Help with a saltwater tank?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
K

kdv9tb

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 15, 2009
36
0
6
Houton, TX
So, I have had my 20 gallon nano up and running for 9 months, but that day has come and I want to upgrade. Problem is that I am still in college and do not have $200 to buy a sump. I was wondering if anyone here knew how to make a sump, and if I had to drill the tank to make it work properly?
I really like the footprint of a 36x18, and have looked at a 40 gallon breeder, but I want to get a tank that is deeper.
Any suggestions would be helpful on any tanks that would be good, or any ideas on a sump set-up.

Thanks in advance!
 
I'm pretty new to SW, but will share my thoughts...

A 40B is a great size. I have a "40 regular" with a 36"x15" base and love it. There's a user on AC named "greech" who has a great 40B set-up (not sure if he's active here on MFK or not)

I bought a sump, but it was pricey. There are steps online for making one, but I feel like that would also be pricey unless you have tools already and a place to get cheap acrylic.

You don't have to drill for a sump -- I used a HOB overflow box, which has been working fine.

I think you could do a pretty nice tank with a 40B, no sump, maybe 10g weekly WC......

Good luck!
 
I did a little more research on this, and I like that idea. The 40 is a good size to have in college, and overflow boxes are $50. I think I might just do that.

Thanks for the help. It made my decision much easier!
 
Overflows can be a pain to move...with a 40B I might just get the tank, some nice powerheads, a nice protein skimmer (aquaC), and buy their overflow box for a little chemical/mechanical filtration if you wanted it. If you are dead set on "filtering" your water you might consider an eheim. I just think that tearing down a sump...once maybe twice a year or more would be a pain.
 
So you are suggesting that I just run a canister filter on the tank? I already have a protein Skimmer (SeaClone 100). I know it is not the best, but it was all I could afford at the time. I will remain in the same place for the next year, so I do not have to worry about moving it. The skimmer hangs on the back, and also can be placed in a sump. The reason I want a sump is to hide all the equipment in it. The heater, skimmer and all the other stuff that I have on there right now. I just think it would be a much cleaner look.

I have a Rena XP2 that is not in use, but then I still have the same problem with the tank looking cluttered.

Does anyone else have any other ideas?
 
kdv9tb;4230109; said:
So you are suggesting that I just run a canister filter on the tank? I already have a protein Skimmer (SeaClone 100). I know it is not the best, but it was all I could afford at the time. I will remain in the same place for the next year, so I do not have to worry about moving it. The skimmer hangs on the back, and also can be placed in a sump. The reason I want a sump is to hide all the equipment in it. The heater, skimmer and all the other stuff that I have on there right now. I just think it would be a much cleaner look.

I have a Rena XP2 that is not in use, but then I still have the same problem with the tank looking cluttered.

Does anyone else have any other ideas?
Click to expand...

you could try to mod the seaclone so the heater is inside the skimmer?
 
Never thought of that... I am afraid it will melt the camber though. I guess I can always give it a try and see what happens.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom