Thoughts on using this tank as a sump?

[Titania]

I've got this weirdo old acrylic tank that is too scratched to be used as a display tank any longer. I'm in need of a sump for my 210, and thought maybe I could use this instead of a perfectly good 55 gal.

The acrylic tank is approx 55 gallons. It's basically two 27 gal tanks connected by two tubes.

Thoughts? It would certainly be a convenient tank to set up as a sump. All of the media could be housed in one half, and the heater/pump, etc housed in the other.

Some pics (not mine, but identical tank) to give an idea of what this thing looks like:

 

[andres]

WOW very interesting.. I'm not really a sump expert but it looks like it may work. You may want to plug up the top hole so the water does not skip through your bio media.

 

[RBE17]

What diameter are those tubes? The only problem I could see is the water now being able to flow fast enough through the tubes. You might have to tweak your flow rates, but I would definitely use it.

 

[Titania]

What diameter are those tubes? The only problem I could see is the water now being able to flow fast enough through the tubes. You might have to tweak your flow rates, but I would definitely use it.

I'm not at home to take a measurement, but I'd estimate they're 6" in diameter. I *think* flow won't be a problem, but that was my concern, as well.

 

[jr monster fish]

Cant you buff out acrylic? You might not want to use it as a sump if you can. Just a thought.

 

[Slim2634]

I saw one of those tanks years ago at the local petsmart. I think it would be fine.

 

[Gator]

That would be awesome to use as a sump. Your idea for the filtration on one side and heater and pump on the other is great. If tis a 6" pipe then you'r not going to have any flow problems for a pump thats filtering a 210. A 6" pipe if it has an inside dimension of 5.85-5.95" can have the flow rate of about 500 gpm and there are two of them if the flow is too much which I seriously doubt.

 

[crisper]

Sounds like a great plan. Keep us posted.

 

[CHOMPERS]

Flow between the tanks will never be a problem. You will never supply the filter with a larger pipe(s) and you won't use a pump that will need anything close to six inch plumbing.

 

[jcardona1]

Flow between the tanks will never be a problem. You will never supply the filter with a larger pipe(s) and you won't use a pump that will need anything close to six inch plumbing.

6" diameter can give you massive flow. im almost positive this would make a great sump. keep us posted!!