Rookie mistake-sump space too small

Bill_Moorman · 08/06/2018, 11:27 AM

I have been trying to figure out how to make this happen since January. When I built my stand, I WAY overbuilt it. Think 4X4s framed in between 2X6s. I didn’t even think to make the sump space bigger because I assumed, “Eh it’s big enough for a 40gallon tank so a 20 will surely fit below it.”

Because I made the dimensions off of the 40b, and didn’t think about how the 4X4s will take up room in the sump cabinet, all I can fit through the door is a 10g. I want to use a 20L, but the issue is I can’t fit it in due to the 4X4s.

I have a few thoughts, and aren’t sure which route to go down:

1.) Building a stand to fit everything and then draining and moving the tank over. Obviously the inherent risk with this is a tank crash from draining the tank.

2.) Building a cabinet and placing it next to the current stand and plumbing the sump from there.

3.) Living with what I have because everything is going fine.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

neilp2006 · 08/06/2018, 11:34 AM

I’d remake the stand. Just use 3/4” plywood and forego the 4x4’s altogether. If you want a frame, you could make it out of 1x3’s and skin it in 3/4” ply- it’ll take a 40b very comfortably made that way.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bill_Moorman · 08/06/2018, 11:41 AM

I think my biggest concern is the move...

I would think netting the two clowns I have and placing them in a qt for a bit and then draining all of the water out would allow me
to move the tank without much problems. I honestly wouldn’t even remove the corals/rocks/sand as they should be fine out of water for the time it takes to move from one stand to the other and refill.

Would you do a 100%WC or save 50% in buckets?

Is that a solid idea or no?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

AlSimmons · 08/06/2018, 11:41 AM

I would just stick with the 10 gallon tank and call it a day. You might not have enough room to add a Refugium, but this isn't really a necessity anyway. Just keep it simple and you should be fine. GL.

lolgranny · 08/06/2018, 12:29 PM

#2 option HANDS down. You can hold all your crap in there and make it look super clean. Plus easy access to your skimmer and if you ever need to clean the sump.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

lolgranny · 08/06/2018, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill_Moorman

I think my biggest concern is the move...

I would think netting the two clowns I have and placing them in a qt for a bit and then draining all of the water out would allow me
to move the tank without much problems. I honestly wouldn’t even remove the corals/rocks/sand as they should be fine out of water for the time it takes to move from one stand to the other and refill.

Would you do a 100%WC or save 50% in buckets?

Is that a solid idea or no?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Refilling , getting salinity , and temp correct are your biggest concerns. You don’t want to mix salt and a hour put them in imo. Saving some water wouldn’t hurt, you could get a brute trash can and empty it into there then pump it back in. As long as you get this all taken care of you should be good to go

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bill_Moorman · 08/06/2018, 12:39 PM

@lolgranny you make a good point. Easiest to do would be to build the sump in another cabinet.

I’ll keep y’all updated.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dainese954 · 08/06/2018, 12:59 PM

Custom sump

lolgranny · 08/06/2018, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill_Moorman

@lolgranny you make a good point. Easiest to do would be to build the sump in another cabinet.

I’ll keep y’all updated.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You could even do a bookshelf or something that ties in with your furniture. Just have spot on the bottom for your sump / whatever else you may need. Will end up looking super clean after you’re all done.

Good luck!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

alton · 08/07/2018, 06:10 AM

My first tank I made the rookie mistake of thinking I needed 2 x 6 's and 3/4" plywood to hold up a 135 gallon tank. Over the years I have only used 3/4" plywood or 3/4" oak hardwood to hold up my tanks including a 300DD.

mcgyvr · 08/07/2018, 06:19 AM

WAY overbuilt is an understatement

Buy a sheet of 3/4" ply as stated by Alton and rebuild stand to fit a 40b under your 40b and be very happy with that setup..

Floowid · 08/08/2018, 07:28 PM

I love a way overbuilt stand. You did great work on that one, it would be a shame to discard it. If you can get your hands on a 16 gallon high, its the same dimensions as a common 10 gallon just 4 inches taller. I would find a 16H and use that for the sump.

