20 Gallon Aquarium Sump - DIY project & build

I turn a 20 gallon long aquarium into a sump for my existing system.
I took an idea and made it a reality.

Follow me along as I transform this tank to a functioning sump.

There are points, during this build, when I could have used other materials, such as the test tube caps and the bottom filter plates, but I had them on hand, so the cost for me was free. I did include some prices for the plates, but not the test tube caps.

If I didn't have them already I would've made some 'legs' out of the light diffuser panel or gone a different route.

The beauty of building your own system is the ability to use materials and components you have on hand and to customize the sump to your specific needs.

This is a guide to spark ideas, not rigid instructions.

Parts/Price List:

Standard Aqueon 20 gallon long aquarium - (50% off sale at 'the place where the pets go') ~25$

Custom cut glass from local glass shop x4 (1 - 11"x11¾") (3 - 10"x11¾") ~32$

¾" PVC Bulkheads S/S x2 (https://www.aquariumcoop.com/collecti...) ~11$

¾" PVC Union x3 ~21$

¾" 90 elbow MPT to Hose Bard x3 ~4$

¾" PVC Misc Pipe and fittings ~4$

Coarse Foam Pad
(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BK5MCWJ?...) ~8$

Light Diffuser Panel 2'x4'
(https://www.homedepot.com/p/Plaskolit...) ~19$

Bottom Filter Plates x4
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...) ~10$

Silicone Tube ~10$

¾" ID Vinyl Tubing 10'
(https://www.homedepot.com/s/3%252F4%2...) ~27$

Hygger 24V DC 1060GPH Submersible Pump
(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YV3YG8V?...) ~86$

Aqueon Submersible Heater 150Watt x2
(https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcost...) ~50$

Inkbird ITC-306A WiFi Temp Controller
(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X1JT372?...) ~54$

TOTAL FOR TANK ALONE: ~171$

TOTAL EQUIPMENT: ~190$

TOTAL BUILD AND EQUIPMENT: ~361$

0:00 - Intro
0:32 - Design
2:10 - Drill 1½" holes in tank
4:35 - Install ¾" PVC Bulkheads
5:25 - Install glass panels/baffles
10:00 - PVC fittings
14:15 - Install Submersible Pump
16:49 - Cut and Install Coarse Sponges
18:17 - Cut and Install Light Diffuser 'Egg Crate'
19:49 - Install Bottom Filter Plates
20:41 - Install 'Legs' for intake filter pad
22:25 - Build Complete, ready to Install
22:43 - Install into existing system
23:25 - Sump up and running
24:11 - Outro