Sump Suggestions???

[Oskie]

I plan to add a sump to my 30 gallon cube in order to increase the overall water volume. It will also be used as a mini refuguim (maybe) and a place to add chemicals and my skimmer. Problem is that the space available under my tank is approximately 16" deep by 17" wide by 16" tall. I'd ideally like something that either has or that I might add some baffels to reduce bubbles. I would also like to be able to use an external pump (in a perfect world). Fortunately noise is no longer a problem so the sound of water falling from the tank is OK. I am planning to drill an outlet in the back of the tank several inches down from the top.

Sooo... given all that let's hear some suggestions for what to use or offers for all those used sumps you've got in your basement/garage that you want to get rid of.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Steve

 

[Hedonist]

Since you are very limited on space under your tank, why not create a saltelite sump, maybe in a 'cedar' type chest set right next to your tank. You can put cushions for a seat over the chest lid allowing easy access into the sump, more space and a place to sit and admire your tank up close!

Mike E had a similar setup for his ballasts

Denise

 

[Oskie]

Great idea...makes me wonder about putting in a larger tank to use as a sump. I've got lots of room.

Thanks

 

[bunsenburner]

I've a few tanks that you a welcome to look at for use as a sump. I have gate valves as well that you can have to quiet the flowing water noise. I'm down to the same set up as you. A simple 30 gallon cube. I am going to wire up 4-6 22W t5ho to illuminate the tank. The ballast have already arrived, am I am waiting for the bulbs, endcaps and refelctors. Seahorses didn't survive the transition. Very sad, but it is my own fault since I was a bit hasty about the move.

 

[smtarr]

Matt, You said you have gate valves? I need at least 2 to set up my 265g and 120g. Do you also have any shut off valves you need to get rid of? I need 4 of them. Not sure of size but the standard bulkhead is what I have. Sorry to hear your sea horses didn't make the trip. Sue

 

[Driftwood]

I have a old 10 gallon sump you could have if you wanted it. It is made from a 10 gallon aquarium. It has a crash chamber, fuge, and return chamber with bubble traps between each section. Some of the silicone has pealed away from the baffles and the sump needs a little work to get it to 100%. I learned from building this one that you need quite a bit of silicone to get those baffles to stay.

It worked well for me on my 29Gallon. It fit under the stand and kept all my remora's bubbles out of the tank.

 

[jessiesgrrl]

Wow, I really like the bench idea. Plus, you could conceiveably then use it as a prop tank as well as a fuge. And in the winter, maybe the light'll even warm the seat... A bun warmer of sorts!
:lol:
Laurie

 

[Oskie]

Well I Bought a used 50 gallon sump today and am in th process of an install. This will reall add some water to my setup and help to stabilize the water parameters too. In addition I have a chiller that is doing a great job (thanks Mike) at finally keeping my temps at a reasonable level. may have the sump in place tomorrow and will see how it all goes. It great to have a place for all the extra equipment that is currently crowding the cube. Now for some fish and corals for the cube!