size tank needed for sump on 65 gal

[cyllian]

i have been a lurker to this site for some time..finally decided to register because i have quite a few questions about saltwater set ups
I just received a 10 gal tank for free that i would like to turn into a sump for my 65 gal tank...is this to small? i think it is but would like some verification....thanks...

 

[tizzo]

Well, understanding the purpose of a sump may help you understand whether or not a 10 gallon is to small.
It's main purpose is to hide your equipment, so the first question is, will your skimmer, heater, any other filter you may have and return pump all fit into the 10 gallon.
The second reason is for the added water volume. You said you have a 65, if you stock it properly then that's an extra 10 or so gallons of water to keep your negative parameters down.
So for the second reason, I'd say 10 gallons is useless.
If you wanna hide your equipment and it'll fit in that then it's do-able.

 

[sign guy]

I guess to reiterate what tizzo said as big as possible, a good rule of thumb is around 1/3 your tank size (imho) you might want to add equipment in the future or build a fuge into the sump. pluss dont forget about the possibilty of a power outage. you dont want your sump to overflow
Welcome to the boards!

 

[coraljunky]

I have a 29g under my 65g display

I'd go bigger if it would fit

 

[wattsupdoc]

29makes a great sump or fuge for a 65. 20 long would be a good choice too.
Welcome lurker!

 

[salty blues]

I use a 14g sump for my 29g DT.

 

[alohami]

I have a 20L sump/fuge under my 65. It takes up nearly all the space I have in my stand, so I couldn't really go much bigger. I do wish I had more room though because I'm really limited as to what skimmer I can fit in.

 

[joncat24]

I have a 20 long with a MSX 160 skimmer, phosban reactor, heater, maxi jet 400 for phosban, maxi jet 400 for uv sterilizer, a quiet one 3000 return pump, and a 8" section for macro algae.
I cant think of anything else I need

 

[gatorwpb]

I have a 65g with a 20 long.
Here's a pic of it awhile ago, but the contents are the same but cleaner. It has a EuroReef RS-100 in it, 3" dsb with rubble rock and a whole lot of cheato. A fan to cool the tank timed with the MHs. Phosban reactor with a rio1200. Mag 7 return pump
Its a tight fit but it all works very well for my tank.