Multi tank basement sump build

moyer! · Mar 8, 2018

here we go! i am in process of building my system. i have a 220 and a 75 gallon tank.

I've had the identical tanks for years. my first 220 i put in 2005 and my 75 has been around since the late 90's. multiple other extra tanks have been thru the mix over the years but since 2005 they have been my only tanks, freshwater however.

in my quest to join the saltwater hobby i sold my 220 and bought a drilled 220. this tank has 3 1 1/2 bulkheads so installed a bean animal on that overflow. i then drilled my old 75 and turned it into a refugium. picked up a new 75 and drilled the end. i installed a eshopps overflow using the bean animal drain. all of the plumbing for the 75 has to be on the ends as the tank is in a wall between the dining room and living room.

pics will follow soon!

equipment wise, here is my list so far

lifereef VS3-48 skimmer running off blueline 40 hdx
reflow hammerhead return pump
75 gal fuge
150 gal rubbermaid sump
60 api t5 6 bulb for the 220
48" 2-175w mh t5 combo for the 75
200 pounds of fresh cured pukani rock. 8 weeks of cure

i did go ahead and build a mixing station with a pair of 75 gal vertical tanks. worked well for the water changes curing the rock.

i have a couple quarantine tanks coming online real soon

frags-40g breeder with a 15 gallon sump tunze 9004 skimmer
fish- 29 gal with hang on (curing some live rock i got on cl almost free in this right now)

i did pick up a 5 gal nano with a little live rock going. had a few shrimp and snails in it. i added a clown, this tank is doing well. i don't see any pests so i put one of the marine pure blocks in there a few weeks back. i plan to move that over to the frag tank.

i am positive i am forgetting things..
pics and more progress to follow!
any advise is welcome!
thanks and enjoy

ihavecrabs · Mar 9, 2018

@moyer! can't wait to see this!

I just did an in-wall build myself. If you can, I'd live to see your sump solution and how you plan to handle ATO since I also used a stock tank as the sump in mine.

One thing to note, it would be wise to build heater holders out of PVC so that they do not touch the stock tank. I hear people have had leaks from heaters melting through.