55 gallon filter upgrade

[lilouisianagal]

55 gallon live rock with 2 clowns, 3 chromis, 1 dottyback. Established 5 yrs ago. Currently we use two aqueon hang on the back filters. I'd like to upgrade to an under tank system. I have an unused 10 gallon tank that fits (translation: I've given up on trying to keep freshwater fish alive in the tank), but I don't know what I need.

How do you keep an under tank filter tank from overflowing if the pump dies?

[Xavibear]

Do some searches on sumps. You will need a tank larger than 10 gallons to build a sump for a 55 gallon tank.

[thegrun]

The sump must be large enough to hold all the drain down water when the return pump is off. That is probably close to 5 gallons of water for your system in addition to the water you want in the sump while the return pump is on. I agree a larger sump would be required.

[lilouisianagal]

So how big would it need to be for a 55 gallon tank? Would the 10 gallon be big enough for my 36 gallon tank?

[uncleL]

Why? If it isn't broke don't try to fix it! I have a 90G no sump mixed reef. Also my LFS has 180G tanks with no sump!!!