Sump

[michaelg]

Well- as missfortune and setbacks would have it, I cracked the 10 gallon tank I was going to use as a sump.  I turned just a little too hard on the bulkhead and I heard the unmistakeable crunch that says "You Screwed up This Time".  Needless to say, I need to figure something out soon- as this is the last thing I need to do before I can finish the plumbing and start the main circulation for the 2 tanks (currently using powerheads).

I am real limited on space- the 10 gallon tank fit well, as big enough for my skimmer and pump, and left enough other room inside the stand for my calcium reactor, a top off resevoir, and the return pump.  

 

I don't want to get another 10 gallon glass tank and have this happen again.  Commercial sumps are outrageous in $$, so I want to make one out of acrylic.  The one thing I don't have is a table saw to make straight cuts with, and a fine tooth blade.  Anyone have such things and willing to help on a project?  I have read a lot on working with acrylic, and have the weldon #16 to put it together.  Else a local plastic shop that I can have them cut the acrylic to size for less than my left hand.....

I would like to make the dimensions to be 20x11x13 though can go smaller.  Using 12X24 pieces from US plastics is too big- I thought of going that route....  Any sources for cheap acrylic tanks also appreciated.  I can drill the bulkhead hole without problem.  Any other suggestions?  I have a 10 gallon rubbermaid, but it isn't deep enough.

Thanks for any help.

Michael

[Guest tgallo]

hey mike, try the container store on rockville pike they have all kinds of plastic container's.

[michaelg]

Well- I managed to fix the broken one.  Here is what I did.  I took 2 small pieces of acrylic, drilled 1 3/4" holes through them, and made a sandwhich to cover over the crack.  A heavy amount of silicon was applied to each piece, and they were fixed in place using the bulkhead.  I then ran a heavy bead of silicon around all the seams, and allowed to dry.  Worked like a charm.  Gave it a good test completely full (normally running 1/3 volume or so) and holds great.

 

FWIW,

Michael

[Guest Kimo]

Michael -

 

If you do decide to make a sump I have some WeldOn 3 if you need it.

 

Jamie

[michaelg]

Great- I actually am still thinking of making one, as I would like to be able to run it deeper for bubble reduction.  I have a tube of weldon 16, but from reading some stuff over on RC from acrylicman, it seems like I would be best off to do it first with weldon 3, then run a bead of 16.  Anyone have a table saw with a fine tooth blade??????  

 

It will wait until next month or so though- still need to get that old tank broken down and moved first, which I will do in parts over the next couple weekends (why so long?  Too many other obligations!).

 

Michael