DARB

I'm going to start a 10gal reef I know it is a small start but that’s all the room I have. So I wanted to add some volume to this tank and I remember reading in a DIY a enclosed PVC volume tank. Well I got to thinking Will this work? Red Is a siphon and green water is pulled by a power head.

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cerianthus

10G Nano is not a problem if stay on top of things. Why dont you simply do it with couple of Small AquaClear pH equipped with Quick Filter (used as needed), LR and small HOB Protein skimmer w/ PC or T5 lighting for majority of corals frags available from fish forum like this. Can even do DIY Wood Cap with Retro kit for lighting. There are other forums which are solely dedicated to Reef where you can find tons of frags (ManhattanReef,ReefCentral) and cheap. You may be able to find some freebies as you should return the favor when yours are propaging which will benefit both us and nature.
As far as your DWG, is that DIY sump/Refuge above the tank? or is it just PVC loop on the side of tank just to increase the volume? If can do lots of DIY, why dont you just build wooden rack to hold two 10G on top of each other. Drill at least one hole on top tank (drill close to top corner and threaded Bulkhead w/ threaded elbow and strainer. Since elbow is threaded, can turn CW or CCW to control the water level on top tank. Then install small pump to bottom tank (sump). the size of pump really depends on the head pressure. W/in 2-3', should be able to achieved with modified PH.

I personally have 10 G Nano which I have ran for since last Summer with Seahorses and now beginning to contact some old friends for few frags. Had mushroom since Dec. and trying to stimulate it to split (maybe it will work as worked with some softies). What I have is just one PH w/ Quick filter for now (not much in the tank) w/ 55W PC.. Seahorses were moved to 2-1/2G once saw bulging of belly but no babys yet.

DARB

The box on top is the tank and the box on the bottom is the stand. The reason for that set up is to increase volume. As every body said bigger is better I would gain about 15 gals If this set up would not held then I will scratch the hole ideal. For as lights go I have 2 25watt 50/50 bulbs.

cerianthus

Although it is tru that more water will be more stable. would'nt you rather have open tank under the another if possible? This way it does not take up amy more space.

If not, it seems excellent idea to just increase the volume w/o spending mega bucks.
Just make sure the weight of PVC and water is not hung on the tank. Rather than pull, you should push the water thru PVC.

If drilling is not an option, how about DIY sump on the top of the tank w/ enough clearance to 10 G.
You could incorporate wooden box on top. Use plywood w/ frame and line it w/ cheapest plexiglass. It will be easy to drill hole on plywood and plexiglass. Either that or get similar size plastic/rubber tub and build strong enough frame to withstand the wight of water.
Rest is explained above. Just pump the water up and let it gravity drain. I know, lots of work. Well, I bet you will come up with more and maybe better ideas as you try DIY.
As they say, Necessity is Mother of inventions!! LOL!

The advantage of having open sump is that , not just more water, but could incorporate into Refuge/isolation tank, etc which will give you more options and more FUN!!!

Which ever way you decide to go, keep us posted! And Good Luck.

BTW, is it T5 (not familiar since was not avail when I was reefing) or PC? 50/50 should be ok for most LPS, softies, polyps and mush..



This way you can use

DARB

Thanks the reason I can't have a sump is because it sets on my boys book shelf and my wife is freaking out about having to many tanks already. I'll try to maintain the 10gal only no extras just an thought. Thanks

cerianthus

anytime!