Limited space under the tank HELP!

[Kyle’s_exotics]

So I am setting up a new tank 45gal. I am just about done building the stand. The middle section is for the sump but it’s a small area. Can I see your compact sump areas with all your plumbing and electrical for inspiration on how to best use the small space!

 

[Retro Reefer]

Not much you can do but find or build a sump that will fit that space.. I keep all my electrical components away from sump in a side cabinet and your stand looks like it would be perfect for that.

What kind of tank is your 45? looks like a 40 breeder to me.

 

[Softhammer]

Build a bigger stand. Small sump areas are a royal PITA.

 

[vetteguy53081]

See the sumpro by skimz. Best compact sumps for the money



Skimz Sumpro UP14 Sump Tank
The new Skimz Sumpro™ UP14 sump tank features the white, stylish and efficient design with skimmer c...












Skimz Sumpro UP18 Sump Tank
The new Skimz Sumpro™ UP18 sump tank features the white, stylish and efficient design with Duoflo fi...










Skimz Sumpro UP21 Sump Tank
The new Skimz Sumpro™ UP21 sump tank features the white, stylish and efficient design with Duoflo fi...

 

[Retro Reefer]

I don’t have an inclosed cabinet but for what it’s worth I have a eshopps RS-75 under my 40, if you have room it’s 18"x10"x16" and a great little sump.. keep my electronics in a stand alone side cabinet.

Sorry for the low light pic..

 

[kireek]

I keep mine really simple so that I have less to screw up.A 20 gallon tall with skimmer and the return pump.

 

[Tastee]

Here is my sump in the stand of my RSR 250 in case my setup is of any assistance to you.

 

[Nargard]

I don’t have an inclosed cabinet but for what it’s worth I have a eshopps RS-75 under my 40, if you have room it’s 18"x10"x16" and a great little sump.. keep my electronics in a stand alone side cabinet.

Sorry for the low light pic..

Thinking about picking up the RS 75. Sounds like you like yours. How is the noise level?

 

[AlexG]

I would build another stand in the corner with a removable top and sides so you can use a larger sump and enjoy the access of a sump that is not under the tank.

 

[Dom]

A sump doesn't have to be complicated with a lot of compartments. Pre-made sumps are nice, but can be difficult to customize for your specific needs. And when you have limited space, you want flexibility.

Any fish-safe container that holds water and fits in the space will do.

I would suggest going to Petco or some other LFS and purchasing an Aqueon tank that fits in the space. Drop in a skimmer, return pump and be done with it. Use filter socks for mechanical filtration.

You made that stand? Nice!

 

[Brett S]

So I am setting up a new tank 45gal. I am just about done building the stand. The middle section is for the sump but it’s a small area. Can I see your compact sump areas with all your plumbing and electrical for inspiration on how to best use the small space!

How much space do you have for the sump? While small sumps can definitely be a pain because of the lack of space to work in there is a minimum size and below that it just won’t work. The sump needs to be big enough to hold your return pump, as well as your skimmer and any reactors or other filtration equipment that you want to use, of course.

But the real limiting factor is that it needs to hold enough water that your return pump won’t run dry during normal operations and have enough extra water to allow for some evaporation before your return pump runs dry, but at the same time it also needs to have enough empty space to hold the water that will drain into your sump from the main tank when the return pump is off. On a 40G tank, this could be as much as 4 or 5 gallons or more that will drain down.

I’m afraid you might be hard pressed to fit a functional sump in the space that you’ve left for yourself.

 

[X-37B]

I agree small sumps are very hard to work in. Here is my 18" cubed nano sump. I had a cabinet next to it for electrical and ato.
Ran this for 3 years and as you can see not much room once a skimmer, coralbox 300, is added.

If thats a 40 breeder your area for the sump looks very small.