Help with 135

[ray72484]

so after about 3 years of not having a tank I have decided to start building my 135. It is 5 feet long and 18 inches front to back. What should the dimensions of my stand be. Also it has 1 overflow with about a 2" hole. What do I need to do to plumb it correctly. Also what size sump should I use.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Some like a "shelf" around their tank while others want the stand to just fit the tank. So that's a personal preference. I went with the tank just fitting.....actually 1/2" added to the depth, 1/4" added to the length. I have the same base dimension, but only at 90 gallons. Here's my stand, simply made......

When you say about 2" hole....is that the size of the hole in the glass? If so, it's not a common size for schedule 40 bulkheads. Standard are 1 3/4" (45mm) hole for 1" bulkhead and 2 3/8" (62mm) for 1 1/2" bulkheads.

A 40 breeder fits nicely under that 18" wide DT.

 

[ray72484]

I did not measure the hole. I was just taking a guess but how would I do it with just one hole. I have never setup a tank with a sump. I had a tank with one but it was already set up for me. I am doing this from scratch

 

[redfishbluefish]

That one hole is for the drain and the return either has to come over the top, or you'll have to drill holes for the returns. I don't like drilling for returns, but prefer going over the top.....again, that's what I did.

 

[ray72484]

As far as the drain goes hard far up the over flow should it go. And is it just a straight piece up.

 

[redfishbluefish]

So you did not get the "guts" to the overflow? For a single drain system, the typical overflow is a durso. They are easy enough to DIY, but I wouldn't glue the long down pipe since this is something you might need to play with as far as length (and also for cleaning). Here is the typical durso look:

Note, there is a little hole drilled in the top of the end cap.

 

[ray72484]

Does the length of the durso matter. Also what kind of return pump should I get.

 

[ray72484]

Bump

 

[redfishbluefish]

It's important only that you don't want the fittings too low in the overflow. The endcap should be close to level with the top of the overflow.

HERE's instructions on building your own Durso

 

[ray72484]

So once I get it ready and start adding water. Is there anything else I should do such as any additives or chemicals. Also should I start the skimmer on day 1 or should I wait a little while before I start it. Which skimmer would be a good one to get.