how to upgrade sump

[jtxstate]

ok i want to upgrade to a larger sump for my 75 gallon. Right now i have a 30 long but it is somewhat hard to get into. My question is, how do i get the sump out from under the tank? The sumpwas droped into the stand before the tank was setup, so is there a way to get it out? The stand is i guess the standard oak wood stand. Can i just knock out some of the boards to allow space to pull the sump out? And if so, what should i do about reinforcements so the tank doesnt crush the stand and i dont even want to think about it. any help? thanks

[cpreefguy]

I would drain a good amount of water from the tank first off, you can knock out the supports, but you would definatly need to add a few reinforcements. Also, a pic would help

[mathias]

this has disaster all written over it .... maybe setup a sump on a stand next to the tank and have a display sump?

[matt]

This is a good one; if you do take out "one too many" supports and the tank heads for the floor, please make sure you catch it on video; it'll be an instant classic!

Josh has a good idea, but it really does depend on the stand. Know any structural engineers? Here's another thought, which is not the greatest solution but will get your sump out; drain the sump and grab a hammer. The only problem with that is cleaning up the glass and it doesn't solve the problem of getting a bigger sump in there. First, you should measure your stand to get an idea of exactly how big a sump you can get in there; I'd be a little surprised if it's much bigger than 40 gallons or so, not the biggest upgrade. Between that and the headache of getting the old out/new in, maybe this is a good time to consider the bigger tank you've always wanted!

[hobogato]

i know i saw a chronical of how to safely remove a center brace on a stand, but couldnt find it. i thought it was on melevsreef.com, but i didnt see it. do a google search and you may be able to find it - in short, it involves using 2X4s for temporary support out in front of the tank while you have the center brace out

DISCLAIMER--do this at your own risk! i wish i could be more help.

[ou812pezz]

does this help http://www.melevsreef.com/55g/55sump.html

[hobogato]

good find - that is the exact thread i was thinking of.

[ou812pezz]

Checking out the site for some future ideas.

[betiuminside]

In my case I had the same problem, so on the back of the stand I had 3 colums, and in the front just one, so I decided to remove the one in the middle of the back of the stand... and I had no problems removing the sump and put in the new one, and then succefully putting back the middle column. So I think a picture will be better for us enable to give you ideas, good luck.

[jtxstate]

thanks guys, i saw that site too, i think it will work, but i will make sure to get the video rec. out just in case.