GHayes
Community Member
I am upgrading my Coralife 29g Biocube AIO system to a 60g Imagitarium framed breeder display tank with a sump. My initial plan was to use a 20g long tank as the sump, but after calculating drain‑down volume during a power outage, I realized it would not provide enough capacity. My initial plan was to use a 20g long tank as the sump. After some more calculating, I am thinking this will not be big enough for the inevitable power outage and subsequent drain-down. Avoiding spills is a priority—my landlord, nor my wife, would appreciate a flooded floor.
Available Space
The stand provides an internal footprint of 43” × 15.5” × 27” . To maximize usable volume while maintaining workable clearance, I plan to build a custom acrylic sump.
Proposed Sump Dimensions
The sump will measure 40” × 14” × 13”. This height gives me comfortable access for maintenance—especially for removing and cleaning the collection cup on the Reef Octopus Classic 110‑INT skimmer I intend to use. This will give me enough headroom for maintenance, especially on the collection cup of the Reef Octopus Classic 110-INT.... The return‑pump end will include a partial shelf for equipment storage, and the ATO reservoir will likely sit outside the stand for easier access and more capacity .
Chamber Layout
The sump will include the following sections :
Skimmer Chamber Water Level Options
I am considering two approaches for controlling the skimmer chamber depth :
Available Space
The stand provides an internal footprint of 43” × 15.5” × 27” . To maximize usable volume while maintaining workable clearance, I plan to build a custom acrylic sump.
Proposed Sump Dimensions
The sump will measure 40” × 14” × 13”. This height gives me comfortable access for maintenance—especially for removing and cleaning the collection cup on the Reef Octopus Classic 110‑INT skimmer I intend to use. This will give me enough headroom for maintenance, especially on the collection cup of the Reef Octopus Classic 110-INT.... The return‑pump end will include a partial shelf for equipment storage, and the ATO reservoir will likely sit outside the stand for easier access and more capacity .
Chamber Layout
The sump will include the following sections :
- Drain chamber
- Skimmer chamber
- Refugium
- Bubble‑elimination chamber
- Return chamber
Skimmer Chamber Water Level Options
I am considering two approaches for controlling the skimmer chamber depth :
- Static 8” water depth with a platform to fine‑tune skimmer height .
- Shorter fixed baffle paired with an adjustable slide baffle to set the operating water level dynamically
