Getting a sump?

[cmc0814]

Hey guys,
Is there any way to make/buy a reasonably priced sump? I've spent so much money on my tank lately that I don't want to go nuts, but I really have been thinking about getting a sump. I think that might clear my problems right up. If anyone has any ideas, I'm definately up for suggestions!! Thanks!

-Chris

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

You can build one from scratch, take an existing tank and section it off, buy a heavy duty rubbermaid tub, or contact local tank builders like Chris4693 to build you a custom one.

 

[Wildstar1063]

My display tank is a 55g, and I bought another 55g and stand
used from a guy who was getting out of the hobby.

I took the second 55g and siliconed in some baffles and I have
an excellent sump/fuge

BTW, dont use plex for baffles, the silicone does not stick as well
as it does to glass, and the plex bows under pressure and pulls
away from the walls. We had originally used plex for baffles, but
when we upgraded the tank 2 weeks ago, I had glass panels
cut and we installd them.

I was going to post some pics of the upgrades, but I need to
get batterys for my digital camera.

Chuck E.

 

[chris4693]

Just using normal Acrylic you get at Lowes will bow and such, Using Cast Acrylic you can add dividers to a Glass aquarium that won't bow. There are several people in COMAS that have used Cast Acrylic dividers that have had zero issues.

Acrylic at Lowes or Home Depot is Extruded Acrylic and is much weaker then a higher end Cast Acrylic. I would give you more info on the production process and how the molecules are bonded for each, but I would have to find my data sheets. The whole point is if you are going to use Acrylic for anything Aquatic, you best bet is Cast Acrylic.

 

[Wildstar1063]

That's probably it then, LOWES is exactly where we go the
acrylic sheet.

I did not even know there was a difference, 'till I read it on
some thred or other a while back.

Chuck E.

 

[pwhitby]

Chris,

The largest expense will be an overflow for your tank, and then a pump. I would expect you would be paying around 150 for those two items.

I do agree though, a sump makes a huge difference if done properly.

How big is your tank?

 

[cmc0814]

It is a 75 gal, but I have a 110 (I think it's really a 100) sitting around and thought about setting it up and moving everything over to it. If I did, I would build a sump for that instead....

 

[captbunzo]

Setup the 110 and use the 75 as a sump ...

 

[pwhitby]

is the 110 reefready?

I would seriously consider waiting till you can get a reef ready tank.

 

[captbunzo]

Yeppers - and if it isn't, you could probably get some help from your fellow COMAS reefers to make it reef ready. I know there are some in the club that just LOVE to take a dremel to a tank...

(mr red green, are you out there?)

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8239438#post8239438 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by captbunzo

(mr red green, are you out there?)

.....No......... <img src="http://www.nfl-fans.com/style_images/1/icon9.gif">



How thick is the glass on the 100/110g? What are the measurements of the tank?

 

[cmc0814]

I actually don't know the measurements right now. I know it is 60" long, but I'll find out when I get home from work. I would be up for having some guys come out and drilling some holes in it to make it reef ready. As long as the glass isn't tempered.

 

[bwayne315]

Chris,

I built my own sump and refugium out of rubbermaid tubs. It works very well, and it was cheap. I used bulkheads, and plumed the tubs together.

If your tank isn't reef ready, you can get an overflow. I used an over flow box with u tubes for a couple of years, and it worked fairly well. Reef ready is better though.

B.

 

[kpk]

Chris when I had the 100g I just had a cpr overflow and a 29g sump/fuge. Worked fine for me. I kinda like the rubbermaid idea too. From what I have heard Chris's (chris4693) makes some nice overflows. I think you can get them at ART, Wet Pets, etc. I wouldn't do much over a mag 7 if you are going to keep it easy. That is plenty of flow through the sump. I had like a mag 18 on it, lol what a joke. Couldn't keep the bubbles down. I would think you could to it for $175 maybe cheaper.

It is really nice to have a sump for all the beautiful equipment. LOL...
If you need help on it hollar...

Kyle