warrenmichaels
New member
I've been working on a project involving keeping abalone in a tank, with macro algae, rock, sand, and nothing else. Aesthetics aren't important, only that the aquarium function properly. Unfortunately, the project has been on hold for some time, but now I'm starting to work on it a little bit again.
My problem is my sump. I had no desire to pay an outrageous sum for something to simply accommodate a protein skimmer and water backflow in case of a power outage. I didn't want a hang on back skimmer, so I decided to make my own sump. I purchased a 20 Long Aquareon Tank, and drilled three holes in one of the long sides. Two were for water entrance, and one was for egress.
After buying and drilling this aquarium, it was brought to my attention that, even though the holes are spaced properly in relation to each other, and in relation to the edges of the tank, this is not an ideal solution, given the thinness of this tank's glass. In order to avoid a catastrophic failure, I was planning to put the 20 Long tank inside of a plastic basin, with supports so than hoses aren't hanging on the tank.
All of this seems like a pain, frankly. I'm thinking of getting a cheap commercially available sump, or else jerry-rigging something. I want to do the cheapest, effective solution. If I were to jerry-rig something, I'm thinking that I might do something with either an empty water softener barrel (plastic), or cut down a 55 gal blue rain barrel.
What do you think is the way to go? Thanks.
My problem is my sump. I had no desire to pay an outrageous sum for something to simply accommodate a protein skimmer and water backflow in case of a power outage. I didn't want a hang on back skimmer, so I decided to make my own sump. I purchased a 20 Long Aquareon Tank, and drilled three holes in one of the long sides. Two were for water entrance, and one was for egress.
After buying and drilling this aquarium, it was brought to my attention that, even though the holes are spaced properly in relation to each other, and in relation to the edges of the tank, this is not an ideal solution, given the thinness of this tank's glass. In order to avoid a catastrophic failure, I was planning to put the 20 Long tank inside of a plastic basin, with supports so than hoses aren't hanging on the tank.
All of this seems like a pain, frankly. I'm thinking of getting a cheap commercially available sump, or else jerry-rigging something. I want to do the cheapest, effective solution. If I were to jerry-rig something, I'm thinking that I might do something with either an empty water softener barrel (plastic), or cut down a 55 gal blue rain barrel.
What do you think is the way to go? Thanks.
