75 gallon stand... HELP!

BryanBrown · Apr 27, 2018

Ok... I built a stand for my 75 gal and went with a 40b for my sump but theres only 6.5” between the top of the sump and the top of my stand. Is this enough space to access and work on the sump or should I go with a 20L for my sump?

Flexin · Apr 27, 2018

Looks tight to get equipment in and out when wet..

miPapareef · Apr 27, 2018

You should definitely get your equipment and try to install and uninstall before filling with water. 6.5” is probably right at the limit but may limit your choices. I think you won’t like it.

If you don’t like the smaller sump then the other option is rework the stand. Either make it taller or change the bottom so the sump can sit on the floor.

Just as a reference, my stand has 8.5” between top of the sump and top edge of the door opening and I think that’s really tight for all the maintenance. I have to disassemble the skimmer to get it out.

BryanBrown · Apr 27, 2018

I think I’m just gonna take the 40b back and go with the 20L... :( Thanks for y’alls help tho!!!

Bayareareefer18 · Apr 27, 2018

BryanBrown said:
I think I’m just gonna take the 40b back and go with the 20L... :( Thanks for y’alls help tho!!!

I grossly underestimated the overall inside dimension of my diy stand for my 75 with a 40b. Not a lot of room to work but I want the bigger sump

DesertReefT4r · Apr 27, 2018

I had a 75g 4 years ago and did a diy 20l sump amd it worked great. Setting up a new 75g now and using a 20l again. You will be fine with a 20l its a great fit for a 75g tank. However bigger is better and I do wish a 40b would fit in a 75g standard stand. I like the extra width you would gain, more space for equipment. My 20l sumps end up quite packed. Pics of my current 75g build with 20l sump.

DesertReefT4r · Apr 27, 2018

Pics of the 20l I used on the old 75g and also used it on a 40b that was upgraded to the 75g. Center section was a fuge originally but was removed to make room for a larger skimmer which is in the pic.

cracker · Apr 27, 2018

From Brian to another ! ( spelling aside ). Papa reef is right. Keep the 40 gl for a sump. & make the uprights taller. The time & effort will pay off. Lot's of room under the tank & sump for a big refugium perhaps ?

BryanBrown · Apr 28, 2018

If I go with the 20L for a sump, what would be a good protein skimmer for my setup with a 75 gal ?

jsker · Apr 28, 2018

Lay out your sump first and then see what fits.

DesertReefT4r · Apr 28, 2018

BryanBrown said:
If I go with the 20L for a sump, what would be a good protein skimmer for my setup with a 75 gal ?

Pictured in my posts are a RO 150SSS and a SCA 302. Both fit in the 20l. The SCA worked well and I was happy with it for the price it was at the time but wont pay whay they want for it now. Cant say much on the 150SSS other then its air intake is loud but it should be a beast.

BryanBrown · Apr 28, 2018

I was looking at the Reef Octopus eSsence S-130 or the 150sss but can’t decide.... think I’m kinda leaning more towards the essence since I’ve read a lot of reviews on it being really quite...