I recently did some swaping around of tanks as my flatmate purchased a 6'x2'x2'tank. I thought I would share the process of converting my old 2' into a sump. Any ideas would be apreciated (so I know what to do for next time).
I started with a pre built tank so the structure was already there. I then cut glass baffles and siliconed them to seperate the media. I suggest
doing it this way if you have never made tanks before, and you want to learn. This way you are not siliconing anything that needs structure. I was suprised at how little time it took. The space beetween the 2 main baffles is determined by the ease of cleaning. Make it as big as you can afford, as it will need to be cleaned eventually. The small horrizontal baffle that runs off the second baffle is to keep the water flow from digging a hole in the sand in the main section.
The sump media consists of $20 worth of pio cubes, and a block of aquarium foam as a pre filter. I will be using 2x 20mm drains, and a 2500 litre/H pump to get the water back up.
The bulkheads for the main tank have been modified to suit the glass bracing at the top. I have taken about 9mm off the inside flange.I will let you know how they seal (fingers crossed). I have heard from some people not to use silicone on seals, but I have yet to have a problem (shart, I said it).
The Mangrove Jack and Sailfin Goldspot will be spending atleast 24hrs in a 50 litlre storage container. It mite be a bit over the top, but im going to put the internal filter from the tank in with them. I will also run an air line under the media from the hang on filter and place it in the bottom of the holding container. I also have a spare heater to keep things warm (winter here in AUS).
I plan on drilling the holes this week, so i'll post the finished pictures when Im done. Make sure to check back for ideas on things not to do. Im sure to stumble across the majority of it.
Oh, dont pay any attention to the dates on the photos. You may be able to see on the last photo that the tank was a tight fit under the stand. With so many little things like that working out, Im bracing for the storm....
SketcH
Enjoy
I started with a pre built tank so the structure was already there. I then cut glass baffles and siliconed them to seperate the media. I suggest
doing it this way if you have never made tanks before, and you want to learn. This way you are not siliconing anything that needs structure. I was suprised at how little time it took. The space beetween the 2 main baffles is determined by the ease of cleaning. Make it as big as you can afford, as it will need to be cleaned eventually. The small horrizontal baffle that runs off the second baffle is to keep the water flow from digging a hole in the sand in the main section.
The sump media consists of $20 worth of pio cubes, and a block of aquarium foam as a pre filter. I will be using 2x 20mm drains, and a 2500 litre/H pump to get the water back up.
The bulkheads for the main tank have been modified to suit the glass bracing at the top. I have taken about 9mm off the inside flange.I will let you know how they seal (fingers crossed). I have heard from some people not to use silicone on seals, but I have yet to have a problem (shart, I said it).
The Mangrove Jack and Sailfin Goldspot will be spending atleast 24hrs in a 50 litlre storage container. It mite be a bit over the top, but im going to put the internal filter from the tank in with them. I will also run an air line under the media from the hang on filter and place it in the bottom of the holding container. I also have a spare heater to keep things warm (winter here in AUS).
I plan on drilling the holes this week, so i'll post the finished pictures when Im done. Make sure to check back for ideas on things not to do. Im sure to stumble across the majority of it.
Oh, dont pay any attention to the dates on the photos. You may be able to see on the last photo that the tank was a tight fit under the stand. With so many little things like that working out, Im bracing for the storm....
SketcH
Enjoy
