DIY 55 Gallon Tank 10 Gallon Sump

NCMarineBiology · 11/14/2013, 10:01 PM

Hello All,

I have been a lurker on this site for years. Finally got an account with the creation of a 55gal tank w/ 10gal sump, yes it is small, at my house. This design is about as "rigged" as they come due to a short time span for construction and limited funds (200$). As you can tell by the photos most of the organisms are local species to NC.

I have about 5 years experience with tanks, and caretaking for local species as well as some tropical. This tank is not meant for anything past a holding tank before shipping them to local schools or to the NC Aquariums and something to keep me busy over the winter. It has been up for a couple weeks and levels (ammonia, nitrite) are beginning to settle out as I type this. Any ideas on how to improve the tank without blowing a good deal of money would be appreciated. I'm sure some of the short cuts I have taken will make many cringe. Anyway here is my creation:

http://imgur.com/a/px7M8

P.S. Sorry for the lack of corals, as previously stated this is mostly a holding tank for species caught here in N.C. by myself.

11/14/2013, 10:01 PM	#1
NCMarineBiology Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 6	DIY 55 Gallon Tank 10 Gallon Sump Hello All, I have been a lurker on this site for years. Finally got an account with the creation of a 55gal tank w/ 10gal sump, yes it is small, at my house. This design is about as "rigged" as they come due to a short time span for construction and limited funds (200$). As you can tell by the photos most of the organisms are local species to NC. I have about 5 years experience with tanks, and caretaking for local species as well as some tropical. This tank is not meant for anything past a holding tank before shipping them to local schools or to the NC Aquariums and something to keep me busy over the winter. It has been up for a couple weeks and levels (ammonia, nitrite) are beginning to settle out as I type this. Any ideas on how to improve the tank without blowing a good deal of money would be appreciated. I'm sure some of the short cuts I have taken will make many cringe. Anyway here is my creation: http://imgur.com/a/px7M8 P.S. Sorry for the lack of corals, as previously stated this is mostly a holding tank for species caught here in N.C. by myself.