size of sump

[corbosman]

Hi all, im planning to build a 7'x30"x30" reef tank, my first. Unfortunately the way my house is, there is no easy place for me to put either an RO or a SW reservoir except for around the display tank. Anywhere else would be a real hassle. Any usable space is just too far away and would probably require significant construction/costs to lay down pipes.

I have about 12 feet of wall space available, with water and drain nearby but id prefer to not have plastic containers sitting in the living room.

I was hoping I could fit everything under the display tank, but I dont think it's possible. Id need to house all the electronics (apex, power, ..), a sump with skimmer, a couple reactors, doser, heater, ro unit and a reservoir for the RO unit for ATO. And then I still dont have a SW reservoir.

So I guess one option is to extend the stand to one or both sides so I have more space below the tank and extend the sump with a reservoir. Another option is to lug around a container whenever i need to do a water change. Unfortunately that would prohibit me from doing small daily automated water changes from a SW reservoir.

Am I right in concluding this wont fit in a 7' stand?

How do other people without space for plastic containers deal with this?

And does the above setup generate a ton of noise? Assuming you've done everything possible to minimise it.

thanks for any comments,

 

[thegrun]

While I didn't make room for a saltwater reservoir, I had enough room under my 120 for a fresh water reservoir large enough to handle better than two weeks of evaporation. With a 7' tank I would think there would be plenty of room for at least the fresh water.

 

[thegrun]

As you suggested, for the saltwater you could either extend the cabinet or make a separate cabinet for the saltwater reservoir.

 

[corbosman]

Yeah, I think thats the only way to go. I think I can fit RO water under the tank. I dont need a huge space for it anyways, as the RO system would just keep it filled continuously. A section in the sump would probably work.

For SW, im thinking, either a cabinet next to the main tank, or perhaps even on top. But that would probably be really annoying for access to the tank.

 

[CStrickland]

I saw a tank where the guy just bought a cheap basket with a lid from ikea or whatever. He poked a hole in the side for the ato line and put it next to the tank with the reservoir in it. It looked like part of the room.