build, buy, or bust... sump for a small tank

SeeCrabRun · 08/26/2014, 06:21 PM

I've been going back and forth on this for a while. I decided to build a sump, then decided I don't need one, then semi build, then buy, then... You get the drift.

I could really use some opinions.

I'm running a 29g FOWLR on a 20L-29g cabinet, so I don't have a lot of room in the bottom. To add to that the power supply is inside the cabinet on the wall and while I plan to move it some, I can't actually move it anywhere but up a few inches. The wall the tank is on is kind of an island and aside from putting the tank in the kitchen uncomfortably close to food, this wall is the only place I have for the entire tank setup.

So a standard 10g tank does not fit due to the outlet. A 5g does but what good is that? Anything deeper won't work due to the cabinet. I found a frameless 11g that according to the website should literally for like a puzzle piece. Not sure if that's a good thing to try since I'm stuck if it doesn't work and it costs $67. If I did go that route though I'd need to find someone to cut glass baffles as our Lowe's and home depot don't offer glass cutting. I've talked to 2 glass places and they offer 1/8 and 1/2 inch thickness. Neither of which will work I don't think?

I considered having glass cut to make my own tank but again those are my only 2 thicknesses locally and they are $3.50 and $5 a square foot plus cutting fee (it wasn't much but I can't remember what it was). Though Lowe's and home depot carry 3/32" that they may cut for me and I could special order a different size but that is just going to add up $$.

Then I've looked at prebuilt sumps. I've had a hard time finding options and have only seen 3 different brands. Is that really all there is? Since most of them are just a standard tank size with the sump parts attached, they won't work, but I did find 1 that seems on paper like it would actually work. The aqueon proflex 1, but it is $180...

So then I think I should do without, but my equipment is driving me insane. I have a hang on refugium, but my tank has to sit close to the wall so it isn't a hang on back, it hangs on the side. It keeps getting run into and the water splashes everywhere and eventually it's going to break. I don't have a skimmer yet because along with the heaters and power heads, fuge and light there isn't room for much unless I want to put it on the front of the tank.

So I don't think no sump is the way to go, but I feel like I'm running in circles with these ideas.

Sorry if I rambled, I have a head cold too. Thanks

08/26/2014, 06:21 PM	#1
SeeCrabRun Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 552	build, buy, or bust... sump for a small tank I've been going back and forth on this for a while. I decided to build a sump, then decided I don't need one, then semi build, then buy, then... You get the drift. I could really use some opinions. I'm running a 29g FOWLR on a 20L-29g cabinet, so I don't have a lot of room in the bottom. To add to that the power supply is inside the cabinet on the wall and while I plan to move it some, I can't actually move it anywhere but up a few inches. The wall the tank is on is kind of an island and aside from putting the tank in the kitchen uncomfortably close to food, this wall is the only place I have for the entire tank setup. So a standard 10g tank does not fit due to the outlet. A 5g does but what good is that? Anything deeper won't work due to the cabinet. I found a frameless 11g that according to the website should literally for like a puzzle piece. Not sure if that's a good thing to try since I'm stuck if it doesn't work and it costs $67. If I did go that route though I'd need to find someone to cut glass baffles as our Lowe's and home depot don't offer glass cutting. I've talked to 2 glass places and they offer 1/8 and 1/2 inch thickness. Neither of which will work I don't think? I considered having glass cut to make my own tank but again those are my only 2 thicknesses locally and they are $3.50 and $5 a square foot plus cutting fee (it wasn't much but I can't remember what it was). Though Lowe's and home depot carry 3/32" that they may cut for me and I could special order a different size but that is just going to add up $$. Then I've looked at prebuilt sumps. I've had a hard time finding options and have only seen 3 different brands. Is that really all there is? Since most of them are just a standard tank size with the sump parts attached, they won't work, but I did find 1 that seems on paper like it would actually work. The aqueon proflex 1, but it is $180... So then I think I should do without, but my equipment is driving me insane. I have a hang on refugium, but my tank has to sit close to the wall so it isn't a hang on back, it hangs on the side. It keeps getting run into and the water splashes everywhere and eventually it's going to break. I don't have a skimmer yet because along with the heaters and power heads, fuge and light there isn't room for much unless I want to put it on the front of the tank. So I don't think no sump is the way to go, but I feel like I'm running in circles with these ideas. Sorry if I rambled, I have a head cold too. Thanks __________________ Sara ~ Perpetually tinkering with my tanks.