DIY sump

[boardryder]

I just bought at 20 gallon tank to redo/upgrade the 10 gallon single baffle I made some time ago. I was going to purchase a kit from http://stores.ebay.com/usa-refugium but they don't have exactly what I was looking to build. I have a few questions as I want to make a solid sump this time.

What is the best acrylic to use and thickness? Does the hydroscopic property of acrylic only matter outside of water? I seem to have no problems with the baffel in my sump, but the pieces on top of my tank warp like crazy.

Any opinions on any of these designs? I'm going to have my inflow from the tank, an aqua c remora hang on, two little fishies, 200W heater, refugium, and mag5 outflow through a jbj chiller.

http://www.toddah.com/Pix/Reef/sump2crop.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/111/316182492_6ffab4f833.jpg?v=0
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/7ftSumpView.jpg
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/SystemPIX/Filtr-ComponentsPix/Sump123.jpg
http://www.aquaria.info/modules/PNphpBB2/files/sump_174.jpg

 

[bad coffee]

I use 3/16" cast for all my small work. In a glass tank, you should use glass baffles, but glass is not as easy to work with.

Use lots of silicone and your baffles should hold for a long while. (because silicone doesn't really bond to acrylic, the bond will most likely fail over time)

B

 

[boardryder]

What is the price point for acrylic vs. glass baffles and where would I go about getting the glass? Also wouldn't acrylic baffles be okay if they were sandwiched with silicone on both sides?

 

[bad coffee]

Depending on where you get your glass, it could be cheaper. take measurements and check your local glass shop. Make sure they sand the edges that will be exposed, so you don't cut yourself.

If you sandwich the acrylic on both sides, it will hold. But eventually it will fail. It might be a month, it might be 2 years. You never know. Since it's a sump I say go for it.

B

 

[CHEMCHEF]

at home depot they sell lucite shets that vary in size (common lenths and widths) very easy to work with.
i just built a 20 long sump/ refugium

 

[georgelc86]

I bought my glass peices at homes depot and it was cheaper than the acrylic they sell there. cut my own peices didnt get the eges sanded so i have to be careful.

 

[boardryder]

So from what I am reading glass is the way to go. Anyone else?

Also, anyone have any input on the designs? The links all basically show the same idea I'm looking for just different ways of going about it so I'm trying to figure the best way

 

[masterswimmer]

No question in my mind. Glass is the ONLY way I've done it......and I've built many sumps for many people.

Will acrylic hold? Like Brett says (in a nutshell), maybe. I despise doing things twice. Do it right the first time and never visit it again......that's my philosophy.

swimmer

 

[nanchil]

I went with glass. Took the measurement and went to a local glass store. They did a good job. They sanded all the sides. Cost effective too.

 

[boardryder]

Okay so I found a local glass shop and the rates seem pretty good.

Do I need 1/4" for the baffles or can I use thinner, and about what size should the width be for a 12" wide tank? I was thinking 11.75 should be fine for fit inside and taking into consideration the silicone on the bottom holding the tank together.

 

[masterswimmer]

1/8" glass is fine. As far as the size, you need to measure the clear opening on the inside of the tank.

 

[nanchil]

I took the tank with me to the glass shop and they measured. it came nice.

 

[boardryder]

Before I start, is a 20 gallon tank a good size for a 46 gallon display and have room for upgrades (say 70-90gallon)? Total volume will probably be around 14 gallons all said and done. It is going to be behind the display so I can go fairly big, just don't want to go huge.

I know bigger is always better, just looking for opinions. My current setup is probably about 5 gallon total and all is doing well.

 

[nanchil]

I have a 30G for my 75G display. I would probably go with 30G.

 

[meschaefer]

I would go with the biggest sump that can fit in there, keeping in mind what equipment you already have in there and what you are likely to get tomorrow.

 

[georgelc86]

Rule of Thumb is you would want about 10 to 15 percent of your display tank capacity as your refugium if thats what your going for, meaning 7 gallons is your minimum target size. Hey if you can throw a 180G as your sump do it.

 

[boardryder]

Well georgelc86 thanks. Your little calculation makes me feel better. Everyone else thanks I know you're all right, I was just hoping everyone would say my 20 gallon sump is good, especially since I picked it up for $20 on sale. All said and done making for about a $60 20 gallon sump/refugium. Haha.

Any way I figure if I make it out of this 20 gallon it's about 30% more water volume right now plus I could push it up to a 90 gallon. Thanks again for the Rule of Thumb.

 

[KathyC]

Did you decide if you're going to bring the tank to the glass shop? I did mine that way and the measurements were perfect. You just need to tell them how many and the different heights you want them cut to.

btw..the term for them sanding the edges of the glass so you don't get cut is called 'seaming'.

Good luck with it & maybe tank some pics while you're building it?

 

[boardryder]

Yeah, I've already called a local glass shop a few times so they know me already. Going to take the tank in once I decide on everything. I will try and take some pics of it.

 

[boardryder]

Okay so I have my sump all planned out. Thanks again. I'm looking for some input on my plumbing to streamline my setup and reduce the amout of powerheads I need.

How well will it work if I plumb my UV sterilizer off of my overflow to the sump. I will have a a side 90 (http://pvcfittings.com/graphics/SideOutlet90s.jpg), splitting with one going direct to the sump and the other through the UV to the sump. I will have ball valves for flow control.

Also looking to do the same with my mag5 return branching it off to the display and one to my PO4 reactor. Ball valves will be used for flow control to the reactor.

I think it sounds like a solid idea and I'm pretty sure I've seen similar ways of doing this through pics. Hopefully I can get some feedback before I start so I don't have to start sniffing the pvc cement to make myself feel better when all goes wrong.