Help build sump

mpdan

Member
ok im ready to build my own sump i have a 75gal fish only tank and i have an old 30gal tank to build sup out of. all i know for sure is i want to be able to put skimmer and heater into the sump oh and i want to use acrylic for panels
 

culp

Active Member
Mr. X on this board used cutting boards for the baffles in his sump and from what i hear it a lot cheaper.
 

dive girl

Member
If you are using a glass 30 gallon, you won't be able to get the acrylic to bond to the glass. Acrylic to acrylic or glass to glass.
 

scopus tang

Active Member
Originally Posted by Dive Girl
http:///forum/post/2880275
If you are using a glass 30 gallon, you won't be able to get the acrylic to bond to the glass. Acrylic to acrylic or glass to glass.
+1
; having glass baffels cut is general as cheap if not cheaper than acrylic. Go for glass.
 

mpdan

Member
ok so use glass sounds good. anyone have some dimensions on size of partitions also should i have the side of sump drilled? what size pluming to use?
 

scopus tang

Active Member
Originally Posted by mpdan
http:///forum/post/2880369
ok so use glass sounds good. anyone have some dimensions on size of partitions also should i have the side of sump drilled? what size pluming to use?
When you say partitions are you talking the baffles or the size of the compartments? baffle size is determined by the tank (you'll have to measure) and compartment size will be determined by what you want in each one; I like rock rubble in the first compartment, caeto in the second, and the return pump in the third - but I have a HOB skimmer. Others use one of the compartments for their skimmer (which I recommend if you have the room and can do a fuge seperate - better control of flow). Generally I prefer to have the sump drilled, and pluming size will be determined by the hose size of your overflow system.
 
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dennis210

Guest
Lets just say that speaking from experience glass to glass is better than glass to plexi or acrylic in terms of longevity. Another point to consider when making your sump is can I make sure I only have PH's and return up in main tank "everything else should go into sump!"
 

camfish

Active Member
Originally Posted by Dennis210
http:///forum/post/2880803
Lets just say that speaking from experience glass to glass is better than glass to plexi or acrylic in terms of longevity. Another point to consider when making your sump is can I make sure I only have PH's and return up in main tank "everything else should go into sump!"
Even the fish?!?!?! Just busting your chops, that's some good advice
 

bizzmoneyb

Member
yea def get glass for baffles instead of acrylic. i made that mistake. glass baffles will seal and bond beautifully with the tank, acrylic wont. you'll have to goop the silicone everywhere just to hold the acrylic in place, but it wont bond.
home depot sells different size small glass panes... get the small cutting tool in the same section and cut them to size. but be very careful and wear gloves. i cut myself about 45 times doing mine.
and as far as size compartments it all depends on what you want to put in each. some people need a big first compartment to fit their skimmers, etc. there are many many different designs and sizes that people use.
 

mpdan

Member
how many gallons should the sump hold i know it is a 30gal tank but with the baffles how much should it hold i have some numbers and it came out to only holding 16gal.
 
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