Its time....my first build thread!!

[SkiFletch]

Sure looks the part

 

[Tank14]

I had an issue with my caulk gun so it was sloppier than I wanted it to be. Ended up getting a new caulk gun for a few bucks and hope that the other 3 baffles go smoother

 

[SkiFletch]

Eh, it's a sump. Pretty is not necessary

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

congrats on the build

congrats on the build

Eh, it's a sump. Pretty is not necessary

ditto. Make it thick and sloppy to hold the baffles.

 

[BuffaloReef]

I agree with the others, who cares how good the sump looks? Those beads look good though. They're much, much cleaner than any sump I've ever built.

 

[Tank14]

Yeah...even though I know it is only the sump, i have that little guy inside me saying it has to be perfect. I decided to quit while I was ahead though. After the second leak test failed, I nearly cut off all the silicone and was going to try from scratch again. But good prevailed over anal retentiveness, and I just globbed some more on. I hope to get the second baffle in tomorrow.

 

[BuffaloReef]

I've also always done the silicone all at once. That stuff will give you a headache.

I'm the same way about perfection. Except with sumps, sometimes those globs will save you a problem down he road.

 

[roblk]

To get a really nice silicone seal use the blue tape made for masking paint about 1/4" (or whatever your preference is) away from glass (both sides) and apply a good bead of silicone, wet your finger with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and run it along the seam, peel the tape away before the silicone sets to much.

 

[AIR-FX]

can you post a better ful side view of the sump? i am going to be doing a 40b soon and could use some pointers. i want to do a refugium in the center chamber

 

[Tank14]

Hope these help

 

[Tank14]

Actually, these are better. I have taped out right now where I am going to put my baffles. I am still trying to decide if I want a smaller (~5 gal) refugium and a medium size return area (~10 gal), or skip the refugium altogether and just have a skimmer/return are sump design

 

[tent boy]

I have a 40 breeder for a sump. Mine is divided 20 gallon for skimmer/intake, 5 gallon refugium and 5 for return.

 

[Tank14]

do you have an ATO system at all? How often do you have to top off the return area for evaporation loss?

 

[Tank14]

Today's update: I have finished painting the stand. Almost finished with baffles in the sump. I feel like I am finally making some progress.

Next question- I was going to use a durso standpipe for the tank (1" to sump, 3/4" return). I am still not very familiar with the different styles of overflows. Are there any other options?

 

[Tank14]

Ok....probably a stupid question. Where can I get cabinet doors to put onto my stand. Are they easy to make? I don't need anything fancy, just something that I can paint black and keep the cats out of the stand

 

[Tank14]

Updated pictures of progress. The pvc is just dry fitted for now but its nice to see the whole thing put together....finally