Sump Question

[kbaker721]

Last year I bought a 120 tank and over the course of the year I have been getting the "pieces" to make it work. I have the basic pieces, now all I need is my sump. I have a 55gal tank that I am planning on using as a sump, but don't want/know how to make a sump. I have read a ton on line, and have the knowledge to make the sump, just not the "skills" to make it.

Anyway, all that to say, is there anyone local I can take my tank to to make it into a sump (for inexpensive/almost free!!!). I just need someone to put in the baffles for me. Is there a local glass company, etc. (I live in Lancaster County).

I am anxious to get my tank going, but don't want to mess around with the sump myself, since I don't have money to get another one (nor do I have the money to buy a ready-made sump at TFP).....

THANKS!!

 

[bmkindig]

i can give you a hand, i put baffles in a 55 gallon tank to make a sump but i would do it differantly a 2nd time around.lol
i've been wanting to go to tfp lately anyway.

 

[kbaker721]

One other question though... I was talking to a buddy today about the whole "sump thing" and he talked about not having any baffles. Does it really matter? Can't I just do a simple sump with equipment without baffles...?? That would definately be the easiest route!!

 

[bigfalcon36]

It really depends on what type of sump you want. The sumps that I have made have different areas for a specific reason. On my old sump I had an area for the skimmer, a refugium, a live rock rubble area, bubble trap and then the return area.

Here's a pic of the one I made for my old 75:

If you have one open area it really cuts down on the effectiveness that a sump can provide. Also, it may allow microbubbles to get back into the main tank. This response may be too late, but I just thought I would give my opinion.

Travis

 

[insanefishguy]

Thats a nice sump Travis... wanna build me one? haha

 

[bmkindig]

hey,
yes you can just throw a tank in your stand and use it for a sump all it really does is add more water volume.

 

[kbaker721]

bigfalcon36 - yeah that looks like a lot more work then I have the ability for.
Where can I get glass cheaply, if I do end up deciding to add a couple dividers - Lowes seemed expensive....
Can I just add a couple compartments (for some lr/macro algae) without the baffles....

 

[rickyfins]

I have some Weldon #3 coming shortly if you need to borrow some. I am gonna fiddle with some acrylic for a new mobile frag tank for taking to the swaps!

I hope to build one that is around 36X18X8 but that depends on what I can get cheap!

 

[rickyfins]

Oh and check with psusocr, I know he fiddles with both glass and acrylic and seems to be pretty good at it too.

 

[CarlC]

The cheapest place to get a few piece's of glass cheap is Home Depot or Lowes. Some locations will cut to your demensions.

I am not that far from you and I get out to TFP once a week usually. If you need help just give a shout. I can bring a glass cutter.

Carl