55 gallon as a sump

[Jl330]

Has it been done?

I'm going to upgrade my 55 to a 75 for more volume and a more stable stand. The 55 is just too top heavy for me having little ones.

Thinking about turning the 55 into a sump so I'd have 130 gallons of total volume.

Would I run into any issues with this?

 

[dbl]

It can certainly be done as many have, including myself. The only thing I hated about it was it's narrow and very tall if you're using it under a stand. For those reasons, I ended up switching sumps. But as I said, it can certainly work well as a sump, especially since you already have it.

Here is a photo of the one I made. Photo taken after removal and I was trying to give it away locally.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

Yes I’ve used 55g as sump multiple times. The extra height is nice when the power goes out to not overflow. Only issue is they can not be drilled, so depending on your equipment or plumbing setup that might be an issue.

 

[dbl]

...Only issue is they can not be drilled, so depending on your equipment or plumbing setup that might be an issue.

An excellent point I neglected to mention.

 

[lejeune981]

Yes I’ve used 55g as sump multiple times. The extra height is nice when the power goes out to not overflow. Only issue is they can not be drilled, so depending on your equipment or plumbing setup that might be an issue.

Kinda hard to see the bulkhead... but they can be drilled...just not the bottom

I'm thinking about turning this 55 into a fuge/sump

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

Kinda hard to see the bulkhead... but they can be drilled...just not the bottom

I'm thinking about turning this 55 into a fuge/sump

Maybe some, but not most. Most have tempered walls.

 

[rfischer]

I drilled mine so I could use an external pump. It went smoothly and I've been using it for about ten years with no issues.

 

[Jl330]

Never mind. Scored a sump tank with the 75. It's only 30 gallons