Sump questions

[nzafi]

Couple questions folks as I am newb with sumps.
1) I have a RJ stand and want to put a 65g sump inside it. Do I have to worry about the weight of the tank inside the stand? All I can see if the board it will sit on, but that board does not sit on the floor so I don't know if there is a concern of 150-180lbs sitting on that area instead a stand.
2) How much clearance should I aim for? A 65g tank is 24in tall and my stand is 30in tall. Is 6 inches enough? I am gong to be doing a lifereef overflow so I will be using tubing versus PVC probably.

Thanks!

 

[ragin_cajun]

I don't know. My sump sits on the floor, but it's a lot bigger than yours.

If your sump is 65 gallons, and it's half full of water, it's gonna 240 pounds of water, another 20 pounds for the weight of the tank, another 20 pounds for heater, pump, bio-media, etc. You're talking about 300 pounds now.

If the board the sump sits on inside the stand is reinforced underneath it with 2X4 cross beams (terms?), then it'll support it. If not, it won't. Just look at it and make your best guess.

How much clearance--hard to say not knowing how you want to plumb the drains and returns. BUT....I'll say this....I don't think I could get much done in a sump with only 6 inches of clearance.

You need more than 6 inches.

 

[duanes]

The height of the sump, and its clearance from the bottom of the tank depend on if you can get in easily to do maintainence, and get the equipment you want into the sump. The pump is sometimes the largest piece you need to fit, but getting arms in to pull out media, or socks is also important, if its too much trouble, if mainanence can be a chore, it may be slacked off on. You may also need to pull out the pump for cleaning the impeller or volute.
Try the tank down in place when dry, see how it feels, and how contorted you need to be getting arms in far places.
I sometimes put sumps off to the side to make maintainence simple if there is space.
I also figure there are pieces I might think are not needed now, but might want to try later.
Biotowers, fluidized beds, etc etc, I always like to have enough room for future options.
This is one reason I don't like to glue in divider sections, or make permanent compartments.

 

[DN328]

What is an "RJ Stand"? Good points made above also.


EDIT: Nevermind, found "RJay's" stands, assuming it's the same.

 

[nzafi]

Thinking of dropping down to a 29g sump due to weight and size but not sure that would work.

 

[jsodwi]

What size tank are you trying to filter? I'd run some 2x4s or something to support the weight of the dump

 

[nzafi]

It's a 180g. It's filled and sitting on the stand. I cannot drain and refill to reinforce the stand for a sump. If that is needed I'll stick to the hob filters.

 

[jsodwi]

Can you send a pic of bottom of stand? If it's that particle board bottom, cut it out and let the sump sit on the floor

 

[nzafi]

Here are two pics. You can see it is particle board. When I push on it I can tell it is not sitting flat on the ground. However I don't think it's far from the ground, probably 1/2in or so. My guess is it is not safe to put it on there. I need to see if there is support somewhere else in the stand. These are popular stands and I can't be the only one that asks his. Might just call the company.

 

[ragin_cajun]

I don't think you have any 2X4's under the plywood bottom of the stand to support a sump with water in it. There's no vertical 2X4's in the corners. And I think it's stapled together.

Not definitive from a pic on the Internet...but I wouldn't try a sump full of water in that stand. You should probably reinforce it, or build a new one with plenty of clearance and the sump sitting on the floor.