for a 10 gallon would it be sufficient to keep the whole 55 gallon warm? also was wondering how exactly do i build a sump?!?! i need very detailed instructions! thanks in advance!

To be honest a sump on a 55g isn't worth the hassle. canisters can cope with a 55g, and sumps need only be considered on very large tanks of 200g+

running 2 low watt heaters will mean both will run constant. its not a good solution for your heating bill and sooner or later the heaters will burnout. your better off to run a larger heater say for a 75G/100G tank.

garlic did a similar thing lately:
www.oscarfishlover.com/oscar-fish-advice...y-sump-filter#107732

Mind you i'm a big fan of sumps, but only if they come with the tank.
I aggree with Marcus to get a canister instead.

well i am not even sure what a canister filter is. is there a diy version of it?

www.animalworldnetwork.com/flfx5hipecaf.html

there's one of the favorite canisters around.
It nothing more than a big external filter, which has the possibility of "Out-of-tank-maintenance."
and it can be DIY, but imo it's not worth the effort.
Building a sump is easier!

I just read your other thread and you said you're looking for a new tank, for the other one you were gonna buy was cracked by it's owner, before you got it.

Best shot is to get a new tank that's running with a sump allready.
I bought my tank, including the sump, and never regretted it.

i love that filter! i want it so bad! being 16 though i know i wont have it for a while. already at 16 i have to pay my cell phone bill, car insurance, gas, etc. oh well it will come within the year i just know it!