ericarenee
New member
Dead center of the tank.. To me its the only way to make it look right.. If i had that tank its For sure what i would do... And black out one spot on each side of it and mouth a light of some kind water proof led
Need a reliable filter
- Thread starter SammieT
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Dead center of the tank.. To me its the only way to make it look right.. If i had that tank its For sure what i would do... And black out one spot on each side of it and mouth a light of some kind water proof led
Alright. Let's say sump in the middle. How big and what about filters?
ericarenee
New member
Here is a super quick crude sketch filter is in middle of the sump inside the tank you only need mechanical filtration for appreciate stocked fish only tank with sand and live rock stacked around the box to hide it
ericarenee
New member
The size would be i would say 4-6 inches wide and the length should what ever looks right for tank length.. I would make it large enough to get heater in the middle chamber . Just kinda look at sump builds for under a tank . its the same except the over flow on one end and the pump on the other with prob locline to angle the water so it makes it circulate in a circle thru your tank.
the intake end you would just need to to cut notches or make it lower . About your water level.. then the pump will pull will pump water out of it and back into the tank creating a flow thru the box..
From looking at your image top down i would build it 6-8 inches by 14 inches that should give you a media box 6x8 .With a total height of 11 3/4 and the Skimmer end where water goes into the box make it the 10 1/4 . ... Then Drill a hole in one of the end chambers big enough for your pump and heater plug to pass thru with a bulkhead and pvc pipe above the water level. Again i think lighting could be build under something like what you have setting on the tank now...
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I see you included a little hole for wiring. Is that in the sump area or completely separate area?
ericarenee
New member
yea i was editing my post to include that. I Do not know your skill level with such stuff but i could build something like this Fairly easy . After seeing your tank and talking about this. If i ever see a very good deal on Craigslist for a tank like yours I AM BUYING IT...
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Well, to be honest. I actually did buy it on Craigslist lol cost me $100 and a 25 mile drive
My skill level on these types of things aren't that great whatsoever. I'd pay for someone to make me a custom one
ericarenee
New member
The issue is you would have to drill the hole in the bottom of the tank and install bulkhead .
The Sump itself i could build but would cost a bit more then the price you paid for the tank ... I Would say Take pics to local small fish store and ask them if they know someone in the hobby who would help you . I Almost bet you can get someone local do it for 100.oo to 150.oo.. maybe less....
Ohh with that price i think it was a great find.. We get a 72 gallon acrylic bay front tank with matching black acrylic stand and canopy for 100.00 . I had to drill and add a overflow on the back . but its a planted freshwater tank now.
Gotta find some waterproof LED lights
So I found someone who can do it. Now, how wide should I make the sump or how long also? Does it have to be a certain requirement?
ericarenee
New member
No There is no exact size it has to be. If you are going to make it match the tanks outside i would do it proportionally correct Thou that is not even required.
Figure out what heater and water pump you will be using. Make the middle section big enough for the heater and and end section big enough for the water pump. The only other thing to consider is Media area. You can actually put Carbon in a filter bag and then use any filter media. i use 100 and 200 micron filter pad. it takes up less room then sponge and holds what it picks up better . as well as i toss it in the washing machine with some bleach and ready to go again.... The Guy building it can prob help you arrange the interior to meet the needs of your tank .
I'll find out, I have him a call and left a message. The LFS I always go to gave me his number. I asked who he trusts when it comes to it and if they charge fair and cheaper than others. Gave me his number and said he does custom work on these things, but I can't say if he knows much about fish tanks. Left a voice mail and waiting for a call back if he does decide to give me one back.
Just thinking from what I remember that the sump should roughly be 1/3 of the total tank size. Trying to get an idea of how big I should make it and what else should I do.. maybe go from one side to other side with water falling out of it like a bridge or something?
Not the best picture but a rough idea
ericarenee
New member
you could do it either way. But from a Realistic looking setup. i would do it dead center of the tank.. Have one end surface skimming and the other water output with loc-Line. You can aim it in a way to keep constant movement in a Circle thru the tank this will help keep detritus from settling in the sand bed and be picked up by surface skimmer. the 1/3rd size is not really a rule.. I have seen 500 gallon tanks with sumps just big enough for a HUGE Skimmer and water pump.....
With it in the middle you can stack Rock around it as if its a island in the middle of the tank was my thinking.. But of course its your tank ..your decision.
With it in the middle you can stack Rock around it as if its a island in the middle of the tank was my thinking.. But of course its your tank ..your decision.
Just trying to get some rough ideas of how to do it when or if the guy does do it for me and start asking questions on how I want it done. Just not too familiar with all these modifications and how much of a difference they make. Want it done right the first time. I do appreciate the help and info
ericarenee
New member
NOT A Problem .
once you get with him about it . Have him draw you up something then post it here for people to check out before he builds it.. I would have him built it as a box you sit into the bottom and the bulkhead hold in place Since it will be mostly full of water anyway.. that way you can remove it to modify and less chance of it leaking when the bottom of the tank flexes as it will due to the way its supported..
Will do, I'll post it if he does decide to make a drawing up for me
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