Dividing up a sump
- Thread starter Reefscape
- Start date
Alright, so my new LFS offers a service to build a sump, etc.
They suggest either a 20G long or 37G.
20G = [FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif]30 x 13 x 13 (Inches LxDxH) COST: $34.99
37G = 30 x 13 x 23 [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif](Inches LxDxH)[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif] COST: $69.99
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Light Kit (basically shop light with PC & reflectors): $25
Labor to build divisions, etc: $115
Them coming over to install, make sure it doesn't flood, etc: $60[/FONT]
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LR Rubble... they think about 15 lbs would be a good start. They charge $4.99 for rubble. They were up front and said they don't have "rubble" so they'd have to take their LR and just crush it. My old fish store offered 5lbs @ $20.
Total Cost (if I go through new LFS): $75
Hand full of macro algae: $5
Bag of Live Sand: $30
Total Cost with 20G Long: $345
Total Cost with 37G: $380
Doesn't seem too bad, IMO. The guy making it showed me a lot of his work. Takes pictures of his stuff.
What are your thoughts? If I'm going to throw down $400 should it be on this or should I first get an RO/DI unit? I'm thinking this... as I have no problem paying $0.30/gallon.
By the way... I would plan on going with the 37G. It's a bit more money but it's about 10" taller!
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They suggest either a 20G long or 37G.
20G = [FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif]30 x 13 x 13 (Inches LxDxH) COST: $34.99
37G = 30 x 13 x 23 [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif](Inches LxDxH)[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif] COST: $69.99
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif]
Light Kit (basically shop light with PC & reflectors): $25
Labor to build divisions, etc: $115
Them coming over to install, make sure it doesn't flood, etc: $60[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif]
LR Rubble... they think about 15 lbs would be a good start. They charge $4.99 for rubble. They were up front and said they don't have "rubble" so they'd have to take their LR and just crush it. My old fish store offered 5lbs @ $20.
Total Cost (if I go through new LFS): $75
Hand full of macro algae: $5
Bag of Live Sand: $30
Total Cost with 20G Long: $345
Total Cost with 37G: $380
Doesn't seem too bad, IMO. The guy making it showed me a lot of his work. Takes pictures of his stuff.
What are your thoughts? If I'm going to throw down $400 should it be on this or should I first get an RO/DI unit? I'm thinking this... as I have no problem paying $0.30/gallon.
By the way... I would plan on going with the 37G. It's a bit more money but it's about 10" taller!
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Well, the tank alone is $70.
Here's my problem... I don't have ANY tools to do any of this work.
No matter who builds it, these costs will remain... live rock, sand, macro and light kit.
The only "extra" I'm paying for is their labor @ $115.
If I were to install it, the total cost would be $320. Perhaps I can get them to make it $275 overall since I'm buying a lot of products, etc there.
I appreciate the input! I'll consider it overall... it's definitely a lot of money. However, I think it would really be beneficial for the tank.
Here's my problem... I don't have ANY tools to do any of this work.
No matter who builds it, these costs will remain... live rock, sand, macro and light kit.
The only "extra" I'm paying for is their labor @ $115.
If I were to install it, the total cost would be $320. Perhaps I can get them to make it $275 overall since I'm buying a lot of products, etc there.
I appreciate the input! I'll consider it overall... it's definitely a lot of money. However, I think it would really be beneficial for the tank.
his would help if you diy, most plastic shops will cut the acrylic you buy to your specs for 5 or 10 bux!! So your dividers could be a lot cheaper than 115 and there would be no tools required. Plus a sump is cake to install so save that $60!! I am 99.99% sure your baffels won't even cost $50 so you would already be saveing 125 dollars!!!!
Ok. I'm getting a bit more courageous 
You make it sound so easy... LOL
Here's the thing. I still don't know how I make it so my overflow pipes connect to the tank.
I really don't want to drill into the tank. Is there a way I can make it so it comes from the top?
Also - I guess I just get small strips of glass to put around the LR rubble area... so I could have an egg create rest on top of the strips. Then, the LR rubble would rest on the egg create.
You make it sound so easy... LOLHere's the thing. I still don't know how I make it so my overflow pipes connect to the tank.
I really don't want to drill into the tank. Is there a way I can make it so it comes from the top?
Also - I guess I just get small strips of glass to put around the LR rubble area... so I could have an egg create rest on top of the strips. Then, the LR rubble would rest on the egg create.
http://www.captivereefing.com/showthread.php?t=4521
You will find my very basic sump in that thread. 6 dividers 3 sections and it's done.
and yes You can diy a weir overflow, buy an overfow or drill. For water return I think a manifold is the way to go, I will be putting them on my tanks as time allows!!
You will find my very basic sump in that thread. 6 dividers 3 sections and it's done.
and yes You can diy a weir overflow, buy an overfow or drill. For water return I think a manifold is the way to go, I will be putting them on my tanks as time allows!!
I'll figure it out.
Meanwhile, this is my final draft... I think.
I know it's not in proportion, but you get the idea.
Also, the only area that will have evaporation will be the return pump area... right? So, I can have a float valve there if I get that RO/DI unit and auto top off.
Meanwhile, this is my final draft... I think.
I know it's not in proportion, but you get the idea.
Also, the only area that will have evaporation will be the return pump area... right? So, I can have a float valve there if I get that RO/DI unit and auto top off.
Last question... about the area where my protein skimmer is.
My protein skimmer is very similar to this one: http://www.theaquariumonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=361
What if the water level in that area is HIGHER than where the water exits the protein skimmer? Does it not matter? Should I find some way to raise the skimmer up?
My protein skimmer is very similar to this one: http://www.theaquariumonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=361
What if the water level in that area is HIGHER than where the water exits the protein skimmer? Does it not matter? Should I find some way to raise the skimmer up?
