Need custom refugium sump

by k-reef78 Thu 26 Jan 2012, 1:03 am

I have a 45 gallon fresh water tank that I converted to saltwater about 5 months ago. I'm currently running 2 piggy back filters and want to convert to a refugium sump. I would like to have about a 15 gallon sump capacity but my cabinet space is small. The sump will need to be no more than 10" wide. Maybe 15" tall and <20" in Length. This would give me about a 13 gallon sump... There are 2 openings in the back of the cabinet 17.5" each in width and 2 doors in the front with openings 10.25" each.

Can you help? And do you have any suggestions?

by matt_longview Thu 26 Jan 2012, 8:47 am

Would a 20 tall work? Same diminsions as a 10g but twice as tall? I believe they make a 15 tall as well.

What equipment do you plan on keeping down there?

by Yeti Thu 26 Jan 2012, 12:52 pm

This is a link to a guy in DFW area that has built up a home business making one off sumps. The nice thing though is that he shows how he makes them, so you could build your own if a standard sized tank will not fit into your cabinet.

http://www.melevsreef.com/29g/sump/design.html

Dimensions for a 15G high are:
15 High 20 1/4 x10 1/2 x18 3/4 so if you can find one, that may be an easier alternative route.

If you have to go the route of a 10G tank as a sump, you could still use a HOB Skimmer?

by J.Davis Thu 26 Jan 2012, 2:26 pm

If you find you need someone to build it for you, let me know. There's a lot of designs on the web if you choose DYI.

by k-reef78 Thu 26 Jan 2012, 9:08 pm

The front opening is 19" tall. How much room at the top do I need? I would think I would need at least enough room to reach my arm to the back for cleaning or adjustments...So I think a 20 or 15 tall is pushing it. Would a 10 gallon sump be large enough for the 45 gallons?
I'm sure I will need a proteen skimmer and UV sterilizer...Remember all I have now is 2 piggy backs, so I will need everything! I don't mind attempting DYI, but I do stay pretty busy so I'm usually the guy that just goes and buy it.

by J.Davis Thu 26 Jan 2012, 9:23 pm

If you can fit a 10g in the stand (Width may be an issue) it will suffice. It will limit your refugium area, but still be functionable and a fairly quick build. Using simple 1/4" glass, you can custom build one. Glass at a glass shop aint cheap though, but if you can get some "Used" glass they'll cut it cheap. Around $2 per cut.

by matt_longview Thu 26 Jan 2012, 9:33 pm

I wouldn't make a uv sterilizer one of your first purchases. Go with a quality skimmer and an rodi unit. After that I'd go with an auto top off.

The main propose of your sump is to hide equipment, so first I'd decide the equipment then see if a ten gallon will be large enough.

by Grimreefer Thu 26 Jan 2012, 10:45 pm

Definately a skimmer and RODI. Strong basics make a nice tank.

by aaronmc_43 Sat 28 Jan 2012, 10:04 am

Didnt you tell me that you had space behind your tank go put something, becausr when you called about my wet/dry you said you had room due to your tank being in the corner. I have an rodi unit im not going to need anymore that i will sell you.

by k-reef78 Sat 28 Jan 2012, 12:01 pm

Yes I do have the corner behind the tank. Aaron, are you the guy in Tyler that we came and moved that 125 gallon tank? How much are you selling it for?

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