space under the tank for a sump

[sifujose]

i have 48" of length under my 90g bottom drilled rr w/overflow to play with. i was feeling that the 30long tank was ideal for a sump/fuge but when i drew it out it only leaves me with 12" of space. i want to have a iwaki md 30 rt-115 external and that pump is 10 inches. not enough space.so i thought that going with a 29g gives me 18 inches of space. a tru-union for quick release would probably fit but does that leave me too cramped? i have it all drawn out and would love to show u guys as soon as i get accepted to the club(my pics will load!). Should i scrap the external for a drop in because of the space considerations? i understand that i should try to use external pumps when i can. u guys are gurus of reef keeping. thanks, brian in margate nj

 

[Sunny]

I am all for internal pumps. It is just easy and clean. I have two mag 9 in my sump. These days the temp is at 76. In summers I run a 4 inch fan on the surface and the temp alwas stays around 78.

Welcome and Good luck.

Sunny

 

[evoIX]

i use the same method as monroe. i think using an external would be cool. but i use the extra space for all the other equipment and more fiddle room. plus i'm cheap. internal is cheaper and more readily available for replacement.

 

[Nickjr000]

i use the same method as monroe. i think using an external would be cool. but i use the extra space for all the other equipment and more fiddle room. plus i'm cheap. internal is cheaper and more readily available for replacement.

I love the internal as well. Had a mag 12 on my 120 it was great, plus no worry about a leaky shaft seal or anything cause it will only go back into your sump.
For a 90g id just get a mag 9.5 or mag 12. You could prob go with the 12 or 18 and have plenty to run your skimmer and return. All for less than 200$

 

[AngelPete]

A++ on the internal pumps...been running a mag 18 for three years now. its great and im sure also helps keep the water warm.