Kaplanm Posted May 18, 2013 Share Posted May 18, 2013 So my tank gets delivered tomorrow, but I checked it out in the store. I fell prey to one of the classic blunders, only slightly less know than never get involved in a land war in Asia. I failed to get complete specs on the stand prior to purchasing the tank. So instead of having room for a 20gal sump I find I only have room for maybe an 8 or 9 gallon sump. I'm hoping someone has an idea. The space measures 16" X 16" X 18"ish. I want to squeeze in a refugium, protein skimmer, auto top-off, and heater elements. There are small shelves to either side of the cabinet, maybe 4" X 8". I figured I could use one of those for a reservoir for the top off. Any thoughts? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I497 using Tapatalk HD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerTy Posted May 18, 2013 Share Posted May 18, 2013 I appreciate the Princess Bride reference... put the topoff reservoir outside the stand and decorate it so it doesn't look so out of place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaplanm Posted May 19, 2013 Author Share Posted May 19, 2013 Made the judgement call. I returned the stand. I'm going to get ahold of DSA to see if they can custom build a stand that works, but failing that, does anyone know a good cabinet maker who could do a custom stand locally? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I497 using Tapatalk HD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaplanm Posted May 20, 2013 Author Share Posted May 20, 2013 Great news! Contacted DSA and if turns out the stand that was shipped to me was an old model. They're sending a new one that will hold a 20 gallon sump. Hopefully arriving on Thursday. Photos will follow soon. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I497 using Tapatalk HD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Planeden Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 That's cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaplanm Posted May 28, 2013 Author Share Posted May 28, 2013 So I once again find myself in a jam. While the stand now fits the 20gal tank, it would require excessive clearance behind the tank (8") in order to jockey its removal. I see three options. 1). Put the sump in so that it cannot be removed. 2). Place the tank excessively far into the room. 3). Scale the sump back to a 10gal. Am I dooming myself by forcing the sump to be static? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I497 using Tapatalk HD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaplanm Posted May 30, 2013 Author Share Posted May 30, 2013 Decided to go with the sump I can't remove. I only intend to be in this apartment for a year and then it's on trio bigger and better. I'm willing to gamble that in a year an off the shelf standard tank won't fall. Sump design and u u trial pics will be posted tomorrow. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I497 using Tapatalk HD 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esacjack Posted June 1, 2013 Share Posted June 1, 2013 i opted for my sump never to move I went ahead and took the liberty of strengthening the seals/joints with silicone. It's ugly, but it wont leak! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaplanm Posted June 4, 2013 Author Share Posted June 4, 2013 First photos. Empty tank. Let the games begin. Hopefully I'll have water in it by the end of next week. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I497 using Tapatalk HD 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Planeden Posted June 4, 2013 Share Posted June 4, 2013 Nice looking tank. Good luck with the build. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaplanm Posted June 9, 2013 Author Share Posted June 9, 2013 Getting ready to make a big hardware buy, thought I'd get some thoughts. I'm planning on LPS/SPS for this tank. Reliability is tantamount to budgetary reasons. I'm in an apt. and trying to minimize risk as much as possible. My tank has a single drain and dual returns.Right now I'm looking at a pair of 50W Jager heatersA Mag Drive 9.5 return pumpa Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel for 65 Gallon and a pair of 36" Build My LEDs. My big ??s are would a Eheim Compact+ 3000 return be better, or would a Reef Octopus 4" Needle Wheel be better for a skimmer? I know I'll need some additional circulation, I've just not decided quite yet on what I'm planning to do for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.