I'm going to rip my hair out!!!

[bluemerle]

That's the problem with 55s no width and thin glass. I would venture myself as well, drill it and install an internal overflow box. Have the sump custom made it shouldn't cost much as long as you can fit it under the stand without having to remove the aquarium. The easiest route though would be to get the overflow/aqualifter combo and go from there. Its a straightforward approach column A or column B lol

The glass is a schoche under 1/4 thick, is that considered thin? I am deff not going to drill, I just can't risk it I can see it now. I'm going to try to go with the overflow etc.

 

[stingythingy45]

Just get an Eshoppes overflow.
I ran one on a 55 gallon for close to a year.
It was the Eshoppes 600 I believe.
They come with a 1 inch bulkhead with a hose barb for one inch hose.

 

[diverbh4]

I think you have found me my new sump/fuge with that video haha

 

[JayM]

I had a 3-section custom acrylic sump setup for under my 72. The drain split and fed the 2 outside sections (1 refugium, 1 cryptic), which drained into the center chamber, where I had a skimmer and the return pump.

Worked well....

I still use the 2 outside sections in my system now, and could probably be convinced to part with all 3 of them for a reasonable trade. If you're at all interested, I can go stick a tape on them to see if they will fit in your stand.

I would STILL drill the tank.

 

[UncleJT]

I would STILL drill the tank.

I would STILL hold off and be patient a bit longer til you can upgrade to a real tank. A 55 honestly isn't worth all this hassle.

 

[JayM]

I'm a**-U-ME-ing the 55 is going to stay. Of course, it should be immediately upgraded to a 240

With my recent extended out-of-work (6 months) period, I've been living under this weird reef concept....a budget. I actually haven't bought a new tank in 2009 ::

 

[UncleJT]

I'm a**-U-ME-ing the 55 is going to stay. Of course, it should be immediately upgraded to a 240

Assuming makes an a** out of U and ME. She had stated earlier she'd be upgrading so this is why I am going down this skimmate colored road.

Someday, when I upgrade this will all be done before hand.

However, looking back, she used that god-awful phrase "someday" so I guess it might not be as imminent as I had hoped or thought. Regardless, I still hate wasting time and resources on 55G tanks. ::

For the record, 55's don't have to be upgraded to 240's. In fact, downgrading them to 40 Breeders would be a significant improvement.

 

[JayM]

Assuming makes an a** out of U and ME. She had stated earlier she'd be upgrading so this is why I am going down this skimmate colored road.


However, looking back, she used that god-awful phrase "someday" so I guess it might not be as imminent as I had hoped or thought. Regardless, I still hate wasting time and resources on 55G tanks. ::

For the record, 55's don't have to be upgraded to 240's. In fact, downgrading them to 40 Breeders would be a significant improvement.

ZING! Point taken, JT

 

[bluemerle]

Hmmm...okay all points taken into consideration. I will not be upgrading in the near future, which in fact reminds me of so many downgrading their tank size so I think I will stick with my 55 for a bit if anything upgrading to something deeper in back to front..not height...depth.

Jay M..take a measure for me, I am not going to drill the tank, nope not gonna do it ...I don't have much in livestock but I do make candles and lots of great smelly things...and put out a great product...hmmmm? lol...

I did find a 10g tank on CL so far the measurements seem to in line..10 depth(front to back), 20 long and 12 deep, would this be duable as a sump/ref or do I need a bigger tank?

 

[UncleJT]

I did find a 10g tank on CL so far the measurements seem to in line..10 depth(front to back), 20 long and 12 deep, would this be duable as a sump/ref or do I need a bigger tank?

bluemerle: I'll make this easy.

Step 1 - Order up a overflow box and return pump.
Step 2 - You+Me+WalMart+HomeDepot=Perfect Combo for finding a sump and plumbing everything up.

I would not go with a 10G tank. Get the largest plastic tub that will fit inside your stand and call it a day.

 

[JayM]

honestly, 10 gallons isn't going to give you much space....especially if you want to run an internal return pump, and a skimmer.

 

[bluemerle]

bluemerle: I'll make this easy.

Step 1 - Order up a overflow box and return pump.
Step 2 - You+Me+WalMart+HomeDepot=Perfect Combo for finding a sump and plumbing everything up.

I would not go with a 10G tank. Get the largest plastic tub that will fit inside your stand and call it a day.

Lmao..okay but:

1. You have to commit to my learning curve.

2. I have my eye on two overflows..

3. You have to accept a great BBQ in return, six pack, bottle of wine or whatever in return for the help.

 

[bluemerle]

honestly, 10 gallons isn't going to give you much space....especially if you want to run an internal return pump, and a skimmer.

Yep..getting that point now. See that's what frustrates me..why won't a 10g work? I need to know why..and why would a 20g work for a 180g (just an example) but a 10g won't work for my measly 55g? See what I'm asking?

 

[UncleJT]

why won't a 10g work?

Too small, physically, to accommodate all the relevant hardware.

and why would a 20g work for a 180g (just an example)

They don't. Plain and simple. I know of no successful 180G systems with 20G sumps on them. My 40G system has a 20G sump on it. When regarding sumps, you need to forget about what size sump it is. Instead, concentrate on finding the largest size vessel that will fit comfortably inside your stand and has the room to hold all your equipment.

 

[bluemerle]

Too small, physically, to accommodate all the relevant hardware.


They don't. Plain and simple. I know of no successful 180G systems with 20G sumps on them. My 40G system has a 20G sump on it. When regarding sumps, you need to forget about what size sump it is. Instead, concentrate on finding the largest size vessel that will fit comfortably inside your stand and has the room to hold all your equipment.

Instead, concentrate on finding the largest size vessel that will fit comfortably inside your stand and has the room to hold all your equipment.

Obviously width is important then what...deep or length? You didn't know what you were getting into dealing with me did you? I'm like that two year old.."why?" "why?"

 

[UncleJT]

Obviously width is important then what...deep or length? You didn't know what you were getting into dealing withe me did you?

When talking with a woman, there is no correct way to answer this question. Maybe we should take this to PM?

Seriously. The biggest sump you can fit in the stand is ideal. You want to have ample room for all the relevant hardware. You want to maximize all dimensions as best as possible.

 

[bluemerle]

When talking with a woman, there is no correct way to answer this question. Maybe we should take this to PM?

Seriously. The biggest sump you can fit in the stand is ideal. You want to have ample room for all the relevant hardware. You want to maximize all dimensions as best as possible.

I'll ignore the woman quote..lol..we just need reasoning is all..I'll see what I can find tomorrow. Otherwise I'll pm you with what I have found so far in the am...

Thanks again JT I really do appreciate all of your efforts.

 

[delta]

Since Marc is here today might as well plug his site and his solution for a 55 gallon sump

http://www.melevsreef.com/55g/55sump.html

 

[JayM]

sweet setup. The stand under my 72 was broken into 3 compartments, but other than needing pipe to connect them, my old design was very similar

 

[stingythingy45]

honestly, 10 gallons isn't going to give you much space....especially if you want to run an internal return pump, and a skimmer.

Exactly.
All the evaporation will be translated to the sump.In the winter time this can be a significant amount.If you don't have an auto top-off this could spell disaster.Make sure you go with something as mentioned,as big as will fit under the stand.