questions on sump design

[bdock26]

hello, new to reefs setting up a 92g corner tank. i'm trying to design a sump using a 20g high tank. Questions are:
can acrylic panels be cemented into an existing acrylic tank fairly easily like you could silicone them into a glass tank?
how large do the sections need to be? i couldn't attach a picture of the design. i'm planning on using an ASM G-2 or G-3 skimmer, is it ok for the skimmer to just fit in the section with an inch or two space all around?
my refugium section would only be about 4"x11", do you think one this small is worthwhile? my return section would only be about 9"x9", but i don't think this should really be a problem if i have a good auto top-off system.

Thanks to anyone who can provide some info.

 

[Sm0kin]

you should look in the do it yourself forum there is long thread on acrylic. LOTZ OF INFO. I think it was started by acrylicman

 

[MiddletonMark]

As for acrylic - you should be able to put more baffles in, shouldn't be too bad ... but I'm not an acrylic expert.

The DIY Forum seems to host the most acrylic discussion - and a fair bit of people building sumps + the like.

Spacing ... you can fit that skimmer in there [but is there any top bracing/overhang ... might be a problem vertically?].
Extra room is good for cleaning, for when you need to service it, and depending how it works when running ... vibration.

I might suggest just putting in the `final chamber' baffle ... leaving the rest open for the meantime. Then get the skimmer in, have everything running - and make sure you don't need more baffles/changes [microbubbles] and that the skimmer can be removed for cleaning while in the sump, in the stand, with new baffles. IMO, this might avoid painting oneself into a corner ... as I've done once or twice in this hobby.

The final chamber size should be fine, with auto-top-up.
Good to keep in mind is that everything can fail, so a little more space in that area is never a bad thing. Mine is fairly small - and would appear to be about 12 hours worth, when I've had the GFI unexpected trip and cut off power to the ATO [but not tank].
Figure this varies tank to tank a lot ...

Anyway - that's my opinion. What works for me might not work the same in your tank. Best of luck

 

[Seajuice]

Also check out www.melevsreef.com
It has alot of great sump ideas and good info about proper construction.

 

[Fast Fred]

Dittos to checking Melev's Reef Site. There's a lot of great info there!