My DIY Sump

[xcali1985]

I got these directions off YouTube made it today its a 20" long. My equipment will be a 10" heater, return pump and ASM Mini-G Skimmer.
The left chamber will be the return, the first wall is used for maintaining a safe level for the pump (6inches), next wall assembled top down is called a bubble trap to minimize micro bubbles(10 1/2 inches), water travels under this wall, the next wall is to maintain water level for the skimmer (8 1/2 inchs). The process of these 3 walls causes micro bubbles to gather and burst on the surface. The final wall is for the refuge section for sand, live rock, etc.. (10 1/2 inches)
By the way I used a 20 gallon Long tank, dimensions are 30x12x12. The chamber dimensions are 6inches, 1 inch, 1 inch, 9 inches, 13 inches.

 

[markw]

So from left to right it will be return pump, bubble trap, skimmer, refuge (also where the warer comes in from the tank)? Looks and sounds great. Cant wait to see it in action. What tank are you putting this under?
Mark

 

[xcali1985]

Should have stated direction of flow, from right to left. basically water will enter into the refuge and then flow over the wall into the skimmer section, then flow over the and under the bubble trap and then into the return section. Its going under a custom 80 gallon.

 

[gio28]

looks really good. thats how i did mine exactly...except i have a 20 gallon high for my sump. same layout too but my skimmer chamber is first...then fuge..then baffles + return.

 

[crypt keeper]

okay. Do you have enough room in the sump in case a power outage occurs? My tank overflows about 5 maybe 6 gallons. It doesnt look as though you have enough room for that

 

[xcali1985]

Check valves and yes theres enough room, my current one only drains approx 1/2 a gallon. I have a hole in the return line right at the water line, stops suction immediately if my valve gets stuck.

 

[vince-1961]

good clean lines with the silicon. I was a lot messier.

 

[xcali1985]

Originally Posted by vince-1961
http:///forum/post/3107601
good clean lines with the silicon. I was a lot messier.
Im making another one for my brothers tank same dimensions, when i went back i noticed theres a tool for applying silicone to corners cost 2 bucks but turns the bead into a perfect fit into the corner placing a little on both edges. Ill post those picks as soon as im done. Im taking my time on his.

 

[saltwatercowby]

I guess you bought the glass ppre cut...what thickness? and what size main tank are you using it for?

 

[xcali1985]

Originally Posted by saltwatercowby
http:///forum/post/3108901
I guess you bought the glass ppre cut...what thickness? and what size main tank are you using it for?
The Plexiglass is 1/4 inch thick you need that i think minimum as the water pressure will bow anything less and throw its dimensions off.
Im using it on a 80.
Yes I bought the glass precut. I was able to purchase the tank i needed, then made the measurements. Lowes will cut it down to size for free. Highly suggest this, they will even cut glass that you didnt buy from them. Just be aware they only warranty the cutting process with in house products.
I leak tested it yesterday and filled the outer compartments and they haven't leaked over so today i filled the bubble wall and it hasn't leaked over the last 2 hours so it looks like i sealed it good.
Its amazingly easy to build, cost was 40$ for tank, plexiglass was 21$ total, and silicone 7 krazy glue GEL.
I used some optional tools such as a tape measure, level, silicone beader, and some masking tape.
I wrapped the border of the glass top and bottom with masking tape and marked my dimensions then I aligned the glass, placed about 5 dots of krazy glue gel on each side of the glass let that set for 5 minutes then applied silicone and used the beader to mend it into the corner and create a good seal.
I was unable to seal all sides with the bubble trap just couldnt get inbetween the glass. So what I did was make sure that the glass was sealed very good on the side I could.