Diy pico drop off questions

[Rick's Reefing Adventures]

I’m embarking on an exciting new project: building a 2-gallon pico drop-off tank. While there’s no particular reason behind it, I’m drawn to the unique designs and love the challenge of DIY projects—plus, I’ve never worked with acrylic before, so why not? Initially, I planned to buy pre-cut parts, but I couldn’t find any shops willing to work with pieces this small without having to pay a few hundred (the Netherlands really isn’t that fun sometimes…) So, it looks like it’ll just be me, my table saw, and some polish to bring this idea to life.

I do need some advice on a few aspects of the build:

1. Mini Sump vs. AIO: I originally planned to make this an all-in-one (AIO) tank, but since there’s some space under half of the tank, I’m considering going all out and building a mini sump underneath. Do you think this would be a fun and functional addition, or am I just creating more work for something that might not be worth it in the end?

2. Do I put all the side panels ON the bottom panel, or do I glue the bottom panel between all the side panels?

3. Front Panel Dilemma: The tank will be a drop-off style in a peninsula layout, so it will primarily be viewed from the side. I’m torn on whether to place the front panel between the two side panels or in front of them. I’ve sketched a quick drawing to illustrate what I mean—I hope it clarifies my idea.

Since I’m still on vacation for the next few weeks, actual progress on the tank will be delayed. However, all this free time at the beach has given me plenty of opportunities to think about different design options.

 

[shakacuz]

under tank space would be decent for a sump but keep in mind the space.. could be a very small sump.

as far as your other points/questions, i'd wait to get other answers!

 

[Rick's Reefing Adventures]

under tank space would be decent for a sump but keep in mind the space.. could be a very small sump.

as far as your other points/questions, i'd wait to get other answers!

A sump would fit but it would be tiny! As the tank will be 30x20x15CM, the sump would be roughly 0.5 gallon, maybe even smaller with the stand. It would be fun to make a quite unique pico with a sump, but it isn’t worth it if it won’t work.

From what I’ve read, in an acrylic tank it doesn’t matter if the sides are on or against the bottom, just personal preference, which is hard if you’ve never had an acrylic tank.

Same goes for the front piece. If I put it against the sides, same as putting the bottom under the sides, the cutting would be easier and better numbers for calculations. The only thing I’ve noticed is most people prefer the front panel in front of the sides. Structurally it doesn’t matter, but I’m sure theres a reason most people choose that layout. Hopefully someone with experience in building acrylic tanks can give some input.