Sump tank..

[Reef_Tank_Fan_SC]

So I have decided that I am going to build a sump tank for my 55 gallon display out of a 10 gallon tank I picked up at a yard sale. I was wondering if there were any post on here where someone had already built one that I could look over? I'm just curious for dementions an whatnot. I know that my Reef Octo skimmer requires 6-8" of water but I still need to think of a way to put in a filter from the return out of the overflow box. (Yes, I didn't drill my tank) also wondering how much space is really needed for the refugium compartment before I get into the return pump section. I know this is kind of a jumble of crap in here but I got a lot of questions and didn't know exactly where to start. Thank for any and all help you guys give.

 

[Reefing Madness]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/feedback-on-10g-sump.266562/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/my-diy-10g-sump.254107/

 

[don_chuwish]

I'm sure it was cheap, but go bigger if you have the space. A 20 Long makes a nice size for a 55G display. Lots of baffle kits available too.

 

[Reef_Tank_Fan_SC]

I'm sure it was cheap, but go bigger if you have the space. A 20 Long makes a nice size for a 55G display. Lots of baffle kits available too.

That is what I have now. The 10 gallon tank measures 20" L×10W"×12H. I think it will do good and it is a perfect fit in my space. I couldn't go bigger under there even if I wanted to.

 

[don_chuwish]

I meant 20 gallon, but if 10 is all that fits then there you go! The 10 gallon kits are cool too.

 

[Reef_Tank_Fan_SC]

I meant 20 gallon, but if 10 is all that fits then there you go! The 10 gallon kits are cool too.

Yeah, unfortunately I decided on a corner tank and stand and in hindsight it wasn't the best call I've ever made. There just isn't any room in the stand to work with honestly. Guaranteed that when I upgrade to a bigger tank I will be going rectangular for sure.

 

[Reef_Tank_Fan_SC]

So my protein skimmer finally came in and I can start working a serious plan for this sump. First thing I noticed when I opened the box is that the Reef Octopus 110 classic is freaking huge (take up a 3rd of the tank almost) so I knew right then that the five idea was out the window. So now I will have a incoming drain line (with filter) the a compartment with the skimmer and follow that with the return pump compartment. My question is so I need bubble traps still if the water is only moving across 2 barrels before going back into the tank?

 

[Reef_Tank_Fan_SC]

Fuge* not five.. dang you predicted text.

 

[JoshH]

Did you ever give a thought to building your own sump out of acrylic? Might be ideal to get the most out of the available space you have under the corner tank and maybe squeak a fuge in as well. Would cost a bit more but I'm sure would be a fun project as long as you have the tools.

 

[beaslbob]

On my old 55g I used a storage container with the long dimension for and aft sticking out the back. It was just wide enough to fit on the right side of the stand. It only cost $5 and the hob drain was directly above the part sticking out the back. So the plumbing was just straight down.
One thing I which I had done was have a separate smaller container for the sump. Other than that it did work.

my .02

 

[Reef_Tank_Fan_SC]

Did you ever give a thought to building your own sump out of acrylic? Might be ideal to get the most out of the available space you have under the corner tank and maybe squeak a fuge in as well. Would cost a bit more but I'm sure would be a fun project as long as you have the tools.

I have actually but I would only.be able to make it taller and that won't help me with the current delima. Only thing that could help is about 5" more length. LoL

 

[mdlc805]

i have the same skimmer in my 20 long sump and it takes up a bunch of space id recommend no refugium section maybe filter sock section skimmer section and return section. then you can add a hang on back refugium this might fit your space.

 

[Reef_Tank_Fan_SC]

i have the same skimmer in my 20 long sump and it takes up a bunch of space id recommend no refugium section maybe filter sock section skimmer section and return section. then you can add a hang on back refugium this might fit your space.

Do you mind if i adk how you like it, the skimmer that is? This is my first reef tank so i really do know how to judge it. Right no i just have it running wide open to cycling through the break in period.

 

[mdlc805]

this is my second skimmer. my first was an eshopp psk 75 and it is night and day with this thing. its simply awesome on my 40b i have a total of 9 fish and it gets to a little more than half full in a week with dark skimate. one thing i did notice is that when i do water changes it goes crazy but i dont think that is unusual because it bets bumped and moved around when im servicing the sump area. what i do to combat this is shut it off and turnit all the way down.when im i turnit on and slowley turn the level up so it doesnt go crazy

 

[Reef_Tank_Fan_SC]

I am in the process of putting my baffles into my sump and have a question. Are bubble trap absolutely necessary? I have a very simple sump mind you. It is where the overflow drains in, then to the skimmer section, then to the return pump section. I have very limited room under my stand (corner stand ) so I had to go with a 10 gal tank under it. If I need the traps then I can put it in, I was just wandering if it is absolutely necessary with so little movement. Thanks for your help guys.