Sump

[GHayes]

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 :

• Drain chamber

• Skimmer chamber

• Refugium

• Bubble‑elimination chamber

• Return chamber

A rough diagram is included in the original document, though it is not to scale .
Skimmer Chamber Water Level Options
I am considering two approaches for controlling the skimmer chamber depth :

1. Static 8” water depth with a platform to fine‑tune skimmer height .

1. Shorter fixed baffle paired with an adjustable slide baffle to set the operating water level dynamically

 

[GHayes]

I priced the glass at a local glass shop. Plexiglass is $19 and change per square foot and glass is $16 and change per square foot. They have a minimum of 2 square foot per piece. The quote for glass was $370. Each of the baffles would be $32, even the 5"x14" short baffle in the bubble elimination chamber. GRRRR! I know they want to send their kids and grandkids to college. But holy moly.