Extra large sumps without breaking the bank

[agame2021]

I am building a clownfish wall for breeding and want a large sump and I have 72 inches long. How big should I go? I was thinking 75 gallon atleast?! Is that too big? 50 gallon?!

should I buy a fancy one or should I get a cheap tank that fits my measurements and build my own? Or should I just have it custom made for me by a shop?

how do I keep it cost efficient?
I’m new to the sump world and want to know all the tricks and tips to doing it right but not going crazy in debt to do it!
Also looking into k1 filtration so if you got ideas that work well with that it’s a big bonus for me!

thanks all!!!!

 

[blaxsun]

If you haven't already considered it, I would look at some bracing under the tanks like a sheet of plywood, etc. I'd probably also place a foam levelling mat on top of that.

In terms of the sump size, it's entirely up to you - but a good starting point seems to be about 25% of your total system volume - and you probably want to go larger to hold most of your live rock. I have a feeling that based on your particular setup you may find that a custom DIY sump gives you the most flexibility (but I'm just theorizing based on the images of your setup). Best of luck.

 

[mdb_talon]

It does not look like you have a lot of height available for your sump so seems that will be a consideration but maybe the picture is deceiving. Most cost effective if wanting large is probably a used 40b or 75g (if they fit) and then make your own baffles. Just a bit more expensive you can buy "sump kits" for those standard size tanks.

 

[mdb_talon]

If you haven't already considered it, I would look at some bracing under the tanks like a sheet of plywood, etc. I'd probably also place a foam levelling mat on top of that.

I agree the plywood may be a good choice, but usually would not use levelling mats on rimmed tanks.

 

[blaxsun]

I agree the plywood may be a good choice, but usually would not use levelling mats on rimmed tanks.

My LFS uses a thick hard foam under their smaller rimmed tanks (didn't look closely at your tanks, sorry).

 

[agame2021]

I agree the plywood may be a good choice, but usually would not use levelling mats on rimmed tanks.

I do plan on getting the plywood and then either foam of thick rubber to make sure it’s level. I am also not even started with plumbing so it’s not that big of a deal yet.
I finished drilling all but 2 tanks yesterday and need to plan out the sump before I do much else.

 

[agame2021]

It does not look like you have a lot of height available for your sump so seems that will be a consideration but maybe the picture is deceiving. Most cost effective if wanting large is probably a used 40b or 75g (if they fit) and then make your own baffles. Just a bit more expensive you can buy "sump kits" for those standard size tanks.

Night is 21 inches from the top of the bottom shelf to the bottom of the next shelf.
My issue is as soon as I have the plywood and leveling mat/foam I won’t have room for most sumps because they are tall…
That is why I am thinking I might have to go custom.

 

[agame2021]

Here is an updated photo of how it is today.

 

[Reeferjunkie]

I would also look into getting a blemished one for a discount. I recently emailed trigger and got a list of ones available and the prices are alot better if you go that route. Good luck

 

[mdb_talon]

I do plan on getting the plywood and then either foam of thick rubber to make sure it’s level. I am also not even started with plumbing so it’s not that big of a deal yet.
I finished drilling all but 2 tanks yesterday and need to plan out the sump before I do much else.

Just make sure to level the plywood. If it is not level foam will not make it level. Foam is good at helping with high spots or blemishes and distributing the weight more evenly, but if your base is slanted 1/2" from left to right it is still going to be slanted 1/2" left to right after you put it on the foam. Thats the reason it should almost always be used on rimless cause a single pressure point on the glass can be disastrous. With a rimmed tank that is not so much an issue.

Night is 21 inches from the top of the bottom shelf to the bottom of the next shelf.
My issue is as soon as I have the plywood and leveling mat/foam I won’t have room for most sumps because they are tall…
That is why I am thinking I might have to go custom.

Ya that definitely limits your options a lot for standard sized tanks. Even a 40 or 60 breeder wont give you the room to get a skimmer in and out(assuming you are using a skimmer. Excited to see how it turns out that looks like the start of a nice setup.

 

[agame2021]

Has anybody had a custom Bashsea from saltwater aquarium.com?
I’m curious if it’s worth having the $22.50 file made so I can know the cost of their custom made sump?
Should I have them make a protein skimmer too because of how short it has to stay so I can get the cup in and out?

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

If $ isn't an option than yes go custom made everything. Lol.
D

 

[Tamberav]

A custom sump will be expensive. A 50g lowboy is 10 inches high if thats large enough for you.

 

[agame2021]

A custom sump will be expensive. A 50g lowboy is 10 inches high if thats large enough for you.

Yeah I was hoping for around 14 inches high and 60-70 inches long… that is my issue the specs are pretty weird that is why I’m thinking I will have to go custom.

 

[agame2021]

If $ isn't an option than yes go custom made everything. Lol.
D

I wish money wasn’t an option… just means I get to postpone the project until I have the money…

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

U can make your own baffles. I've made 50B sumps. 29g tall sumps. A 10g sump which I don't advise. Lol.
Just get acrylic cut and e6000. Be patient it will take a cpl days.
Let it cure. E6000 is pretty potent. Lol.
E.g. do it outside.
D

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Imo just like a skimmer. Go as big as you can fit.
D

 

[agame2021]

Alrighty so, I have figured out how I want to do this after working on it for a little bit I spoke with some smart people in the hobby and found 2 solutions. First off get more 10 gallons and plumb them together and use the different chambers for different stuff…(skimmer/socks/returns and some extra when it all gets shut off)(price probably around $300 with tanks and plumbing)
Or get a 100 gallon trough from tractor supply and make it work with what I will get. ($98 at tractor supply and not use as many shelves)