o2manyfish - Need some help with sump base

o2manyfish

o2manyfish

o2manyfish
Hey Guys,

I am starting the rebuild of my filtration system, and an overhaul of my reef system.

I need some help... PLEASE!

I have a 340g glass sump (96x33x24)

It's going on a new concrete pad outside. The pad has built in drains so the concrete slopes towards the middle and toward one end.

I bought pressure treated 4x4's and ran them through my planer and made sure the top and bottom were flat, and all pieces were planed to the same thickness.

I have 1" thick acrylic 4x4 pads/legs to keep the wood off the concrete, and allow water to pass under the wood to the drains without the wood getting wet.

My issue is I don't have the patience and understanding to get everything shimmed perfectly so that the platform is perfectly flat, level and square - and will stay that way long term.

I don't need muscle - I just need brains. I will be happy to pay in corals, cash, fish or beer.

I have been struggling trying the shim the base for over a week. I would love to get this done ASAP so I can start working on the plumbing and electrical for the new filter wall.

Located in Encino.

Dave B
 
From what I read, flat is infinity more important than level.

I used the composite shims from HD. They are about 2X the price of the wooden shims so about $5.00
 
Hi Mark,

I have the composite shims. I have levels, digital levels and protractors.

But I'm dealing with some health issues with my brain. So my concentration and focus right now is problematic. Since the concrete pad has gotten mulitple slopes, when I add a shim to one side then it twists the opposite corner.

Dave B
 
Dave, have you considered laying the 4x4s on a flat surface and screwing 2x4s onto the ends to hold everything together flat and level, then place the assembly onto the concrete pad and shim it where needed. Shim two or even three sides of the pads/legs to keep them from twisting. I'm busy until the middle of next week but could get out there Wednesday or Thursday if you can wait that long.
-Mike
 
Hi Mike,

My thought last week was to put a sheet of 7/8 Pressure treated Marine Plywood on top and bottom to sandwich and keep everything from twisting. I bought the plywood and cut it. Then realized when I put the plywood on I won't be able to see where the shims need to go on the inside of the frame.

The concrete slopes down into the middle. Most of the shims have to go on the inside rim of the frame.

Dave B
 
Health issues, Grrrrrr! I hate those :(

Let me talk to my wife and another reefer and see if we can come up saturday.


I’ve been wanting to see your system anyway :)
 
Mark,

Thanks for the offer. Saturday we are supposed to be having an 'Extreme' Heat wave with temps over 112...

The thought of several of us being outside working on a slab of concrete baking in the sun struggling with this project doesn't sound like fun... Haha

If you want to come visit in the evening after the sun drops I have plenty of flood lights to work outside once the temps become bearable.

Thank you so much for offerring to help.

Dave B
 
I have EZ-Up's, I have fans, and I have 3 fridges with Ice Cold Beverages.

If you guys don't mind helping when it's crazy hot, I will make it as comfortable as possible.

We can do super early before the heat hits. If we want to make this a help and social event and others want to hang out on Saturday I will be happy to get some meat for the BBQ.

Thanks for everyone offerring to help.

Scott -- I only need brains, no muscle, so I will let you and your bionic heart parts come help :)

Dave B
 
Mark,

We might have to make it during at least daylight hours. I think because of the slope we are going to need to cut some 4x4 legs for one end. Not sure my neighbors will be understanding of chopsaws cutting at 4.30am

Dave B
 
chop saw

chop saw

o2manyfish said:
Mark,

We might have to make it during at least daylight hours. I think because of the slope we are going to need to cut some 4x4 legs for one end. Not sure my neighbors will be understanding of chopsaws cutting at 4.30am

Dave B
Click to expand...

How bout a Stihl 250 chainsaw?:beer:
 
Scott,

Let's split the difference... 8:30am on Saturday morning????

Does that work for everyone that wants to come help or come hang out and chat fish and corals on Saturday morning.


Instead of the BBQ I will get some Donuts, Danish, Bagels, etc.
 
Mark,

I don't think it's going to take that long. All the pieces are here and ready to go. All we really need is a couple of brains that are working better than mine to just make things level and keep it that way.

I already have the ground marked where the legs go, and have measured the degree of slope where each one of the legs sit.

It's kind of a puzzle, and I just can't figure out how to put the pieces in the right spot. And I am guessing it's going to take someone with a different perspective than mine all of about 30 minutes to put everything in place... LOL

OF course with a weather forecast of 117 here in the valley today, hopefully the new sump tank outside doesn't melt this afternoon making our Saturday plan moot.

Anyone wanting to come help or just hang out, message me today for the address if you need it.



Dave B
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

o2manyfish
o2manyfish - Free Tank Stuff - Come Get Some or All, Just Come Get It - PU Sun Oct 6th 5p to 7p - Encino
Replies
0
Views
155
o2manyfish
o2manyfish
Mr. Brooks
FS: 389 Gallon Eurobraced Lee Mar Starphire Glass Tank and Stand
Replies
9
Views
755
Mr. Brooks
Mr. Brooks
Mr. Brooks
FS: Two large sumps plumbed together
Replies
0
Views
165
Mr. Brooks
Mr. Brooks
F
New Reef - Need recommendations
Replies
13
Views
324
Cdentata
C
Jyetman
Need protein skimmer help
Replies
3
Views
100
griss
griss
Back
Top