Supporting a Rimmed Sump

Hugh Mann · Oct 16, 2020

Picking up a sump tomorrow, so I can finally start setting up my big tank. This sump is approximately 140 gallons if my math is right. 4.5x2x2', half inch glass. It's got a rim top and bottom.

Anyways, it's going under my stand, which has 2x4s going across the bottom, if that makes sense. I can post pictures when I get home. Just wondering if I have to put something like plywood or sheet of acrylic under the sump to spread the weight, or will it be fine to sit on the 2x4s?

I assumed it would be fine, as the guy I bought the tank/stand had a sump underneath, but I don't know if it was quite as big/heavy.

JGT · Oct 16, 2020

Hugh Mann said:
Picking up a sump tomorrow, so I can finally start setting up my big tank. This sump is approximately 140 gallons if my math is right. 4.5x2x2', half inch glass. It's got a rim top and bottom.

Anyways, it's going under my stand, which has 2x4s going across the bottom, if that makes sense. I can post pictures when I get home. Just wondering if I have to put something like plywood or sheet of acrylic under the sump to spread the weight, or will it be fine to sit on the 2x4s?

I assumed it would be fine, as the guy I bought the tank/stand had a sump underneath, but I don't know if it was quite as big/heavy.

As long as you position it so it’s got equal support across the whole sump it should be fine. Make sure it’s got a 2x4 under each end if the sump. Worst case add them yourself.

Hugh Mann · Oct 16, 2020

JGT said:
As long as you position it so it’s got equal support across the whole sump it should be fine. Make sure it’s got a 2x4 under each end if the sump. Worst case add them yourself.

Should be doable. Don't know how I didn't think of that myself.

Since I am guessing it's going to be pretty damp down there, should I paint/stain to try and prevent warping, or is that just asking for bad juju to end up in my water?

JGT · Oct 16, 2020

Hugh Mann said:
Should be doable. Don't know how I didn't think of that myself.

Since I am guessing it's going to be pretty damp down there, should I paint/stain to try and prevent warping, or is that just asking for bad juju to end up in my water?

It’s not like the wood is going to be sitting in water or heavily doused with water so reg wood should be fine. If you are concerned then just use pressure treated 2x4’s. It’s under the sump so nothin will get in the water. I reinforced my stand with PT 4x4s. No issues.