Just like a dang noob...

[~reefchik~]

We've decided on a sump. I have a line on a local one for sale which I will check out this weekend.

Moving the tank out into the room even a couple inches would be a desperate last resort, since the room is small. In addition, DH is working a big job right now and really doesn't have time to help. I can't do it myself, that's for sure.

I'm thinking an Eshopps overflow due to it's skinny size, but will research those others you guys mentioned. Can't really put it on the "room side" of the tank, as it would get smacked, I'm sure.

It's a tight setting, but it was really the only place left in the house that it could be done. We needed to shore up the floor from the unfinished side of the basement, and this wall was the best option.

This photo was taken the day we set it up:

In front of the tank is a recliner, next to that is my 20 high FW tank, and to the left of the tank and behind is our back door and a short wall, which is a major traffic area into the Family Rm.

Geez it's getting complicated! What do they say about free stuff? It's never really free

 

[~reefchik~]

Ok, quick question about the Deltec MC600. I'm impressed. I'll spend the money. But when and if we get the sump can it really be used in sump as well? The Deltec site briefy states:

"The Multi Compact External skimmer is ideal for "˜hang on' installation directly onto the outside of the aquarium or sump
and requires no further supply pump for highly efficient operation"

This looks like the ideal solution - get one quick and HOB and then put down into the sump later on when we get that going.

 

[Henry Bowman]

RC,

That Deltec is a good skimmer. You might want to check out the SWX hob skimmer. Costs less and is getting good reviews.

Either way, the HOB skimmers will hang outside the sump. Make sure you have room for it under there !

 

[luther1200]

If you are geting a sump I wouldn't bother with a HOB. You can get a Vertex In skimmer for a good price and its a great skimmer. But there is a ton of skimmer's out there. Warner Marine is another great choice IMO.

 

[Tigé21v]

I've heard of people setting the whole unit inside their sump, in the water. Just need to make sure that section of the sump is deep enough. But if you're going to end up doing a sump, I would look at another skimmer. With the added water volume, you will be pushing the limits of that skimmer, IMO.

 

[~reefchik~]

The SWC does look good but it's too deep (wide) for my situation. I have only 3.5 in. clearance tank to wall.

Still trying to figure out what size sump I can squeeze into the stand space through a 15" opening.

 

[Tigé21v]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15508492#post15508492 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ~reefchik~
The SWC does look good but it's too deep (wide) for my situation. I have only 3.5 in. clearance tank to wall.

Still trying to figure out what size sump I can squeeze into the stand space through a 15" opening.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/aquarium_sizes.php

Looks like anything up to a 30 gallon long. A 55 is also narrow enough, but I'm sure too long.

 

[Tigé21v]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15508492#post15508492 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ~reefchik~
The SWC does look good but it's too deep (wide) for my situation. I have only 3.5 in. clearance tank to wall.

Still trying to figure out what size sump I can squeeze into the stand space through a 15" opening.

I don't know if you have a basement, which I think you do since you said you shored up the floor underneath the tank, you may want to seriously consider putting the sump in the basement. It really is the way to go IMO. You could put a Rubbermaid 100 or 135 gallon container down there, and you would have plenty of room for anything you wanted to put in the sump, including any size skimmer you wanted. Very easy to set up a container with a float valve for your top off. You could have your RO unit right next to it. Water changes are super easy. You would need to spend a few more bucks on the return pump, but you'll never need to worry about shopping for a chiller. Not to mention it will leave your stand empty for food, etc.

 

[gary504504]

hey i agreed that you may need a sump on that size tank,but check out jeff at lifereef he makes hob skimmers and he does custom work,he might be able to build something to your specs,and lifereef has great quality products,thats jeff at lifereef.com they'll also have his contact number on his site

 

[~reefchik~]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15509221#post15509221 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tigé21v
I don't know if you have a basement, which I think you do since you said you shored up the floor underneath the tank, you may want to seriously consider putting the sump in the basement. It really is the way to go IMO. You could put a Rubbermaid 100 or 135 gallon container down there, and you would have plenty of room for anything you wanted to put in the sump, including any size skimmer you wanted. Very easy to set up a container with a float valve for your top off. You could have your RO unit right next to it. Water changes are super easy. You would need to spend a few more bucks on the return pump, but you'll never need to worry about shopping for a chiller. Not to mention it will leave your stand empty for food, etc.

Heheh, this is actually a very cool idea. But it won't work for me because directly below the tank in the basement is built-in storage. No way will DH tear out all his hard work for this project.

It would be even more tempting if I still had my old Rubbermaid goldfish vat that I got from the store I used to work at when they threw it away. It was at least as big as you're talking.

That would have to be one hefty return pump! Still, I appreciate your thoughts.

 

[~reefchik~]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15509159#post15509159 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tigé21v
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/aquarium_sizes.php

Looks like anything up to a 30 gallon long. A 55 is also narrow enough, but I'm sure too long.

I still have my 20 gallon nano reef tank that I could use. I think it will fit fine. I haven't broken it all the way down yet, still keeping the sand alive to transfer over to the new tank, at least a couple more cups worth.

Then I'd have to have glass or acrylic pieces cut for baffles and partitions and glue them in, etc.

I dunno....call me a sissy, but I'd rather buy a ready-made sump or at least something a little more plug n play. I have so little time right now to fool around with this, and DH has none at all. (as an inveterate DIY-er I never thought I'd make a statement like that, LOL)

I've given a lot of thought to the different ideas everyone has shared and appreciate all of them. I tried to find Lifereef overflows last night but couldn't. I didn't search lifereef.com though. I'll try again.

 

[DarG]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15510701#post15510701 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ~reefchik~
I still have my 20 gallon nano reef tank that I could use. I think it will fit fine. I haven't broken it all the way down yet, still keeping the sand alive to transfer over to the new tank, at least a couple more cups worth.

Then I'd have to have glass or acrylic pieces cut for baffles and partitions and glue them in, etc.

I dunno....call me a sissy, but I'd rather buy a ready-made sump or at least something a little more plug n play. I have so little time right now to fool around with this, and DH has none at all. (as an inveterate DIY-er I never thought I'd make a statement like that, LOL)

I've given a lot of thought to the different ideas everyone has shared and appreciate all of them. I tried to find Lifereef overflows last night but couldn't. I didn't search lifereef.com though. I'll try again.

In all honesty, a sump doesnt have to be anything more than a vessel that holds water. It doesnt have to have baffles to work. It can be as simple as a rigid, baffless rubbermaid vessel with an simple ATO system if running a skimmer in the sump ... to a fancy, multibaffled sump/refugium with bubble traps and skimmer compartment.

This stuff is really very, very simple in principle and equipment can be fancy or simple and work great either way.