10g side-drill and sump build

[toeside]

New to ARC... first post...

Been futzing with setting up a sump system for my fairly new 10g, and finally got it all up-and-running. Posted a couple of web pages... one on http://bellsouthpwp2.net/t/o/toeside/reef/tankdrill.html">the tank drill</a>, and one on [IMG]http://bellsouthpwp2.net/t/o/toeside/reef/sumpsetup.html">the setup and test</a>. Thought I'd share...

Missed the April meeting, but look forward getting to know y'all soon...

Bill (toeside) Middleton
Marietta

 

[bobz]

Bill,
Welcome! Interesting nano build. I did a similar build with some "spare" 10 and 20G tanks that I had in my fish room. My configuration has been up and running for about a month and so far working well. Enjoyed reading your writeup and you came up with some great DIY tips

bob

 

[chemically_balanced]

COOL, great information and great pictures.

Thanks toeside

 

[jeff_mcphail]

Just be sure to be extrememly careful not to put any pressure on that bulkhead once you have it under your tank and full of water. I used a drilled ten gallon as my fuge under 120 untill i bumped the overflow and disaster struck! Ten gallons of sand and water looks like a tidal wave coming out from the front and back of my stand.
:doh:
It took me a week to break down and move my entire setup clean up that mess.

 

[bobz]

I can concur with Jeff... had drilled the side of a 10G to use as a fuge for my 70G and plumbed up everything with rigid PVC. Put the tank in place and had everything working well until I moved the return pipe ever so slightly on the front end and the pressure at the bulkhead shattered the side glass panel! Bummer. So be careful when you move the tank!
bob

 

[toeside]

Thanks all for the warm welcome and suggestions. :up:

Yes, I'm totally paranoid about breaking the tank at the bulkhead... pondering some type of bracket to solidly secure the drain pipe... or maybe just using vinyl hose for the whole drain run...

I was plunging headlong into a 55g build, but I'm finding out so much by doing this first. The real treat though was putting in my first few coral frags... wow, makes the hassle all worthwhile.

 

[bobz]

Toeside,
You can also consider using flexible PVC from SAVKO. http://www.savko.com/PartList.asp?pgid=4&ptid=19&pid=36">http://www.savko.com/PartList.asp?pgid=4&ptid=19&pid=36</a>
After my problems with the 10G, I used it to plumb my 55G to my existing sump and it works great. I'll eventually swap out the other plumbing as well.
Bob