turning a seaclear wet/dry into sump

turning a seaclear wet/dry area into sump

Hello all, this is my first post. I have a 75 seaclear system II tank built into a wall so there is no room on the sides of the tank for a skimmer. The opening in the rear where the bio balls and drip tray are is only about 4" wide but is the height of the tank (obviously) and I have about 15" above the tank. I heard of some making teh wet/dry area into a mini sump area. I want to add a skimmer so I can make it into a reef tank or at least manage nitite levels but I can't figure out how to do it. I want to avoid driling holes in the tank and adding a sump below as that will be too much and I will lose valuable cabinet space below, well, my wife will . Any ideas are appreciated. Can email pics of setup if need sinc I don;t know how to post them. Thanks.

 

Welcome to 3reef first of all!!!
As for the sump and skimmer problem, you may need to have a hang on one if you have a space limitation and possibly use the are in the sump as a refugium.
I can't really picture what your tank set looks like without seeing pictures. Show some pictures so we can better assess what's going on and come up with some solution for you.

 

I added photos in the lmajor32 gallery. Hope it helps

 

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Jim

 

Yeah, you are stuck I think because there is no space. Your best bet is to purchase a hob skimmer and attach it to the back of your tank. Aqua C makes a Remora which is good to 75 gallons and it is an awesome skimmer and it only requires about 2.5 inches to fit between your tank and the wall.
You can add a refugium above your tank as well!

 

Thank you sop much for your help.

The wall is flush witht he back of the tank so hanging it off of the back is not an option unless I break out the wall, which I would rather not do unless I absolutly have to. Is there anything that can fit into that 4" X 14 opening since there are seperate chambers? I can remove the drip tray and bio balls.

Would that Remora be good enopugh if I made this into a reef tank?

 

Yes, it is strong enough for your tank as I have one on my 75 gallon tank as well!
Check out the dimensions of the the Urchin which is for a sump. The Remora is for a hang on. Both of them are made by AquaC. Have to check the footprint(dimensions of the unit) to see if it fits in the area you have alotted in your sump.

 

Funny you say that, I just came accross teh Urchin and Urchin pro model with the Mag 3. The size is only 3.25" so I think I can take out the bio balls and put it in there. Is there any other plumbing required with it or does it just sit in there? Can I assume the Urchin Pro will work as well as the Remora? Thanks again.

 

It should work just as well and the only thing I believe that you will need in addition to the filter is a pump. I don't know what size though. You'll have to ask on line or at your local pet shop. I would say something comporable to a Rio 900 I believe, but don't quote me on it.