Sump ideas for limited space

[forbze16]

Ok, here goes.

I am designing a stand for a 75 gallon tank I'll be getting towards the end of the summer. And the issue now is how do I fit everything into the stand (has to be). The current plans have about 43" in length and 25-28" in height and 16" in width of space to play with.

I was going to have a 10 gallon (AGA 20"x10"x12") as the refugium raised about 10 inched to use an existing external overflow I have. And have the 2x65 watt CSL hood hung from cross peices. That part seems fine.

Now the trouble is what can I use for a sump that will fit into the 21-22" x 16 inch space that is left? It has to hold the skimmer and the return (& refugium) pump. Based on my existing 29 haveing a 10 gallon (AGA) sump, the 10 isn't going to be nearly big enough. 2x 250 MH will evaporate a lot of water. Based on all my reasearch I am going to need >15 gallon capacity in the sump.

Any ideas on what I can use. AGA is out because the 15 is 24" long and the 15 high is 18" high. Thought about building my own, but I have zero experience with Acrylic. Any ideas, hints, tips, pictures, etc would be greatly appreciated.

Good thing is I have time to work it all out.

Thanks in advance,

Dave

[Sebastian]

You can have a local glass shop cut pieces to make the sump of your size allow for joint overlap and silicone it together yourself.

[scubadude]

Originally posted by forbze16
Thought about building my own, but I have zero experience with Acrylic. Any ideas, hints, tips, pictures, etc would be greatly appreciated.

Good thing is I have time to work it all out.

Thanks in advance,

Dave

Hi Dave and welcome to RL!

I can build you a sump/refugium, and drill holes anywhere you want and put baffles anywhere you want. What are the exact dimensions you want?

[forbze16]

Scuba,

Thanks for the welcome. As I stand here and look at my brother's stand I may not have all the space I thought. I am going to have to do this as one sump.

The dimensions would be something like 36"L x 14"W x 14"H, similar to a 30 gl AGA.

I am thinking 4 seperate areas- 1st 6" for the return, then 14" for the Refug, then 10+" for the skimmer (berlin turbo right now) and the last 6" or so for the return. No external pumps- likely a MAG 9.

This is for a 75, maybe a 90 if I can get the deal I am looking for on IceCap 150 HQI ballasts. Any alternatives to spacing are welcome. I really appreciate the help. Any idea on a cost of something custom like this?

Thanks,
Dave

[forbze16]

Well it seems like I have a solution.

Basically I am going to attached a peice of plywood unto the base, seal it, waterproof it and use a 15 gallon for the sump and a 15 gallon high for the refugium. the space will be tight but they are going to be right up next to each other anyway. The added height and the 45+ inches will fit into the stand and the added hieght of the 15 high will let me use the Amiracle overflow I have.

I still have to work out the details. But I only have it in bitmap right now.

Thanks for the help,

Dave

[scubadude]

Originally posted by forbze16
Well it seems like I have a solution.

....................Thanks for the help,

Dave

Im sorry I didnt get right back to you Dave, I was supposed to have a quote on some acrylic as I will be buying it in bulk soon and my wholesaler still hasnt gotten back to me yet. Im glad to see that you have found a solution though

[forbze16]

I will definitely keep it mind Scuba. If it isn't going to work then you will be the next to know. After I'm through swearing and cursing.

Now the hard part, saving the money to do it right.

I'm still slack jawed at your endeavor. That must be a lot of fun.

Thanks again for the offer,

Dave