A sump is simply a tank that sits at the low point of the system. Water flows into the sump and is pumped from there. Nothing mysterious about a sump. I use a stock tank for a sump with my 700 gallon system. This gives a good place to put a pump and bio-filter.Originally Posted by catfish
There are all kinds of submersible pumps. The ones used a sump pumps in houses are not a good choice. They are very inefficient and generate a lot of heat. You need ones designed for high efficiency and you need to select the pump for your application. The right flow for the right head, or height you want to pump the water is key.
As far as beads go, they are already discuseed in this thread.
They are a poor choice for aquariums unless you drill your tanks and set up a sump.
Pool base is just plywood and foam sheets to put the pool on. This makes an insulated smooth surface so the pool won't leak heat or water. Concrete floors will ruin the pool and suck heat out of the bottom.
Yes, the $100 is for valves, clean-outs, elbows, etc.