Standard 55g glass tank as sump
- Thread starter cbeitel
- Start date
Now be careful and learn the distinction of what volume can fit under your stand, and what volume can be PUT under your stand. I've done this a few times where the area under the stand was more than adequate for the tank in question, but there was no physical way to get the tank in there due to braces in the middle or something which makes you wish you stayed awake in trig class 
Well, Thats a good point. I can get it into the stand, but this is a 140, built in. Once in, its mostly permanent! I can squeeze it in from the end, but it will later be surrounded by framing. Here's a pic...
The center brace will have to be removed if it ever needs to be taken out of the wall. But I figure the tank is the same way...
Stand is 60x18x43
Thoughts?
The center brace will have to be removed if it ever needs to be taken out of the wall. But I figure the tank is the same way...
Stand is 60x18x43
Thoughts?
Attachments
I am using a 60 gal acryl tank as sump, but that is because I already have it around, and I build the stand wide enough for it.
You glass sump should work. Can be a pain if you don't have enough space to work around or inside once it is inplace if you have a low stand like mine.
You glass sump should work. Can be a pain if you don't have enough space to work around or inside once it is inplace if you have a low stand like mine.
How big is the 55 tank in question? 3feet or 4? I have a long 50 (4 feet) but I"m unsure what the standard is for 55s. It might be an issue.
If you want to be sure simply use some throwaway lumber and build a rectangular box the dimensions of the tank and see if you can slide that in, that'll let you know if it's going to be a permanent fixture or not
If you want to be sure simply use some throwaway lumber and build a rectangular box the dimensions of the tank and see if you can slide that in, that'll let you know if it's going to be a permanent fixture or not
hmmm, I don't think you'll be able to get that tank inside that stand then (and be able to remove it if you need).
If you absolutely want it, what I would do is replace all those vertical pieces along the back (I assume that's the front I see?) and replace them with removable pieces. Basically the studs just floating vertically with metal brackets holding them that you can unscrew and remove one if need be if you have to remove the sump. Having atleast 2 vertical studs should more than adequately hold up against downward force if you remove one.
If you absolutely want it, what I would do is replace all those vertical pieces along the back (I assume that's the front I see?) and replace them with removable pieces. Basically the studs just floating vertically with metal brackets holding them that you can unscrew and remove one if need be if you have to remove the sump. Having atleast 2 vertical studs should more than adequately hold up against downward force if you remove one.
Thanks for the comments guys.
The tank will definately go under the stand (inserted through end), BUT once in, it won't ever come out because this stand is going into the wall (the framing you see behind it). I am thinking about making the center support removable. Just in case. The key is keeping the stand strong enough, and clean enough because there will be cabinet doors installed.
Keep in mind the stand you see is part of a built in...
The tank will definately go under the stand (inserted through end), BUT once in, it won't ever come out because this stand is going into the wall (the framing you see behind it). I am thinking about making the center support removable. Just in case. The key is keeping the stand strong enough, and clean enough because there will be cabinet doors installed.
Keep in mind the stand you see is part of a built in...
Cbeitel,
I think the 55 will work out fine, but I've thought of a few more things that might affect your decision.
All of them revolve around the clearance for getting into the sump to service things when it is in place. You stated the stand is 43" tall. I assume that is from floor to the top of the plywood you plan to sit the show tank on. The working space inside the stand will be considerably less. Looks like you would loose 2" from the floor to the top of the plywood you plan on setting the sump on. Looks like you'd also loose 4" from the top. If the sump tank is 21" tall that would leave you 16" of working space to get things in/out of the sump. That might not be a problem, but it might be if you plan on placing a skimmer in the sump. Also, consider how well you will be able to access things in the furthest corner of the sump. My stubby little forearm is only 17" from elbow to finger tip. I'd have problems reaching the bottom and back corners of the sump.
Another consideration is the width of the 55 gallon - 13". Again you might want to consider skimmer dimensions.
Sorry if these seem like silly things to consider. You might want to stick your arm in the 55 and see how well you can reach things on the bottom and back corners. Hate to say it, but I'd probably sacrifice some volume and go with a 30 gallon breeder (36" long, 18" wide, 13" tall), or build something out of acrylic.
Sincerely,
-Sci
I think the 55 will work out fine, but I've thought of a few more things that might affect your decision.
All of them revolve around the clearance for getting into the sump to service things when it is in place. You stated the stand is 43" tall. I assume that is from floor to the top of the plywood you plan to sit the show tank on. The working space inside the stand will be considerably less. Looks like you would loose 2" from the floor to the top of the plywood you plan on setting the sump on. Looks like you'd also loose 4" from the top. If the sump tank is 21" tall that would leave you 16" of working space to get things in/out of the sump. That might not be a problem, but it might be if you plan on placing a skimmer in the sump. Also, consider how well you will be able to access things in the furthest corner of the sump. My stubby little forearm is only 17" from elbow to finger tip. I'd have problems reaching the bottom and back corners of the sump.
Another consideration is the width of the 55 gallon - 13". Again you might want to consider skimmer dimensions.
Sorry if these seem like silly things to consider. You might want to stick your arm in the 55 and see how well you can reach things on the bottom and back corners. Hate to say it, but I'd probably sacrifice some volume and go with a 30 gallon breeder (36" long, 18" wide, 13" tall), or build something out of acrylic.
Sincerely,
-Sci
I have a 55 gal high as a sump, I think the best thing about it is the height, even though its hard to clean and all because its so deep, bubbles tend to rise before they get to the end where the pump return is...
I realize your not using one now, just wanted to add that in.
I realize your not using one now, just wanted to add that in.
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