DIY Sump/Refuge cheap? - Aquarium Advice

afilter · 09-09-2005, 04:34 PM

Ok, I am at the point where I need to replace the glass on my 75gal (10+ yrs old) or more desirably upgrade to ideally a 120gal. I love my large Tangs.

As always budget is an issue (more so for the spouse) which is why I still do not have proper lighting.

My basic thought is to buy a 120gal Tank only and build a stand/hood customized for my needs. Then transfer the contents of the 75gal over plus some more [acronym:ee4757969d="Crushed Coral (if substrate) or Counter Current (if referring to a Protien skimmer) or cubic centimeter (if referring to a measure of volume)."]CC[/acronym:ee4757969d] and additional base rock over time.

The question I have is I would like to use my scratched up 75gal as a sump and possibly a fuge down the road. If I go this route funding will be tight and I would like to use as much of the existing equipment I have. This would probably provide close to 160-170 [acronym:ee4757969d="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:ee4757969d] set up and make water changes a ton easier.

I understand how to create a syphon from the main tank to the sump and would probably buy a syphon box (rated up to 500GPH) which my [acronym:ee4757969d="Local Fish Store"]LFS[/acronym:ee4757969d] carries. Anyone with cheaper [acronym:ee4757969d="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:ee4757969d] idea would be appreciated. Instead of buying an expensive pump could I use one or two of my 350 canister filters as a pump?

otherwise, a larger protien skimmer and of course more lighting would seem to be the only things I would need to get started once the stand is built.

Thoughts on this or any other considerations would be appreciated.

Thanks,

greenmaji · 09-09-2005, 05:02 PM

Do you have a canopy to house some [acronym:e44ad721b5="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:e44ad721b5] lighting? are you intrested in DIYing [acronym:e44ad721b5="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:e44ad721b5] or [acronym:e44ad721b5="Compact Flourescent"]CF[/acronym:e44ad721b5]?
Is your scratched up 75 gallon glass? If so you can use glass and silicone to make your sump chambers/bubble trap and such..
As far as using your magnum 350 as a pump.. I would think you would want alot more flow then what it can give you..
[acronym:e44ad721b5="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:e44ad721b5] syphon overflow boxes are an option.. you could make them bigger for more flow.. ive seen 1200gph ones.. [acronym:e44ad721b5="Hope this helps (or) Happy to help"]HTH[/acronym:e44ad721b5]

afilter · 09-09-2005, 09:30 PM

greenmaji,

I do not have a canopy yet, but that is part of the plan with the a [acronym:c528332884="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:c528332884] Stand. Have not committed to any lighting yet as you can see lighting has not been a priority yet (funding).

The only problem with the 75 is that it is scratched at this point. I guess another concern would be age. Not sure how long they are built to last. It is around 10+ years.

Stopped by the [acronym:c528332884="Local Fish Store"]LFS[/acronym:c528332884] on the way home tonight with questions about building a chevette and the guy wanted to sell me a cadillac including upgrading to an acrylic tank. It is frustrating when some people just don't listen. Not sure how much he makes working FT at an [acronym:c528332884="Local Fish Store"]LFS[/acronym:c528332884], but he did not want to talk and tried to make it sound like a [acronym:c528332884="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:c528332884] was almost impossible.

I did get some good info. on flow rates and realize I will need to purchase a reliable pump.

Any info. or links on [acronym:c528332884="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:c528332884] Sumps/filters would be appreciated.

Thanks,

greenmaji · 09-09-2005, 09:51 PM

Tanks are good for 30 years + if not more..
we have a link to sumps in the sticky at the top of the page..

I have some lighting ideas that are not too bad $$ wise.. :P

afilter · 09-09-2005, 10:07 PM

Great, I will check it out. I would be interested in the lighting ideas as well, are they in the sticky?

greenmaji · 09-10-2005, 01:17 AM

The lighting ideas are basically mine..
[acronym:5dcd2bcf8f="Compact Florescent"]CF[/acronym:5dcd2bcf8f] ballasts..
http://www.prolighting.com/wo5elba12loc.html or
http://www.prolighting.com/wo7elba12loc.html
reflectors..
http://www.hellolights.com/reflectors.html
[acronym:5dcd2bcf8f="Compact Florescent"]CF[/acronym:5dcd2bcf8f] end caps..
http://www.hellolights.com/pcengertypba.html most common I can think of..
[acronym:5dcd2bcf8f="Compact Florescent"]CF[/acronym:5dcd2bcf8f] lamp clips.. not needed if you get the reflector from hellowlights..
they will do the riveting for free when you buy the clips with the reflector.. :P
http://www.hellolights.com/pclampclip1.html
[acronym:5dcd2bcf8f="Compact Florescent"]CF[/acronym:5dcd2bcf8f] bulb deals.. this e-bay seller has bulk packs with great deals :P
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZaquadealQQhtZ-1

I know its alot of links but its the best deals on the [acronym:5dcd2bcf8f="Compact Florescent"]CF[/acronym:5dcd2bcf8f] parts that I have found so far.. [acronym:5dcd2bcf8f="Hope this helps (or) Happy to help"]HTH[/acronym:5dcd2bcf8f]

afilter · 09-10-2005, 06:36 PM

Thanks, I will check it out.

