Tall sump ok? or problematic

I have a 30G oceanic cube and would like to have a sump in the stand. I am having trouble finding a container that fits in the stand and still holds enough water. A standard 10g is too long even. The space is roughly 18" by 18". I wanted to do a rubbermaid sump but there is still the problem of size. I thought something made for a kitchen trash bin would fit. This of course would be taller than it is wide. Is this still ok? I mean if it were a 46 quart trash can it would be closer to two feet high. If i put the overflow deep into the can and the return pump high up can this still work? Does anyone know of inherent problems with a real tall sump? Thanks. I would really like to get my heater and skimmer out of my main tank as well as add some flow.

 

I think it would be fine. Several reasons to have a sump are to move unsightly equipment to another area, (mission accomplished). Increase the volume of water in your reef, (mission accomplished). And to be able to have a larger water turnover.......... You are doing so with your odd sized sump. GOFORIT

Jim

 

Just be sure you can access all the equipment easily in your sump. If it's a pita to perform maintence you most likley will do less or have to change sump again.
Best, Scott

 

The other important reason to have a sump is to increase the surface area in which bacteria can grow and be better able to handle increased bio-load.
And also important, as mentioed above, is the ability to house skimmer/heater etc. out of view. Very crucial point, also mentioned above is the ease of cleaning/ getting to and working with your equipment in your sump under the tank.

 

you can cut a plastic container to any hight you want

 

I'd be careful with that as most of the rubber maid type stuff uses the top rim as a main frame of support. what size tank is the sump going to be use on ?

 

Taller sump gives you more margin for error. That's good!

 

good point

 

The sump is for my 30G cube. I ended up getting a 42 quart kitchen trash can. It seems real solid and fits under the stand. I guess thats about 10 gallons so I should have about 7 or 8 gallons in it when its running. Is it better to put the return pump up top? I don't understand the margin for error thing matt, you mean as far as water flowing back into the sump and possibly overflowing?