DIY Sump

[thompson2224]

I am going to be using a 20 gallon tank for the sump, so my question is do I need to have baffles in the sump? Our is it okay to just have the 20 gallon tank and put all the piping leading to it and back to the tank. What do you use for baffles?

 

[ravi197699]

I have 2 75 gal sumps that i put together with plywood and i have connected them with two 2" bulk heads and i have no baffles what so ever... Water gets dumped in left side sump water travels through 2" bulkheads and by the time it gets to the other side of the sump its has no bubbles.....works great

 

[GOT_REEF]

Most people i would say put baffles in, to help separate filter media (algae or live rock/what have you) or filter devices such as skimmers, also it helps cut down on bubbles going back into the tank via the pump.

 

[bqq100]

I would put in at least 1 baffle so there is a section of constant water level for a skimmer.

 

[elmatth1]

I would put in at least 1 baffle so there is a section of constant water level for a skimmer.

+1 I would put at least one baffle between the return section and the rest of the sump.

 

[thompson2224]

Okay. I will put in two baffles probably. I was thinking to use glass for it and secure it with silicone. I heard silicone 1 is good for this but how long do I need to let it cure before it is tank safe? What else works better or as good as glass?

 

[markable]

http://youtu.be/t-WBDP7zbQs

 

[markable]

Go with glass. It's cheaper and easier to cut than acrylic.

 

[markable]

http://youtu.be/t-WBDP7zbQs

 

[markable]

Also I just posted a YouTube video on how to build a sump using a stock 20 gal tank. Search "Markablevideos dyi sump"

 

[ThisGuy12]

Just search for my thread on here, I just finished a 20 gallon high sump tank. Used 4 baffles.

 

[mrdobie]

Oif you want cheap or discounted plexi. Go to a place ( lowes, home depo ) that cut plexi and buy cut offs. They always hevely discount the cutoffs. I got $175 werth oh plexi fo $48.00

 

[thompson2224]

Where at home depot would I find the cut offs?

 

[thompson2224]

How long did you let the silicon cure for on that?

 

[EricBuzz]

One week minimum, two weeks better.

 

[thompson2224]

What can I do to avoid the one week cure time? As in instead of silicone or instead of glass

 

[ThisGuy12]

Using GE Silicone I - Windows and Doors. Let it cure for at least a week, then let it water leech for 1-2 days to ensure its 100% fish friendly.

Water leeching is the process of filling it all the way up and letting any toxics leech into that water then dump the water (just tap water) and wash down the insides with soap and water.

I do this with any questionable parts ie painted fittings, rods, etc.

 

[thompson2224]

Okay. What could I use for the baffles that wouldn't require to wait that long?

 

[mrdobie]

they have it where they cut the plexi.

 

[thompson2224]

Super tight fitting plexi? Or what?