picking a sump size

[alan j t]

hi all, im going to do a 72 bow as my first salty. the question I have is, what size tank can I squeeze in the bottom of my stand? seeing the dollar a gallon deal is happening soon, and craigs list also is a strong option. has anyone actually have accomplished doing a odd tank for size with a sump?
im thinking a 36 inch long tank 29 gallon im eyeballing on cl, but im not so sure I squeeze it under the tank. I don't want to buy a tank to later on find out it doesn't work for my needs.

[BillNye]

I'd start by measuring the area you have to work with beneath the tank. Then, if you're building yourself, make sure there is enough room to hold all of the necessary equipment (skimmer, return pump, etc).

[tennesseebob]

If it is a standard 29g then I think they are 30" not 36"

[Dkuhlmann]

Originally Posted by tennesseebob

If it is a standard 29g then I think they are 30" not 36"

correct they are 30"

[thegrun]

Without knowing the stand dimensions it is difficult to give you good advice.

[alan j t]

Originally Posted by tennesseebob

If it is a standard 29g then I think they are 30" not 36"

Right.the standard is 30.i found one that is 36 long 11 deep 17 i deep

[Dkuhlmann]

Originally Posted by alan j t

Right.the standard is 30.i found one that is 36 long 11 deep 17 i deep

A 40b is also 36 long and would give you more volume than that 29 besides it's only $40 at Petco this month during their $ per gal sale. Remember with a sump you're lucky to use 1/2 its total volume for it's purposes so that 40b will give you 5 gal more water than the 29.

[alan j t]

the 40 wont fit, the stand is not deep enough,
i wish i could show you a pic the stand at the rear, but its still running at the moment .

i should talk my wife into doing a 75 gal insead, then a 40b would fit easy.

[Cosmojo]

Get the biggest thing you can find that will fit, more water volume is always better.

[alan j t]

ya.....i kind figured that,

im looking for some one who has actually has done a sump in theis specific tank/stand. im worried about buying a tank, trying to squeeze it in the stand and not fitting. then im stuck with another tank i don't need collecting dust in my garage.

[Dkuhlmann]

Not to sound like a smart *** but do you have a tape measure?

[zoafarm]

I have a 20 gal sump under mine. I believe a 29 gal would fit. It's actually pretty tight in the standard stand. I would measure for sure...a 40 breeder wouldn't even come close to fitting.

Happy Reefing

[CStrickland]

Originally Posted by Cosmojo

Get the biggest thing you can find that will fit, more water volume is always better.

This. Just make sure to leave enough head space so you can reach in to empty you skimmer cup and clean out the sump easy.

[atraperegrinus]

Originally Posted by Dkuhlmann

Not to sound like a smart *** but do you have a tape measure?

this was my first thought, but I didnt want to say it because I knew it was going to sound mean no matter how ya say it. lol

like the others say, biggest you can fit. tape measure will be your friend.

[alan j t]

Originally Posted by zoafarm

I have a 20 gal sump under mine. I believe a 29 gal would fit. It's actually pretty tight in the standard stand. I would measure for sure...a 40 breeder wouldn't even come close to fitting.

Happy Reefing

Cool. Do you have a 72 bow?