need to remove old sump...

salt life

salt life

Active Member
on my older 75g I still have the sump underneath the stand, I would like to get it out so I can put another tank in so I can either buy a bigger skimmer or add a DSB or another tank for chaeto...
I tried using a dremel to cut it in half, but after a couple minutes didn't cut through that much and it was ridiculously loud. would I be able to cut the center support on the stand to get it out or would that make my whole stand break? any other ideas?
thanks
 
aquaknight

aquaknight

Active Member
What attachment were you using on the dremel? Chances are that the acrylic will start of liquefy and attach to the cutting bit on the dremel. If you're using one of those long steel drill-bit type attachments, it will need cleaned off, or a cut-off wheel, the cheap ceramic like wheels, they need replaced often, but one of the fiberglass reinforced wheels or even better the diamond bit cut off wheel should go through the entire sump fine.
 
salt life

salt life

Active Member
Originally Posted by salt210
http:///forum/post/3097589
someone recommended to me to reinforce one end of the stand a make a door there
that's a good idea but I don't have room to get on the side of the tank, both tanks take up a whole wall...
 
salt life

salt life

Active Member
Originally Posted by AquaKnight
http:///forum/post/3097643
What attachment were you using on the dremel? Chances are that the acrylic will start of liquefy and attach to the cutting bit on the dremel. If you're using one of those long steel drill-bit type attachments, it will need cleaned off, or a cut-off wheel, the cheap ceramic like wheels, they need replaced often, but one of the fiberglass reinforced wheels or even better the diamond bit cut off wheel should go through the entire sump fine.
do they sell those at home depot? what I used was just a regular bit, it was my friends dads so he just brought over what he had. and yes when i was cutting the acrylic was melting and sticking to the bit.
 
windlasher

windlasher

Member
Originally Posted by Salt Life
http:///forum/post/3097569
on my older 75g I still have the sump underneath the stand, I would like to get it out so I can put another tank in so I can either buy a bigger skimmer or add a DSB or another tank for chaeto...
I tried using a dremel to cut it in half, but after a couple minutes didn't cut through that much and it was ridiculously loud. would I be able to cut the center support on the stand to get it out or would that make my whole stand break? any other ideas?
thanks
the problem you have is that even if you could cut it in half, you wont be able to get it out. what you need to do id make 2 or more cuts leaving pieces that can fit out of the spaces in your stand. Is this a case where the stand was placed and then the sump set in from the top?
A decent saws all will make short work of a plexi sump and you can rent one of those although a new one can be had for $30.00. Can you post a pic?
 
salt life

salt life

Active Member
Originally Posted by windlasher
http:///forum/post/3098081
the problem you have is that even if you could cut it in half, you wont be able to get it out. what you need to do id make 2 or more cuts leaving pieces that can fit out of the spaces in your stand. Is this a case where the stand was placed and then the sump set in from the top?
A decent saws all will make short work of a plexi sump and you can rent one of those although a new one can be had for $30.00. Can you post a pic?
I got the tank used and the sump was under the stand already when they delivered it. I used that sump for 2+ years then hooked up another 75g and got a bigger sump. I will get some pics soon, just need to charge camera, but for a mental image,its the 2 door stand, and the sump is on the left side. and its about 2.5 feet long. (if that helps any).
a decent saw as in just a hand saw?
 
salt life

salt life

Active Member
Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/3098289
no its not a sawzall its a porta cable reciprocating saw
alrighty well joe, what do you think is the easiest and quietest way to get this old sump out? is this saw thing the way to go?
 
crypt keeper

crypt keeper

Active Member
Originally Posted by Salt Life
http:///forum/post/3098408
alrighty well joe, what do you think is the easiest and quietest way to get this old sump out? is this saw thing the way to go?

its loud but quick. It will take half the time something a little more quiet would.
Just hack it. Your fish wont hear the noise.
 
crypt keeper

crypt keeper

Active Member
Sawz all like the picture posted. You can get different blades. You want Hacksaw type blades to cut it not bigger blades that may break it and chip it away.
 
fishkid13

fishkid13

Active Member
My favorite tool! It can do almost anything, even get that old sump out. Like said you can get different blades which will do a different job at cutting certain materies. It can be loud though.
 
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