tank and stand idea

[jrpsaros]

I'm considering making a 120 gallon and 50 gallon Freshwater tanks in a stand, with a 60 gallon sump. My idea is to build a 120 gallon at 4 ft. x 2ft. x2ft. and a stand for it. I then want to make the other tank and sump as one tank, so about 3.5ftx2ftx2ft and have a piece of plywood dividing the tank from the sump. One side of the divider would have a small section cut from the top to act as an overflow, the other side a hole with a bulkhead to pump water back into the tank. I'd then have a diagnal piece of wood separating a corner from the 120 gallon tank, acting as the overflow, with a hold leading straight to the sump, then use a spray bar to return the water. I've include a few quick models of my ideas, Would my split tank/sump idea work?

Heres the overall idea

Heres an isometric of the tank/sump idea

And this is a top view

Let me know what you think?

 

[jrpsaros]

I just thought about it, and decide to change the desing a little. The sump section on the far right, I'd have the divider go all the way to the top, and leave an inch or so open on the bottom. This way i could fill that first compartment with filter sponges, second with bioballs, then the third with a finer filter component. Any suggestions here?

 

[Conner]

Looks pretty good to me. How are you going to be maintaining the sump though? Access panels on the side/back of the tank/stand?

 

[jrpsaros]

Truthfully I didn't think that far ahead , now that I am, either on the left or right side, I'll just create a door or panel that can either be opened or removed to access the sump. I've never set up or used a sump, so i didnt think about having to get to clean the filter media etc.

 

[Conner]

You also might think about installing a glass panel in the back (showing the sump innards) so that you can easily see when media is dirty, and what the water level is.

I actually like the idea of the built in sump. Its very efficient, if you design it correctly.

 

[jrpsaros]

That's a good idea, but more glass is more money, but what kind of filtration media do you recommend, and in which chamber would you put them? Label from right to left 1 2 3. I'm thinking 1 filter foam, 2 bio balls, and 3 idk?