To hide or not to hide sump?

[dustinfeint]

So I picked up a 40 gallon breeder tank yesterday at the PETCO $1/g sale and I have a 20 gallon that Im going to be using as the Sump. Right now they have stands for the 40 gallon on clearance for $28. The only problem is they are metal stands and they are open so if I were to put the sump in the bottom of the stand it would be clearly visible. I really don't want to spend like 200 dollars on the stand but I will if I have to. I just think this is a pretty nice deal on a stand and I was wondering how many people have their sump hidden or in plain view? What do you guys think the best way to go about this is? If I end up getting the metal stand are there any suggestions? Thanks!

[Mebbid]

Originally Posted by dustinfeint

So I picked up a 40 gallon breeder tank yesterday at the PETCO $1/g sale and I have a 20 gallon that Im going to be using as the Sump. Right now they have stands for the 40 gallon on clearance for $28. The only problem is they are metal stands and they are open so if I were to put the sump in the bottom of the stand it would be clearly visible. I really don't want to spend like 200 dollars on the stand but I will if I have to. I just think this is a pretty nice deal on a stand and I was wondering how many people have their sump hidden or in plain view? What do you guys think the best way to go about this is? If I end up getting the metal stand are there any suggestions? Thanks!

My sump looks awful so I wouldn't want to show it off... ever. But I have seen some nice display refugiums that look great. They just tend to not be as effective with nutrient export because they aren't crammed full of stuff like mine.

[Grizz]

You can skin the metal stand with wood drill small holes the the frame screw a wood face frame (Face frame - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) to the steal frame this gives you something to attach doors to.

[Tkey3425]

I wouldn't want ANYONE to see my sump haha. It's a disaster zone.

[mr_X]

I have seen display refugiums before that were better looking than the display. I used to sit on the floor and stare at all the life in one of my sumps for what seemed like hours early on in the hobby. It's pretty fascinating, all the life that pops up.

Check out this refugium....
Feature Aquarium: The Aquarium of 'Suzy' — Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog

[Terrance]

Just a thought: put a cloth on the stand, just like a table cloth on a dinner table so that the sump area is hidden.

Never seen this happen before.

[jeffaquarius]

Originally Posted by Terrance

Just a thought: put a cloth on the stand, just like a table cloth on a dinner table so that the sump area is hidden.

Never seen this happen before.

Only thing is it would make everyone wonder if there is a magic show with a glowing curtain when sump light is on

[dustinfeint]

Originally Posted by jeffaquarius

Only thing is it would make everyone wonder if there is a magic show with a glowing curtain when sump light is on

Lmao. I have a bedsheet around my 14g. It looks pretty good.

[Terrance]

Originally Posted by jeffaquarius

Only thing is it would make everyone wonder if there is a magic show with a glowing curtain when sump light is on

True. Hopefully the sump light can be turned on during a time when nobody is around, such as work and sleep time.