Hnguyen85 · 08/08/2018, 08:14 PM

I would rebuild it. I just finished this stand for my 40 breeder, modeled it after my red sea reefer tank. It's more than enough to hold a 40 breeder. This also gives me a lot of room for sump and equipment in the cabinet.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Joe0813 · 08/08/2018, 08:25 PM

rebuild like others said

saveafish · 08/08/2018, 08:42 PM

Looking at that it should hold about 26,000lbs A lil over built there unless your parking a semi on it.

Hnguyen85 · 08/08/2018, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saveafish

Looking at that it should hold about 26,000lbs A lil over built there unless your parking a semi on it.

It's got more support than the load bearing wall I just removed from my basement. I'm serious about that too.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

lolgranny · 08/08/2018, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hnguyen85

I would rebuild it. I just finished this stand for my 40 breeder, modeled it after my red sea reefer tank. It's more than enough to hold a 40 breeder. This also gives me a lot of room for sump and equipment in the cabinet.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

What did you make this out of?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hnguyen85 · 08/08/2018, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolgranny

What did you make this out of?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Melamine, 1 sheet was enough to build the whole stand with doors. It's built to the same height and style as my red sea reefer stand. I'm hoping that way the wife will let me keep it next to my reefer 525xl.

Bill_Moorman · 08/08/2018, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saveafish

Looking at that it should hold about 26,000lbs A lil over built there unless your parking a semi on it.

Haha I know I know. I just didn’t want it to crash on me.

I am still trying to decide whether to rebuild or not...leaning to not rebuild, rather, build a cabinet to the left of my tank and plumb a new sump into the tank.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bill_Moorman · 08/08/2018, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floowid

I love a way overbuilt stand. You did great work on that one, it would be a shame to discard it. If you can get your hands on a 16 gallon high, its the same dimensions as a common 10 gallon just 4 inches taller. I would find a 16H and use that for the sump.

Thanks for the compliment. I definitely love the look, just not the sump cabinet.

I really want to gain more width, as the height is already close to being too high, which is why I am not using a normal 20. That would fit, but I love the footprint of the 20L.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bill_Moorman · 08/08/2018, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

WAY overbuilt is an understatement

Buy a sheet of 3/4" ply as stated by Alton and rebuild stand to fit a 40b under your 40b and be very happy with that setup..

Now this is an idea I could get behind....

Out of curiosity...would that think of plywood really support the weight? I see the pre made stands at the store and I always fear how flimsy they appear.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

saveafish · 08/08/2018, 10:25 PM

Take out the 4x4"s and use 2x4"s you'll have a easy fix you can do it with the tank on it one by one just support each corner as you do it. Each corner on the 40g has lil over 100lbs on it.

Bill_Moorman · 08/08/2018, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saveafish

Take out the 4x4"s and use 2x4"s you'll have a easy fix you can do it with the tank on it one by one just support each corner as you do it. Each corner on the 40g has lil over 100lbs on it.

See I don’t think that’s quite feasible. I’d have to cut them out.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

saveafish · 08/08/2018, 10:35 PM

Oh no. No un-screwing them.

Bill_Moorman · 08/08/2018, 10:35 PM

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

08/06/2018, 11:27 AM	#1
Bill_Moorman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Pueblo, Colorado Posts: 188	Rookie mistake-sump space too small I have been trying to figure out how to make this happen since January. When I built my stand, I WAY overbuilt it. Think 4X4s framed in between 2X6s. I didn’t even think to make the sump space bigger because I assumed, “Eh it’s big enough for a 40gallon tank so a 20 will surely fit below it.” Because I made the dimensions off of the 40b, and didn’t think about how the 4X4s will take up room in the sump cabinet, all I can fit through the door is a 10g. I want to use a 20L, but the issue is I can’t fit it in due to the 4X4s. I have a few thoughts, and aren’t sure which route to go down: 1.) Building a stand to fit everything and then draining and moving the tank over. Obviously the inherent risk with this is a tank crash from draining the tank. 2.) Building a cabinet and placing it next to the current stand and plumbing the sump from there. 3.) Living with what I have because everything is going fine. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

08/06/2018, 12:29 PM	#5
lolgranny The DQ King Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Chicago (McHenry) Posts: 2,414	#2 option HANDS down. You can hold all your crap in there and make it look super clean. Plus easy access to your skimmer and if you ever need to clean the sump. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ -Dave Current Tank Info: 40g RIP. 300g system, 180g display.

