Sump -- Floor is EVEN, but not LEVEL

Alfalfameister · 12/14/2011, 07:59 PM

I have a 72x18x18 (100 gallon) sump that will probably be only half full (50 to 60 gallons at one time, since it's just the sump).

I have had it about 3/4 full for two weeks or so (leak testing and all that).

This tank is on the floor (no stand), with 2" of styrofoam under the tank. The concrete floor is EVEN, but not level.

(Aside (and probably nothing to do with this post): I had to put shims on the stand of the display tank to make it even and level).

Rear left corner is a good 1.25" lower than front right corner.

Okay: if you use the "highest point" being the right front corner

Right front corner: POINT OF REFERENCE
Right rear corner (18" away): 1/4" lower (or less)
Left front corner (72" away): 1" lower
Left rear corner: 1.25" lower

The whole tank is on two 1" styrofoam (total 2"). I'm not too worried about aesthetics (sump will be hidden from view), but should I be worried about it not being level? It's basically flat/even, and moreso with the styrofoam, just not level. Plus, for the size of the tank, it will be only half full. And glass is either 3/8" or 1/2" (overbuilt), with braces [euro-braced] on both the top and bottom.

tkeracer619 · 12/14/2011, 08:59 PM

Why not make a 2x4 frame and shim that so the tank is level?

The tank is heavier on one side since its not level. The foam is going to settle uneven wracking the tank. This will stress the seams. Might not break but I wouldn't want it in my house.

tkeracer619 · 12/14/2011, 09:00 PM

Why not make a 2x4 frame and shim that so the tank is level?

The tank is heavier on one side since its not level. The foam is going to settle uneven wracking the tank. This will stress the seams. Might not break but I wouldn't want it in my house.

Alfalfameister · 12/14/2011, 09:23 PM

I did think about that suggestion, and it is an excellent one. My only worry is that it will take up vertical space -- the sump is under the display tank, and if I take away about 3+ inches (because of the 2x4), that is 3" less for a skimmer. Basically, that will raise the whole sump about 3+ inches.

However, I do thank you for that suggestion, and I will think heavily on that one.

tkeracer619 · 12/14/2011, 09:29 PM

Well you have it raised 2" now

Don't use 2x4 use 2x2 or whatnot.

Alfalfameister · 12/14/2011, 09:54 PM

I think I'll use a 2x2 or 2x3, shim accordingly, and still have 1" (instead of 2") styrofoam on top of the wooden "frame".

Thanks, bud!

tkeracer619 · 12/14/2011, 10:03 PM

What is it made out of?

1" is crazy thick.

Alfalfameister · 12/14/2011, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

What is it made out of?

1" is crazy thick.

You mean the tank? Glass. Also, double checked the measurements:

72" length, 20" width, 18" height, 1/2" thick glass. Eurobraced top (and also braced at the bottom).

As for the 1" styrofoam -- it's what I have on hand (and currently installed).

Anyway, checked height under the display tank, and even a 2x4 would present no problems for the skimmer I ordered -- with a few more inches (several, actually) to spare -- for easy removal of collection cup.

Alfalfameister · 12/15/2011, 12:03 AM

BTW, here is a pic:

I have leveled the stand, so the display tank is level, but the sump is just on the floor.

tkeracer619 · 12/15/2011, 12:34 PM

Looks good. Do a frame, sheet of ply, and a sheet of 1/2" foam.

Please use steel toe boots when moving tanks

.

Alfalfameister · 12/15/2011, 04:19 PM

That wasn't me in the pic... haha! That's the guy who built the sump.

Hey, tkeracer619, thanks for the tips and help!

Hagisan · 12/15/2011, 06:23 PM

Nice looking tank and sump.

Quote:

Looks good. Do a frame, sheet of ply, and a sheet of 1/2" foam.

+1 Good luck!

tkeracer619 · 12/15/2011, 07:00 PM

Hey no problem. Glad to help. If you see the guy again show him this. It's why you wear the steel toes. $30 at walmart or this...

jdm18honda · 12/15/2011, 07:42 PM

wow that sucks

sweet looking toes

12/14/2011, 07:59 PM	#1
Alfalfameister Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 135	Sump -- Floor is EVEN, but not LEVEL I have a 72x18x18 (100 gallon) sump that will probably be only half full (50 to 60 gallons at one time, since it's just the sump). I have had it about 3/4 full for two weeks or so (leak testing and all that). This tank is on the floor (no stand), with 2" of styrofoam under the tank. The concrete floor is EVEN, but not level. (Aside (and probably nothing to do with this post): I had to put shims on the stand of the display tank to make it even and level). Rear left corner is a good 1.25" lower than front right corner. Okay: if you use the "highest point" being the right front corner Right front corner: POINT OF REFERENCE Right rear corner (18" away): 1/4" lower (or less) Left front corner (72" away): 1" lower Left rear corner: 1.25" lower The whole tank is on two 1" styrofoam (total 2"). I'm not too worried about aesthetics (sump will be hidden from view), but should I be worried about it not being level? It's basically flat/even, and moreso with the styrofoam, just not level. Plus, for the size of the tank, it will be only half full. And glass is either 3/8" or 1/2" (overbuilt), with braces [euro-braced] on both the top and bottom.

12/14/2011, 08:59 PM	#2
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Why not make a 2x4 frame and shim that so the tank is level? The tank is heavier on one side since its not level. The foam is going to settle uneven wracking the tank. This will stress the seams. Might not break but I wouldn't want it in my house. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

12/14/2011, 09:00 PM	#3
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Why not make a 2x4 frame and shim that so the tank is level? The tank is heavier on one side since its not level. The foam is going to settle uneven wracking the tank. This will stress the seams. Might not break but I wouldn't want it in my house. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

12/14/2011, 09:29 PM	#5
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Well you have it raised 2" now Don't use 2x4 use 2x2 or whatnot. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

12/14/2011, 10:03 PM	#7
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	What is it made out of? 1" is crazy thick. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

12/14/2011, 09:23 PM	#4
Alfalfameister Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 135	I did think about that suggestion, and it is an excellent one. My only worry is that it will take up vertical space -- the sump is under the display tank, and if I take away about 3+ inches (because of the 2x4), that is 3" less for a skimmer. Basically, that will raise the whole sump about 3+ inches. However, I do thank you for that suggestion, and I will think heavily on that one.

12/14/2011, 09:54 PM	#6
Alfalfameister Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 135	I think I'll use a 2x2 or 2x3, shim accordingly, and still have 1" (instead of 2") styrofoam on top of the wooden "frame". Thanks, bud!

12/15/2011, 12:03 AM	#9
Alfalfameister Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 135	BTW, here is a pic: I have leveled the stand, so the display tank is level, but the sump is just on the floor.

12/15/2011, 12:34 PM	#10
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Looks good. Do a frame, sheet of ply, and a sheet of 1/2" foam. Please use steel toe boots when moving tanks . __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

12/15/2011, 04:19 PM	#11
Alfalfameister Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 135	That wasn't me in the pic... haha! That's the guy who built the sump. Hey, tkeracer619, thanks for the tips and help!

12/15/2011, 07:00 PM	#13
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Hey no problem. Glad to help. If you see the guy again show him this. It's why you wear the steel toes. $30 at walmart or this... __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

12/15/2011, 07:42 PM	#14
jdm18honda Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: jacksonville fl Posts: 327	wow that sucks sweet looking toes __________________ Chris from the middle of no where Current Tank Info: 110 rimless with 75 gallon sump/refuge and 24 gallon frag tank all custom by reef savvy

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