Best way to do this and does anyone want to help me this weekend?

[nickh06]

Built a new sump for my new protein skimmer which is huge by the way. Everything will fit but the problem is getting it in the stand. Here are some pics for you engineers out there. Will it be safe to remove my center brace without draining the entire tank?

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[k3nnyp]

Hard to say but I wouldn't risk it. You might be able to build some temporary supports to hold the weight and do the work but you're risking the end product being slightly off with potential for long term side affects. How painful would it be to drain?? I know, scary thought, but better than waking up two months from now with a drained tank on the floor.

 

[nickh06]

Yea I hear ya on that. Def don't want any issues but the weird thing is the center piece moves when I push and pull on it lightly. I don't think it supports a ton of weight.

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

I suspect by looking at the pic that most of the weight is support by the end panels. I doubt that the center brace holds anything. Of course, I can't see the substructure inside the tank. I have a 180 and took out 1 of the front braces for this very reason. I made the brace so that it can be removed anytime I want. It's not holding anything up. All of the weight is supported by my end panels and a substructure.

 

[nickh06]

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Here is some more pics, what do you think?


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[nickh06]

It would only be out up to where the shelves start, if you can see the line where the boards meet. Also, I just realized that my stand has feet on all four corners. I believe if the center brace supported a majority of the weight then it would also have a foot in the middle if that makes sense.


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[porpoiseaquatics]

Is the center brace attached by pocket screws on the backside? If not, how?

 

[nickh06]

It looks like it's just glued or stapled. The back one has big screw looking things almost the size of quarters but I won't be touching that one.


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[k3nnyp]

If its not supporting any weight you should be good. If you have any doubt don't risk it.

 

[nickh06]

I had my doubts but I was able to get my new sump in. Took out the center support with no problems. I drained about 20 gallons out of the main and took the canopy off to lighten the load. Cut some 2x2's for support on the outside of the center bar just for safety. Only ran into one problem, I couldn't get my new sump in because it was too big. Eventually I did get it in but now I no longer have the two drawers in my stand. No biggie because I just ordered bigger cabinet doors, will just have to paint to match. One issue that I do have is that my skimmer is so big I can't get the collection cup out without taking the entire sump out. I will have to get creative when I clean it. Kind of a pita but what it's the price you have to pay for a decent size skimmer. I still might do it all over again and swap the 38 gallon for a 30 gallon but not a huge concern right now.

 

[ghbrewer]

Is the sump acrylic? When you turn your return pump off how far from the top edge does the water rise? Just thinking that if you have enough freeboard (excess/free storage volume), you could just cut a notch in the top of the front face, just enough to get the collection cup out. You can do this easily with a palm router and some wood guides clamped to the edge (of course this is only if the sump is made of acrylic). Cleaning the skimmer will be a real PITA if you don't come up with something.

 

[nickh06]

ghbrewer;924421 wrote: Is the sump acrylic? When you turn your return pump off how far from the top edge does the water rise? Just thinking that if you have enough freeboard (excess/free storage volume), you could just cut a notch in the top of the front face, just enough to get the collection cup out. You can do this easily with a palm router and some wood guides clamped to the edge (of course this is only if the sump is made of acrylic). Cleaning the skimmer will be a real PITA if you don't come up with something.

Nope its glass, this is going to have to be a temp thing. Luckily I only spent $20 on this sump because I had it laying around. I am currently looking for a regular 30 gallon to convert. It is the same dimensions except shorter height which will allow me to get the collection cup out. If I can't find one in the next month I am going to have to get an acrylic one... Need something 36in long 12in wide by about 14-16 in tall

 

[ghbrewer]

I heard that Petco is running their $1 per gallon special right now in the stores, might check that out.

Also, I have an Eshopps R-100 acrylic sump that I am selling, if you decide to go that route. It's a 20gal setup @ 24"x12"x16" high. I have it listed in the drygoods forum if interested, was trying to barter it for some labor, but I have prices listed as well.

 

[nickh06]

ghbrewer;924431 wrote: I heard that Petco is running their $1 per gallon special right now in the stores, might check that out.

Also, I have an Eshopps R-100 acrylic sump that I am selling, if you decide to go that route. It's a 20gal setup @ 24"x12"x16" high. I have it listed in the drygoods forum if interested, was trying to barter it for some labor, but I have prices listed as well.

Been to petco with no help there. They don't get 30 gallons in too often, might try to see if they can order me one. Will check out your sump but was looking for something bigger than 20. Thanks

 

[ghbrewer]

I have a 29 gallon that would be perfect for a sump (glass is etched from a water stain), but it's dimensions are 30.25" x 12.5" x 18.75 tall" roughly. Probably too tall for your setup, but if not, I could let it go for $25. I just use it as a quarantine tank from time to time.

 

[nickh06]

ghbrewer;924437 wrote: I have a 29 gallon that would be perfect for a sump (glass is etched from a water stain), but it's dimensions are 30.25" x 12.5" x 18.75 tall" roughly. Probably too tall for your setup, but if not, I could let it go for $25. I just use it as a quarantine tank from time to time.

You must be in sales lol, the 29 wont work the height is the issue. I wonder how much a metal stand would be lol

 

[ghbrewer]

Just trying to help out.

 

[nickh06]

ghbrewer;924445 wrote: Just trying to help out.

I appreciate it:up: if you run across a standard 30 let me know.

 

[ghbrewer]

Will do.