sump size for a 55 gal

[darklcd]

hey all

well i was trying to set up a "ghetto" sump for my 55 gal with a pair of 5 gal pails but after getting shocked enough to lose the feeling in my hand I don't want to mess around with them any more so I am going to pick up an old tank asap but I don't know what size to pick up.

I was thinking that a 25 or a 30 would be good but the problem is my stand is made out of 2x4s and I don't have much width under my stand.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[akunochi]

You want the tank to be the width of the stand minus an inch and about 80% of the length. This is a by the book answer LOL can you give me a measurement of the available room inside the stand?

 

[lizardarm]

That's one of the many cruxes of a 55, like the tank, the space inside the stand is too narrow for any good use. You might try a 20 tall, or do they call it a 20 high? Either way, it might fit in there. I'm assuming you're using a submersible return pump?

 

[darklcd]

yeah thats what I am using I found a 20 gal long tank that just might do the trick I am going to measure it and see what happens

 

[lizardarm]

Can you build a bigger stand? Just kidding.
Do you use an in sump skimmer? If so, the 20 long may not give you enough height to have the water level high enough while still leaving room for overflow in the event of a power outage.

 

[Chichas01]

why are you getting shocked??

 

[darklcd]

don't ask lol I was working with a pump and the line let go and sprayed water all over the power bar

 

[lvsuckerfish]

i believe a 20 long will be too wide for the stand depending on if it is a custom stand or not.

 

[darklcd]

I built it myself yeah it is custom so it might work I am going check today and make sure.

Is there anyway that i can use two buckets and have it work?

 

[akunochi]

Why not take this as an opportunity to build your own sump? It is really really easy. I did mine in 2 days.