[masterswimmer]

1/8" glass is fine. As far as the size, you need to measure the clear opening on the inside of the tank.

[nanchil]

I took the tank with me to the glass shop and they measured. it came nice.

[boardryder]

Before I start, is a 20 gallon tank a good size for a 46 gallon display and have room for upgrades (say 70-90gallon)? Total volume will probably be around 14 gallons all said and done. It is going to be behind the display so I can go fairly big, just don't want to go huge.

I know bigger is always better, just looking for opinions. My current setup is probably about 5 gallon total and all is doing well.

[nanchil]

I have a 30G for my 75G display. I would probably go with 30G.

[meschaefer]

I would go with the biggest sump that can fit in there, keeping in mind what equipment you already have in there and what you are likely to get tomorrow.

[georgelc86]

Rule of Thumb is you would want about 10 to 15 percent of your display tank capacity as your refugium if thats what your going for, meaning 7 gallons is your minimum target size. Hey if you can throw a 180G as your sump do it.

[boardryder]

Well georgelc86 thanks. Your little calculation makes me feel better. Everyone else thanks I know you're all right, I was just hoping everyone would say my 20 gallon sump is good, especially since I picked it up for $20 on sale. All said and done making for about a $60 20 gallon sump/refugium. Haha.

Any way I figure if I make it out of this 20 gallon it's about 30% more water volume right now plus I could push it up to a 90 gallon. Thanks again for the Rule of Thumb.

[KathyC]

Did you decide if you're going to bring the tank to the glass shop? I did mine that way and the measurements were perfect. You just need to tell them how many and the different heights you want them cut to.

btw..the term for them sanding the edges of the glass so you don't get cut is called 'seaming'.

Good luck with it & maybe tank some pics while you're building it?

[boardryder]

Yeah, I've already called a local glass shop a few times so they know me already. Going to take the tank in once I decide on everything. I will try and take some pics of it.

[boardryder]

Okay so I have my sump all planned out. Thanks again. I'm looking for some input on my plumbing to streamline my setup and reduce the amout of powerheads I need.

How well will it work if I plumb my UV sterilizer off of my overflow to the sump. I will have a a side 90 (http://pvcfittings.com/graphics/SideOutlet90s.jpg), splitting with one going direct to the sump and the other through the UV to the sump. I will have ball valves for flow control.

Also looking to do the same with my mag5 return branching it off to the display and one to my PO4 reactor. Ball valves will be used for flow control to the reactor.

I think it sounds like a solid idea and I'm pretty sure I've seen similar ways of doing this through pics. Hopefully I can get some feedback before I start so I don't have to start sniffing the pvc cement to make myself feel better when all goes wrong.