Sump Stand Ventilation

PirateLove · 10/17/2016, 09:24 PM

HI RC! Do Sump cabinets need to be ventilated? My sump currently has two large openings in the back, each about 6 inches by 30 inches. I was wanting to screw a board to the back of my stand so I can mount more equipment but then there will be no openings in my cabinet... Is this ok? Thanks for any help. Hope I explained everything correctly.

PBAF · 10/17/2016, 09:43 PM

If the inside of your stand is sealed, you'll probably be fine.

I sealed the entire sump area of my stand with Thompson's Water Seal.

Sinn Sage · 10/18/2016, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PirateLove

HI RC! Do Sump cabinets need to be ventilated? My sump currently has two large openings in the back, each about 6 inches by 30 inches. I was wanting to screw a board to the back of my stand so I can mount more equipment but then there will be no openings in my cabinet... Is this ok? Thanks for any help. Hope I explained everything correctly.

You want some ventilation down there or you will just be building a sauna.

The openings are for power cords, hoses, and such to pass through from the stand.

Ron Reefman · 10/18/2016, 05:47 AM

Also, is the inside of your stand finished with something that will hold up against the high humidity and salty film that will build up if you close it up?

FamilyTank · 10/19/2016, 05:16 PM

In my sump stand build,I plan on mounting computer fans blowing in to the cabinet at the bottom and venting out the opposite side top.

Flaring Afro · 10/20/2016, 08:29 AM

Yeah, without ventilation you could easily end up with algae/mold growing in there. Also, having good ventilation means you will have more oxygen dissolving into the water.

jacksonpt · 10/20/2016, 10:04 AM

There are 2 reasons to vent a stand and/or canopy (for those still using them, seems like everyone is running rimless these days)... heat building and moisture. Stands don't *usually* need to be vented for heat, but moisture can be an issue.

PirateToast · 10/20/2016, 10:33 AM

Eh, you're probably fine covering it up, most of those things are pushed up against walls anyways. The opening in the back is more for the convenience of wiring. You could just add a beam for mounting if you're worried.

10/17/2016, 09:24 PM	#1
PirateLove Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Lexington,KY Posts: 511	Sump Stand Ventilation HI RC! Do Sump cabinets need to be ventilated? My sump currently has two large openings in the back, each about 6 inches by 30 inches. I was wanting to screw a board to the back of my stand so I can mount more equipment but then there will be no openings in my cabinet... Is this ok? Thanks for any help. Hope I explained everything correctly. __________________ "Pirate love, is what I'm looking for. Pirate love, is what i'm wanted for." Current tank: Cad Lights 42 versa. Kessil AP700. Some Sps and Lps.

10/18/2016, 05:47 AM	#4
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	Also, is the inside of your stand finished with something that will hold up against the high humidity and salty film that will build up if you close it up? __________________ The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017

10/20/2016, 10:04 AM	#7
jacksonpt Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Vestal, NY Posts: 3,679	There are 2 reasons to vent a stand and/or canopy (for those still using them, seems like everyone is running rimless these days)... heat building and moisture. Stands don't usually need to be vented for heat, but moisture can be an issue. __________________ Jackson - All advice I give is based on my first hand experience. YMMV. Current Tank Info: 38g (mostly LPS) with a 20g sump/fuge and all the other standard goodies

10/17/2016, 09:43 PM	#2
PBAF Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: LA Posts: 19	If the inside of your stand is sealed, you'll probably be fine. I sealed the entire sump area of my stand with Thompson's Water Seal.

10/19/2016, 05:16 PM	#5
FamilyTank Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Downriver,Mi Posts: 226	In my sump stand build,I plan on mounting computer fans blowing in to the cabinet at the bottom and venting out the opposite side top.

10/20/2016, 08:29 AM	#6
Flaring Afro Puffer Geek Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 325	Yeah, without ventilation you could easily end up with algae/mold growing in there. Also, having good ventilation means you will have more oxygen dissolving into the water.

10/20/2016, 10:33 AM	#8
PirateToast Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 537	Eh, you're probably fine covering it up, most of those things are pushed up against walls anyways. The opening in the back is more for the convenience of wiring. You could just add a beam for mounting if you're worried.