is this a good alternative?

[mr.stevebaer@ya]

Just wondering if this would be a good alternative to NOT having a sump/building my own.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...192~tab~1.html

The reason I can't have a sump is because I have a retarded stand and can't find a tank that will fit into the bottom of it, and I want it hidden under the stand. I know it's only 4 gallons, but would this kit have everything I need? I dont have a drilled tank, sump, protein skimmer, or a overflow...and it looks like I can get all the stuff I need to be set up in one purchase with this. let me know what you all think!

[mr.stevebaer@ya]

or owuld this be the way to go?

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...t~CRSY100.html

[theop]

I ran one of these on a 37g setup. It's better than nothing, but is really expensive for what you get. The skimmer isn't the best but will produce some skimmate.

Instead of putting the bio-media in the designated chamber (far left in the photo), I put in some chaeto macroalgae and used a small fluorescent lamp to light it from the side through the acrylic.

[Fizz71]

Did you ever consider having somebody make you a custom acrylic sump? Or even a rubbermaid container...

I'd be concerned that you'd drop all that cash and not be happy with the skimmer..since it looks permanent! I've had similar looking setups in past tanks and I've never been happy with the skimmate it produced.

You can always go HOT for a skimmer too, but the good ones are pricey and you run the risk of microbubbles.

--Fizz

[ScottL4619]

Why can't you fit a sump under your tank? Is there something else down there, or you can't get the sump to fit with the braces on the stand?

[mr.stevebaer@ya]

Reason I can't fit a sump is because the area I have to work with is 20"d x 14"w x 25"t. smallest tank I have found which is a 10g is 22"l and I figured a 5g would even have the room in it to work right...or maybe I should go with a 5g tank and a good skimmer. Could anyone suggest a really good skimmer for $175-$225?

[papagimp]

What type of stand do you have on that thing? Pic available? My 75g had all the room in the world under the stand for a 20g long DIY sump and then some. The tank is 18" wide, so I don't see why you only have 14" width to work with. Custom job or something? Can you customize further to make it work?

[mr.stevebaer@ya]

the cabinet is 14" wide...but 20" deep, so I guess talking about the stand it would be 20" wide and a 14" long cabinet. Here's the link to it


http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...amily&keepsr=1


It has 2 cabinets and then an open middle, that's why i'm f-ed for a bigger sump

[whosinpower]

I have the exact same stand. Ended up getting a two part sump/refugium custom made.

Here is a link of the setup.

http://www.saskreef.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=4292

As far as a skimmer - I went with a tunze DOC 9010 - small footprint size.

[Fizz71]

Originally posted by mr.stevebaer@ya
the cabinet is 14" wide...but 20" deep, so I guess talking about the stand it would be 20" wide and a 14" long cabinet. Here's the link to it


http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...amily&keepsr=1


It has 2 cabinets and then an open middle, that's why i'm f-ed for a bigger sump

Ugh.


I'd probably run two small sumps...put a skimmer and a heater in one and some macro and a heater in the other. Although personally..considering the tank and stand are one of the cheapest things in this hobby (comparitevly speaking) I'd probably sell the stand and buy one better suited for a reef if that's what you're going for. I'd also make sure I get a Reef Ready tank...I will NEVER again use an overflow box...too much of a pain.

You could also just buy a nice smaller tank to put next to it and run them in tandum (or hide something above it).

Hell...as with everything in this hobby you have tons of options..but none of them are cheap.

Just one warning...if you go with a sump or two make sure you don't fill them very high..you need to make sure that if the power goes out the water that continues to drain from the main display has someplace to go. 10g is not very big..if you have a 75g on there and you put a skimmer and stuff in there your space is VERY limited.

But IMO...sell the stand to a feshwater person and build a new stand. http://www.fishandtips.com/index.php

--Fizz

[mr.stevebaer@ya]

whoisinpower....it says i dont have permission to access that link...i signed up but it still wont let me see it, can you post pics or a new link?

[steri]

Originally posted by mr.stevebaer@ya
the cabinet is 14" wide...but 20" deep, so I guess talking about the stand it would be 20" wide and a 14" long cabinet. Here's the link to it


http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...amily&keepsr=1


It has 2 cabinets and then an open middle, that's why i'm f-ed for a bigger sump

If this helps at all, I have that exact same stand, and had the same issues you had regarding whether or not to go with a sump because of the space. This is what I did, and it has worked so far at least.

I run 2 canister filters. I don't use media in the canisters, however, I do have a few pounds of LR in both of the canisters. I do at times run carbon in one of my canisters, but not always. I have TONS of pods in my canisters as a result. I also have a HOB skimmer Remora Pro, for skimming purposes.

I in no way am saying this is better then having a sump/refugium, but it worked for me, and it's a lot cheaper then getting that refugium you're looking at. Just a thought. Good luck. Those stands are nice to look at, but I have found they really aren't condusive to a reef system

[whosinpower]

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[Fizz71]

Originally posted by steri
Those stands are nice to look at, but I have found they really aren't condusive to a reef system

..that was the indirect point I was trying to make. Take it from somebody who has upgraded parts of their system more times than I care to divulge (I started with a skilter and steel stand).....Sometimes it's better to just bite the bullet and get the RIGHT product for the job the FIRST time around then be p*ssed 2 years later at the money you wasted when you go to buy it right the SECOND time around.

If you're serious about this hobby and you want a REEF system...you'll be buying a new stand in 2 years...guaranteed...either that or drilling holes in your floor...been there...done that...doing it again!

--Fizz

[whosinpower]

If you are interested in having one of these made - then pm me and I will give you the name of the builder and email address. He does great work, and I would not hesitate to recommend him. However, we live in Canada, so not sure if that would be a concern or not.

[christyum22]

nice pics in that setup