Has anyone tried the [acronym:f87ffdde6f="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:f87ffdde6f] Tanks? I am very interested as the budget is tight. The link does not mention a frame for the glass tanks. I would not think the sealent would be that strong. Is there a best brang of silicone to useas I think this would be key?
Would it be suggested to place a wood frame aroung top and bottom similar to the plasic ones currently on All Glass tanks?

greenmaji · 09-10-2005, 07:47 PM

GE Silicone #1 is a solid brand name silicone, DAP would be another good name brand... the glass frame on top is the key... and doing a little beefing up on one whouldnt hurt any.. are you thinking of using it as a sump or display tank?
If a sump is what your after you can use rubbermaid.. they make a rigid tub for watering farm livestock thats plenty beefy if you are worried about the storage contaners they make to pack away odds and ends.. that and it has a bulkhead installed that you can use for an external pump.. :P

afilter · 09-10-2005, 08:00 PM

Actually I am condsidering a display tank. I plan to take the cut sheet to the glass company so I can do a cost comparison as opposed to buying. I would like a 120 and then convert my 75g to Sump/Refugium per the sticky post.

Otherwise I will probably but new 75 or 90 glass so I can use my existing stand.

I am just concerned with sturdiness of a [acronym:e7e19991be="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:e7e19991be] tank.

afilter · 09-10-2005, 08:01 PM

Also, what about the glass edges on top, if they are exposed would they not be sharp and less sturdy?

09-09-2005, 09:30 PM	#3
afilter Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,290 Images: 19	greenmaji, I do not have a canopy yet, but that is part of the plan with the a [acronym:c528332884="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:c528332884] Stand. Have not committed to any lighting yet as you can see lighting has not been a priority yet (funding). The only problem with the 75 is that it is scratched at this point. I guess another concern would be age. Not sure how long they are built to last. It is around 10+ years. Stopped by the [acronym:c528332884="Local Fish Store"]LFS[/acronym:c528332884] on the way home tonight with questions about building a chevette and the guy wanted to sell me a cadillac including upgrading to an acrylic tank. It is frustrating when some people just don't listen. Not sure how much he makes working FT at an [acronym:c528332884="Local Fish Store"]LFS[/acronym:c528332884], but he did not want to talk and tried to make it sound like a [acronym:c528332884="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:c528332884] was almost impossible. I did get some good info. on flow rates and realize I will need to purchase a reliable pump. Any info. or links on [acronym:c528332884="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:c528332884] Sumps/filters would be appreciated. Thanks, __________________ Aaron Tank: 90 Gal SW Reef in the making See my info for setup and inhabitant details:

09-09-2005, 10:07 PM	#5
afilter Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,290 Images: 19	Great, I will check it out. I would be interested in the lighting ideas as well, are they in the sticky? __________________ Aaron Tank: 90 Gal SW Reef in the making See my info for setup and inhabitant details:

09-10-2005, 06:36 PM	#7
afilter Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,290 Images: 19	Thanks, I will check it out. Has anyone tried the [acronym:f87ffdde6f="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:f87ffdde6f] Tanks? I am very interested as the budget is tight. The link does not mention a frame for the glass tanks. I would not think the sealent would be that strong. Is there a best brang of silicone to useas I think this would be key? Would it be suggested to place a wood frame aroung top and bottom similar to the plasic ones currently on All Glass tanks? __________________ Aaron Tank: 90 Gal SW Reef in the making See my info for setup and inhabitant details:

09-10-2005, 08:00 PM	#9
afilter Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,290 Images: 19	Actually I am condsidering a display tank. I plan to take the cut sheet to the glass company so I can do a cost comparison as opposed to buying. I would like a 120 and then convert my 75g to Sump/Refugium per the sticky post. Otherwise I will probably but new 75 or 90 glass so I can use my existing stand. I am just concerned with sturdiness of a [acronym:e7e19991be="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:e7e19991be] tank. __________________ Aaron Tank: 90 Gal SW Reef in the making See my info for setup and inhabitant details:

09-10-2005, 08:01 PM	#10
afilter Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,290 Images: 19	Also, what about the glass edges on top, if they are exposed would they not be sharp and less sturdy? __________________ Aaron Tank: 90 Gal SW Reef in the making See my info for setup and inhabitant details:

09-09-2005, 04:34 PM	#1
afilter Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,290 Images: 19	DIY Sump/Refuge cheap? Ok, I am at the point where I need to replace the glass on my 75gal (10+ yrs old) or more desirably upgrade to ideally a 120gal. I love my large Tangs. As always budget is an issue (more so for the spouse) which is why I still do not have proper lighting. My basic thought is to buy a 120gal Tank only and build a stand/hood customized for my needs. Then transfer the contents of the 75gal over plus some more [acronym:ee4757969d="Crushed Coral (if substrate) or Counter Current (if referring to a Protien skimmer) or cubic centimeter (if referring to a measure of volume)."]CC[/acronym:ee4757969d] and additional base rock over time. The question I have is I would like to use my scratched up 75gal as a sump and possibly a fuge down the road. If I go this route funding will be tight and I would like to use as much of the existing equipment I have. This would probably provide close to 160-170 [acronym:ee4757969d="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:ee4757969d] set up and make water changes a ton easier. I understand how to create a syphon from the main tank to the sump and would probably buy a syphon box (rated up to 500GPH) which my [acronym:ee4757969d="Local Fish Store"]LFS[/acronym:ee4757969d] carries. Anyone with cheaper [acronym:ee4757969d="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:ee4757969d] idea would be appreciated. Instead of buying an expensive pump could I use one or two of my 350 canister filters as a pump? otherwise, a larger protien skimmer and of course more lighting would seem to be the only things I would need to get started once the stand is built. Thoughts on this or any other considerations would be appreciated. Thanks, __________________ Aaron Tank: 90 Gal SW Reef in the making See my info for setup and inhabitant details:

09-09-2005, 05:02 PM	#2
greenmaji Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 5,937	Do you have a canopy to house some [acronym:e44ad721b5="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:e44ad721b5] lighting? are you intrested in DIYing [acronym:e44ad721b5="Metal halide light"]MH[/acronym:e44ad721b5] or [acronym:e44ad721b5="Compact Flourescent"]CF[/acronym:e44ad721b5]? Is your scratched up 75 gallon glass? If so you can use glass and silicone to make your sump chambers/bubble trap and such.. As far as using your magnum 350 as a pump.. I would think you would want alot more flow then what it can give you.. [acronym:e44ad721b5="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:e44ad721b5] syphon overflow boxes are an option.. you could make them bigger for more flow.. ive seen 1200gph ones.. [acronym:e44ad721b5="Hope this helps (or) Happy to help"]HTH[/acronym:e44ad721b5]

09-09-2005, 09:51 PM	#4
greenmaji Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 5,937	Tanks are good for 30 years + if not more.. we have a link to sumps in the sticky at the top of the page.. I have some lighting ideas that are not too bad $$ wise.. :P

09-10-2005, 01:17 AM	#6
greenmaji Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 5,937	The lighting ideas are basically mine.. [acronym:5dcd2bcf8f="Compact Florescent"]CF[/acronym:5dcd2bcf8f] ballasts.. http://www.prolighting.com/wo5elba12loc.html or http://www.prolighting.com/wo7elba12loc.html reflectors.. http://www.hellolights.com/reflectors.html [acronym:5dcd2bcf8f="Compact Florescent"]CF[/acronym:5dcd2bcf8f] end caps.. http://www.hellolights.com/pcengertypba.html most common I can think of.. [acronym:5dcd2bcf8f="Compact Florescent"]CF[/acronym:5dcd2bcf8f] lamp clips.. not needed if you get the reflector from hellowlights.. they will do the riveting for free when you buy the clips with the reflector.. :P http://www.hellolights.com/pclampclip1.html [acronym:5dcd2bcf8f="Compact Florescent"]CF[/acronym:5dcd2bcf8f] bulb deals.. this e-bay seller has bulk packs with great deals :P http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZaquadealQQhtZ-1 I know its alot of links but its the best deals on the [acronym:5dcd2bcf8f="Compact Florescent"]CF[/acronym:5dcd2bcf8f] parts that I have found so far.. [acronym:5dcd2bcf8f="Hope this helps (or) Happy to help"]HTH[/acronym:5dcd2bcf8f]

09-10-2005, 07:47 PM	#8
greenmaji Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 5,937	GE Silicone #1 is a solid brand name silicone, DAP would be another good name brand... the glass frame on top is the key... and doing a little beefing up on one whouldnt hurt any.. are you thinking of using it as a sump or display tank? If a sump is what your after you can use rubbermaid.. they make a rigid tub for watering farm livestock thats plenty beefy if you are worried about the storage contaners they make to pack away odds and ends.. that and it has a bulkhead installed that you can use for an external pump.. :P

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