Basement Stock Tank Compact Sump Set-UP

[rezaktp]

Here are a few photo's of a stock tank set-up that does not take up a lot of space! Still need to do some clean-up of routing dosing tubing and wires but it is functional.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss220/rezaktp/DSC_5391.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss220/rezaktp/DSC_5396.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss220/rezaktp/DSC_5394.jpg

[rezaktp]

Bill, Take a look at this set-up!

[szwab]

Looks good! Nice job on fitting a lot in a small space. My fish room is small as well :) Is that your furnace next to the system? If so I'd be concerned with the possibility of rust/corrosion from splash and humidity over time.

[tlpmyd]

reza nice set up can you explain which bulkheads are feeding what?

[dtrm]

Same as szwab, the only place for my set up is next to my furnace in utility room. Need fresh air vents or dehumidifier? How long have you had this set up running? Do you realy need that chiller, temp should be colder in the basement?

[dtrm]

I would also like to see some GFI outlets

[rezaktp]

OK so to answer your questions, looking at the top photo:

1. On the right hand side of the cart just below the handle are 2 4x4 electrical boxes. There is one GFCI in the top one and the other 3 duplex outlets are on the same GFCI for a total of 8 outlets. This is duplicated on the back side of the cart also. I split my devices between the 2 GFCI's so that if i do get a trip, I will not loose everything.

2. As far as the bulkeads go I will do my best to explain, again looking at the top photo:
a. On the lower left side of the stock tank this line feeds the pump-->chiller---> UV filter mounted under the top shelf----> returns to the stock tank on the front left midway up.
b. The bulkhead on the lower fron center feeds a Iwaki 70 return pump for my 100g tank, there is also another bulkhead in this same position on the back side that feeds an Iwaki 100 return pump for a future 180g tank.
c. The skimmer pump and reactor pump are submirsible and are in the stocktank, near the filter sock inlet.

I run about 20 gallons in the sump and another 10 gallons in the fuge. When I do a water change I first add 20 gallons let it all mix for about 2 hours, then I drain 20 gallons. This system works well for me. It is nice and compact yet very accesible for maintenance. I cannot imagine trying to fit all of this under a tank!

As far as near the furnace, I have had this up for about 2 years and see no rust at all, the system if pretty contained with no splashes (unless i do something stupid).

I was even thinking of mounting my dosers on the cart so everything would be self contained.

[USF Nealio]

Is that a Matco Tool cart? lol

[rezaktp]

It is a rubermaid tool cart, got it on ebay for around $100.00!

[dtrm]

How about a pic of dt that this is feeding?

[tlpmyd]

reza what drill/bit did you use to make those holes in the rubbermaid?

[rezaktp]

I had a hole saw kit from Home depot!

[tlpmyd]

what size hole saw fitting did you use and did you replace the original bulkhead that comes with the stock tank? i hear they leak?

[rezaktp]

Get the bulkhead first, then get the correctly sized hole saw. I used the bulkhead that came with it, it had a few drips orriginally but it stopped on its own. If I was putting in a new one I probably would replace it.

[tlpmyd]

Reza with the hole you made for the bulkhead on the one side how did you get the nut tight enough not to leak since it's on a slight curve?? Was silicon used at all or did you use a washer on both sides ???

[rezaktp]

Nothing else was used just the washer that came with the bulkhead. I did use the heavy duty bulkheads from Bulk Reef Supply.

[tlpmyd]

And with the slight curve of the stock tank it didn't leave a tiny gap by the nut of the bulkhead???

[tlpmyd]

ok so just as my last post states lol i fill my sump up and the two holes i drilled for extra bulkheads leak, so now i really need some brainstorming help, what should i do? i tighting the nuts as much as i can, and still leaks, i took all the water back out the sump but should i just try to silicon the outside of the bulkheads? or both sides? funny enough the stock bulkhead didnt leak at all, just my luck lol please help guys thanks in advance!

[milonedp]

tlpmyd, did you ever get this resolved? I'm interested in building a sump using a Rubbermaid tub but sealing the bulkheads has been my biggest concern.

[sbeason]

I used a heavy duty bulkhead and also silicone on the tank side to make up for any gaps that might be from the curve of the stock tank. I have the 100g rubbermaid as my basement sump and have had no leaks at all. I simply plugged the original bilkhead hole and made the new hole.

-Steve

[Malign Reefer]

Thats alot going on in a small area. :bigeyes: