Wanting To Convert This Tank

[Keen4]

HI Guys! So I am new to reefing and have been learning a lot from threads and posting on here. My nano tanks are becoming exhausting and I want to convert my 50 gallon fresh water acrylic tank into a salt water aquarium. After selling my fresh water fish, Id like to know what you all suggest I would do to start this conversion. Sump build ideas, etc. I know I'll need to take it off of this antique sewing machine stand which is sadly really cool. I have been daydreaming about somehow making an Internal sump. Not sure how. Im up for full discussion. Thank you!!

 

[lapin]

Idea: Use hob filters and powerheads. This way you can avoid the sump and keep the stand.

 

[Halal Hotdog]

I have had drilled tanks with standalone sump and I have had HOB sumps. IMO drilling the tank and having a sump is a must. it makes life much easier. You never have to worry about developing an air bubble in the siphon. If planning correctly you never have to worry about flooding tank or sump. I like a sewing machine stand, but might not look the best if you go the way of a sump. You can keep all your equipment in there rather than HOB or in tank. You can also dramatically increase water volume which helps with stability.

 

[vlangel]

That is a cool stand, I can see why you are hesitant to ditch it. I have a 56 gallon column and used a HOB Aqua Clear 50 as my filter for a few years. There are HOB fuges which could probably hide the heater. If you are skilled at DIY, you could add a plexiglass partition that turned the aquarium into an AIO. Of course that makes the display area smaller but if you use black plexiglass it hides all the wires and equipment.

 

[Keen4]

Thanks for all of your input guys! Im gonna educate myself on sumps as my final decision to move the antique stand elsewhere in my home. I like the synergy brand so far. I dont have tools or space for diy which would be so much fun.

 

[Super Fly]

If u r interested in internal sump and since it's acrylic, it'd be easy to drill w/o worry of cracking and then u can add/connect a hang-on-back sump directly into tank. then u can also keep the stand. BRS sells them like this

Small AquaFuge2 Hang on Back Refugium with LED Lighting

AquaFuge2 External Hang On Back Refugium with LED lighting - Small Water Capacity: 2.5 gallons Dimensions (not including light): 13.5" L X 4.5" W X 12" T 7 Watt LED Light (12" x 1.25" x .5" light only) Includes NEW LED Lighting New Style Outlet Includes powerhead Refugiums are a great...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[Keen4]

If u r interested in internal sump and since it's acrylic, it'd be easy to drill w/o worry of cracking and then u can add/connect a hang-on-back sump directly into tank. then u can also keep the stand. BRS sells them like this

Small AquaFuge2 Hang on Back Refugium with LED Lighting

AquaFuge2 External Hang On Back Refugium with LED lighting - Small Water Capacity: 2.5 gallons Dimensions (not including light): 13.5" L X 4.5" W X 12" T 7 Watt LED Light (12" x 1.25" x .5" light only) Includes NEW LED Lighting New Style Outlet Includes powerhead Refugiums are a great...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I was just watching their videos on sumps! thank you this can be a good idea since im a beginner.