Stand too small for sump..help!

[Chad McCann]

hey everybody I’m new to R2R although been reading threads on here for awhile. I had a couple 50g FW growing up but recently picked up a 125g and want to go ahead with a FOWLR tank. But right out of the gate I noticed my stand has no space for a sump. Two cabinets that are on oppposite ends of the stand and each are only about 18 inches in width. What are some ideas to work around this problem? Only thing I can think of is having a sump beside the tank but I don’t want it out in the open. Thanks!

Chad

 

[theMeat]

Different stand

Through the wall into another room

Through the floor into basement

 

[KrisReef]

Hi Chad McCann
A picture or diagram would help people on here visualize the setup and someone will have a solution!

Welcome to R2r & Merry Christmas.

 

[Chad McCann]

I don’t have a pic of where I’m going to set it up yet. It’s currently in the garage but this is the stand I have. Looks great and I want to keep it I just have that sump issue.

It will be up against an exterior wall so I can’t go that route and I live on the beach so no basement.

It will be in the bedroom so possibly get another drawer or cabinet and gut it so I can put the sump in there?

And I plan on having a low bio load so do I need the sump or can I go another route for filtration? I will just need to perform more water changes right? Sorry if some of these questions sound dumb I’d rather ask a dumb question than assume the wrong answer.

 

[theKoolAidMan]

If it's a FOWLR you don't really need a sump though you would then need to be ok with your heater being visible in the display. Water quality will of course still be important, but you have a LOT more leeway just keeping fish and not corals so a sump would be far from a necessity. Hell, you don't need a sump even if you are keeping coral.

 

[fishyfishyfishy]

I have the same exact problem with my 125g however after looking I found a flex sump, it allows for 2 separate tanks vs one large one. I have not tried this yet but likely will soon. I need a Refgium in a bad way

 

[KrisReef]

Two sump boxes, if the stand is away from the wall you could plumb them together behind the stand? Overflow and skimmer on one side, and return pump on the other side and reactors, fuge, ATO? If they were connected below the water line it could work fairly simply.
I like the stand & tank also.
Again, Welcome to R2R!

 

[Chad McCann]

I have the same exact problem with my 125g however after looking I found a flex sump, it allows for 2 separate tanks vs one large one. I have not tried this yet but likely will soon. I need a Refgium in a bad way

That was another idea since I have to cabinets in my stand. What kind is your flex sump?

 

[Matthew Frost]

Can you cover the middle section with a sliding "barn style" door? That's one thought. The second idea would be DIY acrylic. Another idea is look into cube sumps.

 

[eggplantparrot]

Display Fuge!!!! functional and beautiful if done right

 

[Chad McCann]

Can you cover the middle section with a sliding "barn style" door? That's one thought. The second idea would be DIY acrylic. Another idea is look into cube sumps.

Ah cube sump sounds like a good idea. Would the skimmer still fit inside?

Also I’ve been doing research and think I’ll go with a Trigger systems sump. I’ve read lots of good stuff about them

 

[Chad McCann]

I suppose another issue with cube sump is volume but if my tank is low on bioload a small sump would work and at least make my tank look cleaner. I appreciate everybody’s input so far

 

[fishyfishyfishy]

That was another idea since I have to cabinets in my stand. What kind is your flex sump?

I was looking into the freedom flex I have not tried it yet but hope to very soon

 

[fishyfishyfishy]

I suppose another issue with cube sump is volume but if my tank is low on bioload a small sump would work and at least make my tank look cleaner. I appreciate everybody’s input so far

I think you can get around the volume issue using an overflow box but this will also make a auto top off necessary. The over flow box can be adjusted so to much water won’t flow in if a power outage occurs. I’m only going by what I have looked into, I have an odd shaped stand it’s not a 2 part but I only have a 48” opening for center compartment ant the width is 12” due to inset frame

 

[lbacha]

I’ve had this issue for a year now and my sump sits on the floor next to my tank as a result

 

[Chad McCann]

You would think a company wouldn’t sell a tank and stand of that size without a practical way to fit a sump underneath

 

[fishyfishyfishy]

I’ve had this issue for a year now and my sump sits on the floor next to my tank as a result

I was going to do that and put a table over it with a nice table cloth but my husband told me I could come up with something better than that

 

[Chad McCann]

If I didn’t use a sump what’s the next best method of filtration?

 

[Lowell Lemon]

If I didn’t use a sump what’s the next best method of filtration?

Tunze in tank filtration is your best bet. Skimmer and pressure filter with automatic water top off. No sump needed and is an excellent choice. Another solution is Eheim canister filtration with the built in heater in the canister. Internal Tunze skimmer with the Eheim canister filter. Great solution for your application.

Tunze Reef Pack 500 is what I would use for your set up. Available from Bulk Reef Supply or Marine Depot.

 

[theMeat]

Tunze in tank filtration is your best bet. Skimmer and pressure filter with automatic water top off. No sump needed and is an excellent choice. Another solution is Eheim canister filtration with the built in heater in the canister. Internal Tunze skimmer with the Eheim canister filter. Great solution for your application.

Tunze Reef Pack 500 is what I would use for your set up. Available from Bulk Reef Supply or Marine Depot.

While I agree these are some good ways to work around suiting a freshwater stand for saltwater... would sooner change the stand and not be severely limited from the get go. If you figure in how much time and effort will be saved, time to enjoy gained.... if you figure in cost over the lifespan of the tank, just wait until you go shopping for lights...

The way I see it is if it’s a small tank go simplest and easy and just plan on doing small easy frequent water changes. Less equipment and maintenance of it, clutter and cost. The bigger you go the less water changes the better. For a 125g would look for at least 55 gal sump