DIY SUMp/Refuge

[LeoFisherman]

can anyone provide a way or design to explain how to convert my 20 gallon tall tank into sump for my 55 gallon tank? Is the center brace of the 55gal stand necessary?

I do you think it would be better to have a skimmer sump and then just have a HOB refuge? Idk what i want i just want my tank to be health!

 

PS: Im still looking for a green, red or orange bta or rbta or any anemone that my maroon would love that would bring more color to my tank!

THanks for reading

Edited April 6, 2011 by LeoFisherman

[beatle]

I use a 40g breeder as my sump, but the principles are the same. I make a chamber large enough for whatever skimmer I think I might use (or use in the future). The display tank drains into this chamber. The second chamber is my refugium. The last chamber is my return pump. I make this as small as possible to fit the pump of my choice. No real need for bubble traps, IMO. They just take up usable space.

 

A 20g tall may be a little on the short side for this design, however. Look for a used 30g long and you'll be in good shape.

 

FWIW, I use the thickest plexiglass sheet @ Home Depot and silicone into place. Glass would be best, but acrylic is much easier to work with and has held up fine in my experience as a baffle with equal water levels on either side.

Edited April 13, 2011 by beatle

[bshriver]

I have dine exactly what beetle did. Use the biggest sump that will fit. I have also drilled them for the return pump.

 

I have not really been happy with HOB fuges when I have tried them.

 

I used four acrylic baffles in mine. Two on each side of the fuge.

Edited April 13, 2011 by bshriver

[FearTheTerps]

you could use the 20 g tall, but that size tank has a small foot print. To design/layout your sump you will need to know what equpiment you plan on housing in there. The footprint of the skimmer and the return pump (if using a submersible pump) are the most important to know. From there you will know where to place your baffles. Knowing what skimmer you plan on using will also help set the height of the baffle, different brands work best at various heights. Another option for the height of the baffles is to build it high, and then place your skimmer on a stand that you can adjust the height. Doing it this way you need to watch out for head room so that you can take off the skimmers collection cup.

 

In terms of total water volume, bigger is better. Thats why most people will advise you to get the largest sump you can fit. The 20 tall will work, but may create challenges. I would look into finiding a 20 long, same volume but a much better footprint. This will give you more room for equipment in the sump, and should fit easily under your tank. You could pobably find one in the sale forum.

 

I would advise against modding the stand, especialy if its a pre-fab stand. If its home made you may be able to do it, but we would need to see pics.

 

I would also advise against a BTA at this time as well. the general rule of thumb is that you shouldnt add a bta until at least a year. BTAs require very stable water conditions, which new tanks and newbies dont usually have. That year time will let your tank and your husbandry skills mature. As a subsitute you can get some type of leather coral, or even a frogspawn or hammer coral. Clowns will host at almost anything, they dont need a anemone. These corals are much easier to keep and your clown will be happy with them.

Edited April 13, 2011 by FearTheTerps