Before I Plumb This ..... Sump Size?

[Easto]

I have a 75 gal 48" long display.

The current tank I have for a sump is a 40 gal 48" as well.

I have begun to build the stand and I got thinking that I might want a smaller sump. I know most of what I have read says to keep as big as a sump as you can, but if I were to do a 36" sump that will give me room beside the sump for some other items currently and down the road.

thoughts?

 

[reef keeper]

You tank is 18" wide but how wide is the sump? I'm a big believer in packing as much water into the system as possible. I have a 6 ft 125 gallon under my 6 ft 220 gallon. I have room for a couple of reactors in front of the sump because my tank is 30" wide.

What other stuff are you planning to add? The TLF reactors can hang on the sump and brs reactors will screw to the inside of the stand.

If you have an option I'd build a shelving unit beside the stand where you can have part of it open to the underside of the stand so that you can add stuff there and then have storage for food nets etc.

Even though all my shelving units are huge I get the feeling they will fill up lmao

 

[Easto]

Ok, is it best to push the sump to the back of the stand and put the extra equipment in front of it?

I was thinking that the best option would be to have the equipment beside the sump.

I built my stand extra deep, deeper than my tank. That way I can drill a couple holes in the top of the stand and drop my plumbing down into the sump. Then I can have the stand close to the wall without all the plumbing visible.

For equipment so far I have:
- Apex Jr
- BRS Dual Reactor

I was just thinking about long term making sure once it's set up I can get away with adding things or taking things away without having to tear it all down.

 

[Easto]

Second question:
The BRS reactor came with a Maxi jet pump. It gets mixed reviews about having enough power to properly supply the reactor.

If I wanted to tap into the return line to divert some water to the reactor, what fittings do I need?

One of these? :

 

[unibob]

Yep that would work. You are building a "return line manifold"

Google has quite a few examples. This being one :

They are feeding there lines using barb fittings vs quick connect.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[reef keeper]

I'm looking at adding one of those potentially. You need to upsize your return pump if it's too small.

The risk building your stand extra deep is the support on the back of the tank. Upsize the top frame to 2x6 and use 2x6 legs with a 2x4 bottom. That's way overbuilt but better safe than sorry.

The maxi jet 1200 will run that reactor ok but the manifold is a better idea. Instead of a little fitting like that you may just want to T it off and feed that way.

I would put all my reactors rtc at the front (I did this). Don't put the apex under the stand. It will corrode too fast.

 

[Easto]

I made the top frame out of 2x6, the bottom frame is 2x4.

Each corner has 2, 2x4 supports in an "L" shape. There is also a middle support at the back.

The stand is only an extra 5" deep to allow the plumbing to be dropped down.

 

[reef keeper]

That's fine. I assume you have cross supports running from the front of the top to the rear (like deck stringers or joists). Cover the top with plywood too if you want. I painted my stand with 2 coats of primer. I switched to KILZ after the first coat. Covers much better. It will also keep the stand in great condition and protect everything from rot and corrosion.

 

[Easto]

This is what I have so far

Ignore the mountain of kids toys.

 

[reef keeper]

Put a plywood bottom on it and ROLL OUT

 

[Easto]

Im going to do some maple ply on the top and side. Regular ply on the bottom. Finish it off with some trim.

My wife won't let it leave this spot unless it looks nice.

 

[reef keeper]

Use the cheap 3/4" on top and bottom. That maple ply is just beautiful once it's varathaned.