08/07/2018, 06:19 AM	#11
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	WAY overbuilt is an understatement Buy a sheet of 3/4" ply as stated by Alton and rebuild stand to fit a 40b under your 40b and be very happy with that setup.. __________________ Who me?

08/08/2018, 07:28 PM	#12
Floowid Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Centerville, UT Posts: 712	I love a way overbuilt stand. You did great work on that one, it would be a shame to discard it. If you can get your hands on a 16 gallon high, its the same dimensions as a common 10 gallon just 4 inches taller. I would find a 16H and use that for the sump. __________________ 75 gallon mixed reef

08/08/2018, 08:25 PM	#14
Joe0813 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Boston strong Posts: 2,766	rebuild like others said __________________ Joe and Jenny Current Tank Info: 180 reef

08/06/2018, 11:34 AM	#2
neilp2006 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 312	I’d remake the stand. Just use 3/4” plywood and forego the 4x4’s altogether. If you want a frame, you could make it out of 1x3’s and skin it in 3/4” ply- it’ll take a 40b very comfortably made that way. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

08/06/2018, 11:41 AM	#3
Bill_Moorman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Pueblo, Colorado Posts: 188	I think my biggest concern is the move... I would think netting the two clowns I have and placing them in a qt for a bit and then draining all of the water out would allow me to move the tank without much problems. I honestly wouldn’t even remove the corals/rocks/sand as they should be fine out of water for the time it takes to move from one stand to the other and refill. Would you do a 100%WC or save 50% in buckets? Is that a solid idea or no? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

08/06/2018, 11:41 AM	#4
AlSimmons Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: California Posts: 2,482	I would just stick with the 10 gallon tank and call it a day. You might not have enough room to add a Refugium, but this isn't really a necessity anyway. Just keep it simple and you should be fine. GL.

08/06/2018, 12:39 PM	#7
Bill_Moorman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Pueblo, Colorado Posts: 188	@lolgranny you make a good point. Easiest to do would be to build the sump in another cabinet. I’ll keep y’all updated. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

08/06/2018, 12:59 PM	#8
Dainese954 Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 45	Custom sump

08/08/2018, 08:14 PM	#13
Hnguyen85 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 108	I would rebuild it. I just finished this stand for my 40 breeder, modeled it after my red sea reefer tank. It's more than enough to hold a 40 breeder. This also gives me a lot of room for sump and equipment in the cabinet. Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

08/08/2018, 08:42 PM	#15
saveafish Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: indiana Posts: 873	Looking at that it should hold about 26,000lbs A lil over built there unless your parking a semi on it. __________________ If it was'nt for the sea I could not see or sing ( Jimmy Buffet ) I like to glue animals to rocks and put disturbing amounts of electricity and saltwater next to each other Reefing is'nt how long you been in it. It is how deep you get in it. Current Tank Info: 400g display build, 300g sump, 75g ATO, 75g refug and a few more. Close to a 1000g. 200g mixing station.

08/08/2018, 10:25 PM	#22
saveafish Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: indiana Posts: 873	Take out the 4x4"s and use 2x4"s you'll have a easy fix you can do it with the tank on it one by one just support each corner as you do it. Each corner on the 40g has lil over 100lbs on it. __________________ If it was'nt for the sea I could not see or sing ( Jimmy Buffet ) I like to glue animals to rocks and put disturbing amounts of electricity and saltwater next to each other Reefing is'nt how long you been in it. It is how deep you get in it. Current Tank Info: 400g display build, 300g sump, 75g ATO, 75g refug and a few more. Close to a 1000g. 200g mixing station.

08/08/2018, 10:35 PM	#24
saveafish Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: indiana Posts: 873	Oh no. No un-screwing them. __________________ If it was'nt for the sea I could not see or sing ( Jimmy Buffet ) I like to glue animals to rocks and put disturbing amounts of electricity and saltwater next to each other Reefing is'nt how long you been in it. It is how deep you get in it. Current Tank Info: 400g display build, 300g sump, 75g ATO, 75g refug and a few more. Close to a 1000g. 200g mixing station.