So here is my first ever attempt at a DIY sump. Its a 55 gallon tank with 6 baffles installed. 6 inch 3 inch 3 inch spacing on each end. i have pond filter mats filling the 3-4X 3 inch openings topped with 20 micron sponge the center of the sump has a under gravel filter with 2X-400 GPH power heads and a bubble tube. For the gravel I have Top fin clay balls and florite black. The six inch openings will house 2X heaters, a green killing machine, CO2 reactor. currently i'm using a FX4 as the pump to seed the sump. will be using a 940 GPH pump in the future.
I am thinking ill add filter socks to the intake. and have added some filter floss to one of the 3 inch openings.
I am doing this protect mostly for the added water volume, and to use the space under my tank stand. My hopes are to use the middle part of the tank to house excess plants and maybe as a fry grow out. 90% of the stuff needed for this i had on hand so why not.
Note. if needed ill will buy some bio media to replace some sponge..