To upgrade sump or not

[AJ1080]

Im not really happy with the sump/refugium that I have now and recently found that If I have one made for for less than 100 for everything.

I was thinking about going with the socks but also upgrading the size from a 20 to a 29. My only problem is that I wouldnt be able to fit the 29 under my tank (72 gallon bow) without removing the center brace. I would probably remove half the water and put a temporary brace, slide the 29 in and then go from there.

Thinking about how much trouble this is going to be I was thinking, is an extra 6" width really worth all of this? Or should I just use a 20 high which I can stand on its side and slide right in without having to take a brace out.

What would you guys do?

 

[The_Codfather]

Take the brace out and go with the 29.. you can always put the brace back in

 

[AJ1080]

eh heck. Just found some guys that have done this. Ill just empty about 50 gallons out into a rubber maid, put a couple temporary braces offset, slide the new fuge in and then put the brace back up.

Just dropped off the tank to get made, should have it by the end of the week.

I'll take some pics of this since it looks like its a common question for people with bows.

 

[The_Codfather]

Who's making the Sump?

 

[steamman]

If you need it go for it.

 

[AJ1080]

Steve at aqua oceans has someone that makes them

 

[DaveK]

I don't think I'd remove a center brace to install a sump, even if I later replaced it. Sooner or later your going to have to remove the sump for maintenance, or if it's a glass tank, you might break it by accident.

You want to be able to quickly replace it, without having to worry about a center brace.

I ran into this problem with my tank and stand, and to resolve it, I put the tank a couple of feet from the wall, and placed the sump behind the tank. Not everyone wants to do this, and it does take up more space. OTOH, it's real easy to remove it when I want to "muck it out".

 

[SirFragalot]

Is the option to cut and make a door on the side of the stand to just slide it in/out possible? I plan on doing this with a new sump build. I have seen this demonstrated online. Can't find the link right now but I believe it was Melev's site that showed them doing this. Not on a bow though.

 

[fatoldsun]

guessing it's too late if the tank was dropped off for the build a few weeks ago but if you're still uncertain about removing the brace an option that could work - you could fit two tanks in and plumb them together - that way you could have the same system water volume without modifying the stand. just a thought - hope it's not too late to be helpful. I know how much sleep I'd lose when I struggled with something only to have people tell me I shouldn't have done it after the fact. good luck whichever way you go
(oh and I also think I say something on Melev's site where he removed the center brace and I don't think he took much or any water out - he just set up 2 offset 2"x4" braces - I think it was his 55 build