Roll Out Sump Ideas

[GARRIGA]

I've considered this to make maintenance easier but instead of wheels I was thinking several ball bearings as they'd be lower profile and unidirectional and able to carry a higher load. Custom extruded aluminum stand with a shelf above the lowest bar and because sump pulls out there's no need for taller stand to accommodate access therefore making it as short as needed so long as sump slides in. All piping connections on one side for easy access and disconnect.

My one caveat being that instead of a sump I'm relying on several reactors in a closed loop system or one massive sump that is sealed and can be opened for service once disconnected from system. No skimmer. No mechanical other than periodically unclogging sponges and media used to capture and decompose waste along with a large Fuge that will be maintained Triton style vs weekly pruning. Minimize maintenance and just enjoy the tank.

Don't forget to add grab handles to make pulling and pushing easier. That's a lot of water to move. Might be wise to perhaps drain first and that's your water change or house it in a Brute then later add back to display. Moving water can be stressful to acrylic or PVC and best reduce that my thought process.

 

[areefer01]

This is something that is often overlooked. In my opinion. Especially when a reef can outlive the hobbyist when properly taken care of. My point is that we age, things happen, and we should plan our systems such that we can access things easier in the event of something happening. With that in mind.

There are heavy duty, industrial rails that can support a sump and few other things.
There are heavy duty casters that can support the weight, or tank.
You could invert casters, top and bottom pieces, and roll.

The one thing that you should consider is a way to slide it in, out, such that you don't have to decouple. Silicon tube may work in this case. Something I've been toying with as I want easier access to my sump for cleaning, skimmer access, etc.

In any case you have some options using rails and casters that are built for industrial strength. Spill tray for containment. Sheet of PVC cut to size to place in containment tray so sump has a smooth surface. Things like that.

One last option that wasn't mention but plumb the sump on the side of the display instead of under. Could always build a nice box, cabinet for it to rest in with ventilation vents for air. Can have a flip up top if you want (can't use it for lights or plants on top of course then) or hinge or sliding doors. Light inside, etc. Out of sight, out of mind. Could also leave it open with but plumb it pretty for show.

 

[VintageReefer]

This is something that is often overlooked. In my opinion. Especially when a reef can outlive the hobbyist when properly taken care of. My point is that we age, things happen, and we should plan our systems such that we can access things easier in the event of something happening. With that in mind.

There are heavy duty, industrial rails that can support a sump and few other things.
There are heavy duty casters that can support the weight, or tank.
You could invert casters, top and bottom pieces, and roll.

The one thing that you should consider is a way to slide it in, out, such that you don't have to decouple. Silicon tube may work in this case. Something I've been toying with as I want easier access to my sump for cleaning, skimmer access, etc.

In any case you have some options using rails and casters that are built for industrial strength. Spill tray for containment. Sheet of PVC cut to size to place in containment tray so sump has a smooth surface. Things like that.

One last option that wasn't mention but plumb the sump on the side of the display instead of under. Could always build a nice box, cabinet for it to rest in with ventilation vents for air. Can have a flip up top if you want (can't use it for lights or plants on top of course then) or hinge or sliding doors. Light inside, etc. Out of sight, out of mind. Could also leave it open with but plumb it pretty for show.

Very good points

I saw on this forum someone who has a large tank mounted in the wall under a staircase and the ENTIRE tank could slide out for overhead access. What the OP wants can definitely be done a few ways

 

[VintageReefer]

Thought about that. Was actually looking at a few. Only reason I'm nervous about it is that I've never dealt with acrylic. I know, not a good reason. But the advantage is obvious. Is baffling a sump easier with acrylic compared to glass?

Money is no object. Buy a premade acrylic sump. Trigger systems makes excellent quality sumps.

Other companies will make custom ones also peed your spec

 

[Chuck_e]

I used a piece of old countertop and mounted these underneath. They don't swivel, but they're low-profile and have more than enough capacity. I have both a sump and a 10 gallon ATO reservoir. Still have to finish the plumbing but there will be unions on both return & drain so that they can be disconnected if I need to pull it all out.

 

[shcrimps]

heavy duty caster wheels locked in place should be able to hold a good amount of weight but they would also add a bit of height
you should still be able to move the sump freely in and out, just would need a way to lock it in place when it’s put back

 

[PharmrJohn]

To everyone who posted.......THANK YOU! I really appreciate y'all.