Helpful direction on setup

[Whiteydenewf]

Hi everyone,

I’m unsure of what I’m looking for and hoping a quick post can lead to directions. I recently decided to turn my son’s dresser into a tank stand. It’s solidly built and can hold the weight. It would give me much more storage too.

I have a 20G tank. It is small and I think that a better filtration system could be helpful. As of now, it’s an innovative marine AIO rectangular tank, the filtration passes through the back of the tank through chambers.

Personally, I’d like to remove that wall, remove the gear I have there and put it all in a second tank below my stand. So my question for you, is what do you call this kind of setup? I’m handy and am hoping to do a DIY pump, filtration, etc out of sight. I’m also hoping that this will improve my water quality and available volume. I think it’ll be a fun project. What should I search under the forums? Thank you for any help.

 

[CasperOe]

Sounds like you're just trying to add a sump to what will then be a display tank unless I read it the wrong way

You're planning a smaller tank in the cabinet to house your equipment, filtration etc right?

Are you comfortable drilling your glass? If not, you can consider an external overflow box like this one.

 

[Whiteydenewf]

Thank you! That’s it. I have one follow up question, can I use a 5G aquarium that was once used for freshwater? I’m unsure if saltwater is compatible with the seamed joints. Thanks again!

 

[CasperOe]

Thank you! That’s it. I have one follow up question, can I use a 5G aquarium that was once used for freshwater? I’m unsure if saltwater is compatible with the seamed joints. Thanks again!

No problem, go ahead! Provided the seams are fine, you won't have any issues!

May we see your plans?

 

[Whiteydenewf]

No problem, go ahead! Provided the seams are fine, you won't have any issues!

May we see your plans?

Awesome! There’s no plans yet because I just figured out what it’s called. But I’ll follow up when I get it figured!

 

[Whiteydenewf]

Sounds like you're just trying to add a sump to what will then be a display tank unless I read it the wrong way

You're planning a smaller tank in the cabinet to house your equipment, filtration etc right?

Are you comfortable drilling your glass? If not, you can consider an external overflow box like this one.

I’m getting ready to start this project with Christmas now completed. Would you mind telling me the basic components of a sump system? It will be housed under a cabinet. I plan to use a simple 5G bucket as a container. I was hoping that by adding an extra 4G to the system, it might help the existing 20G. I have an old aquarium but I’m looking for utility. Thanks