Custom sump help for custom stand

I got this 75 gal tank with custom stand and canopy from a friend. The stand and canopy need a little cosmetic work but the tank is perfect.



The problem with the stand is that there is no place for large sump/fuge. The two side sections measure 12"x17"x24" (LxWxH) each and the middle section measures 20"x16"x27" (LxWxH).

I wanted to use 20L or 29 for sump but I need to take the stand apart to place it under the tank. So, I have to use two tanks (10gal and 5gal), drilled and connected by a few couplers. Do you see any potential problem? Am I better of using just 10 gal for skimmer and return pump without fuge area?

K for better suggestions. :thumb_up:

 

Well Aung, one issue I can see is that 10g glass tanks are not easy to drill. Maybe you can use rubbermaid totes or acrylic tanks?

Unless you are going to make covers for the "working" part of the reef down below, you might want to use glass or acrylic to make it look nice.

 

you can put 2 five gallon bucks on the back the flow into the center tank just another idea

 

I have seen a few IO bucket fuges and they work great with a bulkhead put in the side for drainage.

 

Tom, the doors for the stand are hidden in the drawing to get clear view of the sump. I'm also thinking the same thing about drilling small tanks. I might take them to glass shop to get them drilled, while getting glass baffles from them.

 

Are you going to drill the display tank?

If you are I would suggest the Bean Animal overflow. We just drilled a 125G tank and the system works great.

This may be out there but I would use the two outsides for the skimmers section and the return pump section. I would move the doors to the outsides to cover them. I would then use the middle section for a cool fuge and put a mantis shrimp in it.
I personally like the way fuges look if you trim them up and keep the glass clean. There is a lot of life to look at in the fuge.

This design would let you have a bigger fuge. You could make a door that goes above the fuge to hide the light.

C.J.

 

I'll use overflow from my current tank. At least that's the plan. Thanks for the heads up.

I'm planning to use the third section as control panels for the ballasts, switches, timers, etc.

 

id remove the two center boards and replace them w/2x4(2front2back).that would give you all the room/support you need. then paint to match or skin over whole stand

 

i can tell you that i had huge issues trying to connect 2 tanks under my 55. i was trying to connect 2 10 gallon tanks. kept cracking tanks. i think it was cause i was using hard pvc, not flexible tubing. in hindsight seems like a simple fix. i gave up and decided to get a 90 ;D

 

There are 2x4 in the middle section next to two boards. I could cut a large hole in the right center board but it is still a challenge to put the sump in because the top surface is closed.

I'm thinking to use bulkheads and flexible vinyl tubing.