Tropical Fish Forums

[Liveinabox419]

So I want to have a sump for my 20 gallon long tank. I was going to use an old 10 gallon, but a CO2-worker of mine suggested something smaller. I have a 5 gallon tank that I could create into a sump by adding three acrylic baffles (I think thats what the "walls" are called) With the room I could add my small protien skimmer (oceanic), heater, and return pump. What do you guys think?

Also in my stand is a center divider throughout the whole center. I'm thinking I could cut out part of the area to have room for my 5 (or 10) gallon sump, while still center structural support. Do you think this is possible?


Thanks for all your help!!
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28 gallon freshwater

29 Gallon Reef Tank: 1 Black Percula, 1 TR Percula, 1 Yellow Watchmen & Pistol Shrimp, 1 Six-line Wrasse, 1 Cleaner Shrimp

[MackEmmons]

I would recommend going with the largest possible sump that you can. If you have a 10 gallon, use that. But you could use the 5 gallon, but remember the larger you go, the more stable. And if you go small, it leaves less room if would like to alter or add something in the future.

I would not recommend altering the structural integrity of your stand. Cutting it may cause a very large and expensive mess. Something I'm sure you don't want.
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The Gymnogeophagus Study Group

[Liveinabox419]

Hmmm. The cut would only be the width of the 10 gallon going all the way up and down leaving a few inches of middle support. I've asked a couple people at my work (LFS) and they said they didn't know. But if there is no cut then there is no room for a sump. So, if the cut is not an option then it makes my decision making easier, and saves a bit more money.

But I would like to gather as many opinions as I can on to cut or not. So far its no. So I don't see it happening I guess.
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28 gallon freshwater

29 Gallon Reef Tank: 1 Black Percula, 1 TR Percula, 1 Yellow Watchmen & Pistol Shrimp, 1 Six-line Wrasse, 1 Cleaner Shrimp