Sump - need to be removeable from stand?

[CMOS]

Hey All,

I'm upgrading from a HOB Remora skimmer to a sump (and sump based skimmer). My tank has a very small footprint -> 36 x 12 so I don't have much room inside the stand.

I'm building a sump that will be 30 x 9" x 18" tall. My question - does the whole sump need to be removable from the stand (with the tank in tact) or can it be "permanent"?

I'm faced with trying to get the largest sump in there that I can, but in order to maximize ths sump size I'll need to install it in the stand from the top - then sit the tank on the stand = sump no commie out.

Is this okay to do or a major issue?

Thoughts?

CMOS

[charlie]

I would just make sure that you have enough room to work on the stuff that is in your sump, that would be my main concern.

[CMOS]

Thanks for the reply.

My stand will be 36" tall so I'll have some vertical maintenance room in there.


CMOS

[charlie]

Yep, if your skimmer is in there, you wanna empty once in a while anyways.

[CMOS]

Follow up question about the bulkhead fittings:

I acquired the various fittings today in preparation to plumb the sump (hopefully next weekend!). I noticed that the threaded fittings that screw into the bulkhead fitting never "bottom out" as far as the tapered threads getting tight. In other words, I can screw in a bushing or adapter all the way into the bulkhead fitting but the threads themselves never get tight - until thay actually bottom out into the bulkhead fitting.

Is this normal?

I appears that I'll need to get serious with the teflon tape in order to get a good thread seal, correct?


Thanks,
CMOS

[charlie]

I think you will find that the teflon tape will fix that. I am not a big fan of threaded fittings, I would much rather have to glue!!!!!

[CMOS]

I think you will find that the teflon tape will fix that. I am not a big fan of threaded fittings, I would much rather have to glue!!!!!

Charlie, I also prefer the slip fittings but I had a few reef tank owners tell me that they prefer the threaded ones - easier to unscrew if you make a mistake or need to modify.

CMOS

[charlie]

Isn't that what true union ball valves are for?

I also always leave my self something to cut on. (extra PVC)

[CMOS]

Isn't that what true union ball valves are for?

I also always leave my self something to cut on. (extra PVC)

Very true. I'll also be installing a set of unions.


CMOS

[charlie]

Aren't big boys tinker toys fun!!!!

[CMOS]

Aren't big boys tinker toys fun!!!!

Indeed! It's fun to give some forethought to a project like this, so I can do it right the first time.

I recall that old saying, "There's always enough time to do something a second time but never enough time to do it right the first time."


CMOS

[charlie]

And how many times have we all done things a second time?