build the sump tank or buy it

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R

rotccapt

Candiru
MFK Member
Jun 7, 2009
311
11
48
oklahoma
hi all i will be building a new sump for my 120 gallon tank. my question is should i build the sump or buy a tank and install baffels? my stand measuers 24"X48" and is 26 inches tall built with 2x4's.

so with the center brace on the long sides it would be easer to install a sump through one side. this limets me to a max width of 14 inches and a max lenght of 40 inches. so i have a 24"x45" sheet of 1/2 inch acrylic and two 24"x24" sheets of 1/2 inch acrylic that will be left over from the tank when i replace it with glass.

so if i build the sump i was planning on using the acrylic that i have and buying another piece of 3/8 acrylic for the sides of the sump. my planed dimensions will be 12"x38" and 12 inches tall. going with these diminsions i will only need to buy one 24"x48" piece of 3/8th acrylic with i have priced at 50 bucks.

so i was looking online and a 20 gallon long tank is almost the same size as the sump i am planning and i can get it for 30 bucks. so i am thinking that i should just go with the 20 gallon long tank and then use the 1/2 inch acrylic i have for the baffels. i know that 1/2 inch is way overkill but i already have it so it will save money
 
For me I would just find a 20 gallon tank, looks around for a used one for super cheap or what not. Craigslist :thumbsup: Either way your going to make it how you want it. The main frame is just that,
 
well after some number crunching and a bit of a redesign on the stand i have found that i can fit a 40 gallon long tank in so i have decided to try and get a seaclear 40 gallon acrylic tank to use as a base for my sump i found them online for 180 shipped but im going to check with my lfs before ordering i will then use the acrylic that i have to make the baffles with. i will be gluing them in with "weldon 4"
 
Sounds like you have a good plan. Make sure to take some pics. I am planning on trying a DIY sump in the near future for a 125g, and would love to see what you end up doing.
 
I would be searching craigslist - since it is for a sump and doesn't need to be pretty you can probably find a tank that would work well for under $50.
 
build. it's more fun. aka "hobby"
:D
 
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