Is there a reliable website any of you know of to help me out? I have seen a few, including www.cichlid-forum.com, that have some detailed instructions. But, since you people have already helped me out allot and given me very good advice, I will gladly take any recommendations you have. Also I have read the section here on them, so I know the brand of pump I'm getting and that it needs to have 3-4 chambers and wet/dry is best. I guess the main thing I need to know is how to build it... So, like EVERYTHING!
I know it's a loaded question, but, if you guys could point me in the right direction (and maybe help me out along the way) I would be forever grateful. Thank you all again!

I am also thinking of making one.
what size tank are you looking to set up a sump for?

Offtopic but have you checked out www.winnipegfishforum.info/?
and www.asw.ca/?

check this link


www.oscarfishlover.com/oscar-fish-advice...ry-or-trickle-filter

or this one:
www.oscarfishlover.com/oscar-fish-advice...iy-biological-filter

that should give you some idea's

Wow, thanx guys!!! This will definitely help get me started. and @ foxlarocks, I'm building it to handle at least a 250g my next tank will only be a 100 but i plan on upgrading after that too.

Is your sump going to be located under your aquarium? I am assuming that the aquarium it is going on is empty at the moment? How big are you planning on making this sump.

When you choose your pump, make sure that you look at the power consumption

I use an Eheim 1262 which has a power consumption of 50 W

www.charterhouse-aquatics.co.uk/catalog/...400-ltrhr-p-268.html

Now look at this pump.

Http:// www.charterhouse-aquatics.co.uk/catalog/...500-ltrhr-p-271.html

Also look at the delivery head. Basically this means how high the pump will push the water.

This is a very nice-looking pump that I have got my eye on.

www.charterhouse-aquatics.co.uk/catalog/...ium-pump-p-2676.html

Yes the aquarium is empty, actually it isen't even purchased yet, and it will be under the tank in the stand. The stand will be a simple cinder block and carpet set up. I'm buying a 100g from the buy/sell for $200! Going to see it tomorrow. Quick question, he said it has an overflow drilled in the bottom, is that good? And I heard 20 american gallons is good size for a sump, sound about right?

oh and thank you for the links, have the site bookmarked now.

how big is the hole??? a 3/4" pipe will require a 1.5" hole, while a 1" pipe will require a 1.75" hole drilled in the glass to accomodate the bulkheads. my 8 footer has 4 holes drilled in the bottom of it, i use 2 for in and 2 out inside my wiers and plum the outlet out of the wier to the middle of the tank for discharge.

pre-bored tank is very ideal for a sump set up..... wherein you can determine
the overflow level of the main tank without endangering the overflowing of the
sump. however, you can still employ sump even without pre-bored tank plate.

Ya, see this I don't know and didn't know to ask. He had a fluval 404 filter that comes with the tank and the hose diameter is 17mm which is approx 16/24ths. I'll ask tomorrow when I go see the tank. I just don't know anything about this stuff yet so buying a tank with a hole in it makes me nervous. But the price is right since I can't afford a new one.

Have a look through the forum and you will find lots of details from people who have set them up (myself included).

Apart from that feel free to ask lots of detailed questions - I for one am happy to help out (sumps/ refugiums are my pet interest (after my O's)

Wow! I just found out that the tank I'm buying, 6ft long 100g, comes with a 15g sump made by kildonan pet shop!!! I don't have to build it myself, bonus!! Now all I have to do is upgrade the pump. All this: tank, sump, fluval 404, drift wood, substrate, and misc decorations for $250 canadian!!!!! So happy. Happy birthday to me!