Diy sump/wet dry.

Hey guys a couple questions for you. I want to build a sump/wet dry filter for my 37 gallon tank. I have a spare 10 gallon tank that's not in use that I'll be attempting to use for this project. So time for the questions.
1) would a 10 gallon sump be worth the trouble in a 37 gallon?
2) what would be the ideal gph of my return pump.
3) what size pvc should I use for my overflow?(I was think 3/4 or 1 inch.)
4) how would I stop a flood of the power were to go out?

 

A 10 gallon sump would be fine on a 37 gallon tank. For the return pump, I've been recommended around 5x turnover. In my opinion the return pump would need to be able to handle around 200 GPH. But you'd need a pump with a higher rating because of overhead.

To stop flooding during a power outage.. Set your overflow in place, let the tank's water drain down into the sump until the water level is as low as it would go during a power outage. When the water is all the way down, add water to the sump until it's full and turn the pump on.. When the power goes out now the sump would only fill until the sump is as full as you filled it before.

 

I'm not going to have to push the water up very high, due to the fact that it's going to be beside the tank(not exactly level with it but lower than the substrate in the main tank) I'll try a return pump rated for around 250-275gph. And see where that gets me. Thank you

 

Alright, let me know how it goes.

 

Just gotta cut the stand for the ten gallon like a foot shorter. It currently sits too high. And then I can figure out how many baffles I want or need and how to make them. And then build a tank long spray at because that sounds cool. And then maybe, just maybe I'll stop messing with things

 

Is it worth the trouble? If you want a fun DIY project, then YES!

3/4 PVC should be good enough. I can post pics of my setup if you like to see them.