Sump/Refuge Other than Under Display Tank

Hi, is there any way other than a sump/refuge under my display tank. Maybe one next to my display tank or something like this. I think sump/ refugiums are cool to look at and would like to show it off as well. I would have to put a 9" wide sump/refugium in order to get it in the stand since it is so narrow. Also, if I decide to incorporate a sump in my stand will the width be sufficient? I have 44" long and 24" high to play with but only 9" wide (more interested in a sump next to display though).

 

You can put one wherever you like. My personal tank has drains to a sump through probably 50-60 feet of pipe in another part of the house altogether.

The thing you'll want to keep in mind is it's best to gravity feed your sump. You can't rely on a pump to drain to it and then another pump to drain out of it. Refugiums are also best if they can be gravity fed back into the main tank to maximize the possibility of live/intact critters making it back to the tank.

HTH

 

You could check craigslist or the classifieds for a 10 to 30 gallon tank and stand for cheap. Then convert it to a sump/refugium.

 

You can purchase a refugium made of acrylic that hangs on to your tank. I have one on my 125gallon as I have no room under my tank in the sump. It runs with a 120gph powerhead that continually feeds the water from the main tank into the refugium and then back into the main tank...what makes it nice is like you said, you can see it and everything that lives in it. You can and should add a small light(CORALIFE) 18watts to light it up at night and it will also assist you if you choose to add Macroalgae to the refugium as well.
As for the sump, you can have a sump that feeds into your main tank by placing it to the side or behind your tank, preferrably gravity fed, depending on the room and position of your tank. The main problem with this however, which is the main reason we have sumps under our main tanks hidden, is we are trying to conceil our equipment because it isn't something to really look at. You do want it to be easily accessible though for ease of cleaning etc.
I would look into a hang on refugium!!! You won't be disappointed.

 

Another good idea is to put the fuge and everything under your tank but create a door where only the fuge is visable.
So to the novice an aquarium under an aquarium.

 

I have my fuge next to my display tank and gravity feeds into my sump(which is under the display tank. My skimmer is in the sump and well..... it stinks pretty badly.