Building a sump/refugium

[Steve silbernagel]

Ok thx I'll definetally take that into consideration. I just got my glass today. Hopefully I'll have time Friday to start it.

 

[Steve silbernagel]

I took your advice gave the intake and return 1/2" more room. My skimmer will just fit and now I have 8" on my return.

 

[Steve silbernagel]

I just couldn't wait I had to finish that one side

 

[Grizz]

Looks good nice and clean, dont rush it lol

 

[Steve silbernagel]

I'm not really the silicon set up rather quickly so I was able to move rite along. I've done so much research in the last month on these **** sumps I felt like I knew what I was doin whipping it out so fast. I only worked on it last night for a couple of hours. Tonight I will do the one last panel touch up any spots and then let it sit for a good 24 hrs then leak test it and install

 

[Thartsockpg]

I'm building mine right now and have had to restart 2 times because of leaks. I'm trying to get glass and acrylic to bond with silicone. It's a 10 gallon sump. This third time I'm taking it really slow and have already had to reveal one of the dividers. Any tips on doing this. Also how can I get dried silicone of the sides of the tank?

 

[Steve silbernagel]

First off your not going to get a permanent seal with using acrylic dividers. I used 1/4 glass and mine came out first shot. Now it will work for awhile but eventually it will leak. There is special silicon the sticks but it ain't marine safe. I aqueon silicon $18 for a big tube. You will have to get ahold of a local glass shop to get the glass. HD and Lowe's don't carry it.

 

[Thartsockpg]

Well for now it will have to work. Eventually I will buy a real sump!

 

[Steve silbernagel]

Here's an update on mine I just finished the baffles earlier and now I'm building my snail guards

 

[Pryzz]

I'm building mine right now and have had to restart 2 times because of leaks. I'm trying to get glass and acrylic to bond with silicone. It's a 10 gallon sump. This third time I'm taking it really slow and have already had to reveal one of the dividers. Any tips on doing this. Also how can I get dried silicone of the sides of the tank?

Have you tried a clean razor blade?

 

[Thartsockpg]

I used an exacto knife. It worked a little.

 

[Steve silbernagel]

Finished product

 

[Steve silbernagel]

Carefully use a regular razor blade

 

[Grizz]

You'll need to ruff'n the edges of the acrylic to get the silicone to stick
Steve Thats a darn nice looking sump, are you sure it's your 1st build lol

 

[Thartsockpg]

OK well I just sealed the last leak I hope. Planning on installing tomorrow!

 

[Steve silbernagel]

Yes it is! I'm a custom fabricator by trade so I got a good mind on how stuff works and how to customize stuff. I'm glad everyone likes it TY lets just hope it passes the leak test tonight

 

[Steve silbernagel]

Tank passes with flying colors. Will be up and running this weekend

 

[Steve silbernagel]

Running the sump with a maxi jet 1200 for trial run

 

[Steve silbernagel]

Just got all the fittings today will be putting it all together tonight look out for my updates

 

[Klobianco12]

I have a Question , you see how you made your sump out of a 20 or 10g tank, im goin to do that and what else you need for it ? I just put a protein skimmer and my heaters n lr n sand in there wht else?