I'm thinking of building a sump

[DebsSisterFlo]

I took down the 20g and brought the fish in to advanced... I'm toying with the idea of turning that into a sump for the 38g, I think it would benefit the tank. Problem is no matter how much I read and ask questions I still don't feel confident attempting this build.

I don't suppose anyone would want to come out to my place and help me? I'd feed you! I just think a little on hand help would really help me figure this out... so I don't screw something up!!! My biggest fear is a flood when I'm not home... I REALLY don't need that, and my husband would be quite ticked if our carpeting was ruined. So, just thought I'd put that out there...

 

[jandlms]

How do you plan on moving water from the main to the sump? Overflow/siphon or drill the tank and install bulkheads?
I live over in Suamico so it wouldn't be too far to help you out. I have done most of the needed work many times in the past. I do not however have the drill or bits needed to drill your main tank.
I think Jason or Bryan have the necessary bits. Speak up guys and help the lady out.
Let me know if you want my "expertise" such as it is.
jandlms

 

[DebsSisterFlo]

I'd have to get an overflow, no drilling for me, I'm not emptying that tank! Then I'd have to get a mag something pump, and I'd need help figuring out how to install baffles into that tank, I do have glass oddly enough. I also have a coralife skimmer for a 65g tank...

 

[nellie54914]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7755051#post7755051 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DebsSisterFlo
I'd have to get an overflow, no drilling for me, I'm not emptying that tank!

ohhhh....you ruined it. All you had to do was say you need something drilled and you could have lured Jason over there!

 

[Limpit]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7755051#post7755051 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DebsSisterFlo
I'd have to get an overflow, no drilling for me, I'm not emptying that tank! Then I'd have to get a mag something pump, and I'd need help figuring out how to install baffles into that tank, I do have glass oddly enough. I also have a coralife skimmer for a 65g tank...

Jessica,
Is the glass cut to size for the sump already?
I have always used Lexan as baffles and siliconed them into place. I have never cut glass but have drilled out a couple of holes before. A glass shop for sure or someone here maybe able to cut the glass for you
There are a ton of sump designs available in the Do it yourself forum here on R.C. for you to see how different peoples are.
Is it a 20 long or 20 high tank?

 

[DebsSisterFlo]

um, I'm guessing high? It is 24L x 17w x12.5h. The glass in not cut, it is in sheets... to me it's just glass, I don't know if it's tempered or it is has to be? I'm guessing it is not, it's just thin sheets of glass... *shrug*

 

[Limpit]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7759454#post7759454 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DebsSisterFlo
um, I'm guessing high? It is 24L x 17w x12.5h. The glass in not cut, it is in sheets... to me it's just glass, I don't know if it's tempered or it is has to be? I'm guessing it is not, it's just thin sheets of glass... *shrug*

That is a 20 high tank, a 20 long measures approx 30 x 12 x 12. Reason I ask is that your sump plan would depend on how much room you have to work with inside the sump tank. Is the skimmer you have a in sump model or can you use it outside of the sump?
Hopefully someone here has cut glass before and can give you a hand with the glass, like I stated before I have only worked with Lexan.
Here is a pic of the sump I built to give you some idea on what can be done.

Water comes in on the right side where the ASM G-3 skimmer is. It then goes through a bubble trap (3 walls U-D-U) the water then is in the middle area of the sump where one pump returns the water to the tanks and the other pump feeds the left chamber that holds LR. The only reason I have 2 pumps in the middle chamber is because I bought too small of a return pump to feed both the tanks and the LR chamber with the flow that I wanted.

 

[jandlms]

Unless there is a great deal more flow and pressure than I think there will be you can go with plexiglass or some other non-glass material (lexan) for any dividers that might be needed or wanted. No sense in cutting glass at all unless you have to (and I don't think you have to ). I have three plexi dividers in my sump (three years running now) and no problems whatsoever.
jandlms

 

[DebsSisterFlo]

my skimmer is a coralife super skimmer... it's hob but couldn't it sit inside of the sump anyways?

 

[Limpit]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7760080#post7760080 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DebsSisterFlo
my skimmer is a coralife super skimmer... it's hob but couldn't it sit inside of the sump anyways?

Yes it could if you have the room for it.

As for glass versus acrylic, I like using acrylic or polycarbonate because it is easier to work with. I got lucky and got Lexan for free. I had to built some large safety guards at work and got to keep the scraps, nice and thick stuff too 3/8 and 1/2" thick real strong stuff.
If you want some of that I can take a look and see what I all have left.