Sump construction keeps failining

[Lemeshianos]

I m trying to build an acrylic sump but the pieces keep breaking apart on the glue points without even adding water.
I am using the same kind of glue as weld-ons.
I tried to move the sump today but it got broken off on the bottom.
I getting kind off tired with the sump since I had previous failures and I am now looking for ideas on something ready that I can easily use as a sump or modify it.

The down side is that I only have a width of 25cm(around 10 inches).
The stand is around 48 inches long and I can use the whole length.

I was planning on having a sump and refugium in one, but now I'm considering 2 seperated pieces.
How will this affect the water flow? Is there a possibility of one of them draining if I have them seperated and use 2 return pumps one for each(sump/refugium)?

 

[pillpusher]

i have built many sumps and fuges. The best thing to do is abandon the weld on unless you have a foolproof jig. Just find the glass aquarium that fits your purpose. I have used 20l 29t and 55 gal. Then I would find a good plastic co. I cut my baffles to size on a table saw with the appropriate blade. Then I glue them in (tight fit) with gel superglue. Most glass places make an aquarium safe 100% silicone that is better than what yo can by buy at the home center. After supergluing them in place. Use the silicone to secure and seal all the out side edges. If you would like I can send you schematics and pics of the ones I have made.

 

[crvz]

I find it odd that the acrlyic is breaking, what kind of materials are you using? And what does "same kind of glue as weld-on" mean?

 

[Lemeshianos]

its not the acrylic that breaks. its the glue at the pieces i m trying to glue together.

I can't find the weld-on brand where I live so I did I little research to see how weld-on bonds materials together and used a glue with the same specifications.

 

[ludnix]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13210856#post13210856 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lemeshianos
its not the acrylic that breaks. its the glue at the pieces i m trying to glue together.

I can't find the weld-on brand where I live so I did I little research to see how weld-on bonds materials together and used a glue with the same specifications.

I would order the weld-on online and try again. It sounds like that's your problem.

 

[abulgin]

why not go to a home improvement store and see if you can't find a plastic storage tub the fits your dimensions? I've seen two plumbed together with bulkheads to increase volume.

 

[sjm817]

The glue for acrylic is not what holds it together. It is supposed to melt the acrylic and make a chemical weld between the pieces much like when you glue PVC.

 

[crvz]

Yep, like Scott says you should be using a solvent, which melts the acrylic together. Maybe that's what you've got, but can you tell us the name brand of the product?

 

[marioensf]

If you are only "gluing" the pieces of plexi with no clamps it will come apart, you need clamps to keep pressure on the areas to be bonded assuming you have the right kind of solvent/glue.

Going with a separate sump would be better, I normally if it's a glass sump use plexi baffles and use regular aquarium silicon on them and let it cure for at least two days before testing with water. Silicon does not stick to plexi as good as it does to glass but is meant to keep the dividers in place only.

 

[ser_renely]

hmmmm, tag.

 

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13211249#post13211249 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by abulgin
why not go to a home improvement store and see if you can't find a plastic storage tub the fits your dimensions? I've seen two plumbed together with bulkheads to increase volume.

+1

 

[Lemeshianos]

The glue was in a metalic can. it doesn't have a brand name.
Anyway I gave up on it and bought 2 plastic storage tub which i m going to plump together with bulkheads as you suggested.

Thanks everyone!