How Small can a Sump be and still work?

I have a 29 gal. glass aquarium (see signature) and would like to build a sump to increase water volume, relocate filter and add a protein skimmer. Problem is I only have space in my stand for 13.5" W X 11.5" D X 25" H. The height is OK, of course, but do the other two dimensions leave enough space for a wet/dry filter & protein skimmer, pump, etc.? (obviously no refugium). The rather cheaply built stand has a full depth center support that I don't want to remove. If the available space is insufficient, I would rather get a different stand.

 

if u build it ,it will fit

I have had to build sumps as small of a footprint as 10x10 . If u can find someone to make u one . the 10x10 i buit had a hang on skimmer . the last one i mad hung from the back of the tank .it was 24Lx4Wx16D. It bin up and runing for 2 years and the guy i made it for loves it .

 

I used a 10 gallon on my 20 long and wish I could have gone bigger. It's full of stuff now.

 

Thanks to Ginny & Matt. I expect I will quickly outgrow my entire system and want to upgrade to bigger everything. Meanwhile, I will get some experience from building the sump and the idea of an HOT skimmer is great. Do either of you have any recommendations re: components? How about an AquaC Remora skimmer? Also, any designs you can share for a small sump? I have designs for larger ones that I guess I can scale down if necessary. Thanks again.

 

hey JP sound like you have the right idea incresing water volume. i did the same for my reef but i built a refugium instead. i used a cheap ten gallon tank i got from a lfs and had a glass place cut me some plates which i glued into place. better than buying some acrylic masterpeice. and aquac remoras make great hot skimmers, its what i run on my fuge. good luck ;D

 

for a 10x10 sump i went to a candy store and asked if they had old candy bins. the bin where 10x10 .just what i needed . i will try to dig up the DIY and post then .

 

I have an Aqua C Remora and love it. It doesn't put out alot of water per hour but that enables the water that is in the remora, to really be cleaned as far as waste, etc.
By the way welcome to 3reef.!!!