My New DIY Custom DBP Sump

[NeedBiggerTank]

Well - it's done! It only took four months. LOL

Overhead View (intake on right - return on left)

Side View

Intake End View

I started a new thread because only Brandon responded to my post in the my old original thread. I want to hear your comments - the good, bad and the ugly! Thanks.

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

And now thats it has sat for a day, is it OK to rinse it out? Or should we wait? Reading the back of the Marineland Acrylic tube, its says its completly dry in 48 hours?

 

[poolkeeper1]

It would be better to wait the full 48 hrs before you get it wet, But you can clean it other way's without getting it all wet. Just make sure that the panes are solid and not able to shift if handled.
Bill

 

[mixer911]

I would let it cure a little longer. 24-48 hrs is ok, but personally, i like to allow silicone to cure up to a week.

 

[pelagic7]

hehe I started to use my sump after 8 hrs. but it's just me.

 

[Fcamdog]

I really like the design. I'm inspired now! Why did you use instead of acrylic? Just curious,

Fcamdog

 

[commonstranger]

I could see a problem if you applied alot of pressure but under normal use 48hrs should be fine.

 

[Pickupman66]

I have always been of the school if thought that it is best to let it cure for 72 hours.

Please excuse my brevity. This was sent from my Android via Tapatalk

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

Waiting sounds like a good idea. No rush anyway - we've waited this long, another week isn't going to hurt!

All the pieces seem very sturdy. I am concerned that I may not have used enough silicone though... I guess we'll see, huh?

The other thing I'm a little worried about is that the middle baffle only sticks up 1" over the baffles on either side. Is this OK? Or should I get a 1" or 2" tall piece to put on top of it? Just seems like the water might go over that middle baffle - instead of just under it like it's suppopsed to?


That should say "Marineland Silicone" not "Marineland Acylic". I did use Silicone. Its been a long week!

 

[ZachB]

I'd wait another few days. Nice job on the sump.

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

Thanks Zach.

Now I've got to figure out what I'm going to do with all my supplies that are stored in the cabinet where the sumps new home is going to be! I'm seeing another project coming next weekend - more shelves in the laundyroom!

 

[nightfire]

nice job with the sump jen...ill be starting my new 29g sump real soon,im almost done with my new stand and i hear ya bout space...i have my rodi in the laundry room alone with a 35g brute for my rodi water and a 30g tote for waste water lol not muct rooms for the washer and dryer lol.......i need to swap with mel or someone lol

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

Yeah - I'm really wishing I had a garage right about now... I have a barn - but thats kindof a hike everytime I want to run a test or add calcium!

 

[Jennifier615]

Wow I really like that.

 

[Pickupman66]

Jennie, if should be just fine. You will be amazed how much water cab pass thru that space. The only way it will overflow is if u have too much flow thru it or have it too full alltogether. I think ur fine.

Please excuse my brevity. This was sent from my Android via Tapatalk

 

[SmyrnaReefer]

my baffles only have 1 inch height difference also, should be good.

The other thing I'm a little worried about is that the middle baffle only sticks up 1" over the baffles on either side. Is this OK? Or should I get a 1" or 2" tall piece to put on top of it? Just seems like the water might go over that middle baffle - instead of just under it like it's suppopsed to?

 

[zef004]

Wow great job being your 1st sump build Jen.

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

Thanks everyone - I feel much better now. I was a little anxious, this being my first major "fish" project and all!

Now, the wait for Saturday to see if it works! I have my plumbing all put together and we bought a funnel to transfer the water from our 5 gallon jugs to the sump... so I think I've thought of everything and we're all ready. Yipee!

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

Pictures of the sump in use

Pictures of the sump in use

So, we've been using our new sump for two and a half weeks now. Just got some time to upload the pictures.

I had to use a circular saw to cut the brace in the back of the stand and take the bottom half (below the cut) out, to get the sump in place. Then I put the piece back and glued it in to place.

By my computations, we're getting somewhere between 650 - 700 gallons per hour going through the sump. I've got the ball valve on my return water hose about 20% closed. At some point, we may try a larger overflow that can handle more water, but for now it all is working great!

The shelves I built seem to be holding up just fine under the weight of the media I am using. Only time will tell if they last long-term.

Sorry the pictures aren't so clear. Hard to get a straight-on shot in the kitchen - too much junk in the way!