sump / refugium DIY

[bolt696]

Is anyone looking to build thier own Sump? If so I am being told not to waste money on buying one and just build it myself. I have no clue what to do? So if anyone is looking to build one for thier tank maybe we can to a group project. Hopefully we can save money on buying the parts in bulk.
I need one to fit under my 55 gallon which has a double door with no center support, so I think I can fit a 20 long under.

Let me know.

 

[Reef Junkie]

Great Idea.
Seriously, check out trade fair hardware.
Trade Fair Hardware
147 Sunrise Hwy
Amityville, NY 11701-2589
(631) 842-5020

Polypropylene containers are great for what you're looking to do.

 

[keefsama2003]

i built my own sump and fuge out of plywood fiber glass and fda apporoved gel coat

both are 90gal

 

[DgenR8]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6823518#post6823518 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reef Junkie
Great Idea.
Seriously, check out trade fair hardware.
Trade Fair Hardware
147 Sunrise Hwy
Amityville, NY 11701-2589
(631) 842-5020

Polypropylene containers are great for what you're looking to do.

I guess I have to second Bill's post. Keep in mind that the price marked plus tax is what you'll pay if you buy there. He's not one to bargain with, and will tell you so if you try.

 

[kevin21]

thanks to the help of my uncle, all we did was take a 29g tank and we siliconed plexi-glass in it. we drilled oles in the plexi-glass and then plumbed with pvc.

works very nice.

 

[cb747]

My sump is a rubbermaid container ( 55 gallons i think) came from Lowes. My refugium is a tank that sits over the sump with just a pump pumping water into the tank and it gravity back out to the sump.

 

[bolt696]

I was thinking simple. 20 gallon long glass tank $30 to $40 bucks. If I can fit a 30, great. I was told glass is cheaper than plexi glass for the inside.

 

[DgenR8]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6823767#post6823767 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bolt696
I was thinking simple. 20 gallon long glass tank $30 to $40 bucks. If I can fit a 30, great. I was told glass is cheaper than plexi glass for the inside.

You can buy plate glass at any hardware store, but it's thin, and easy to break. Plexi is more flexible, and more forgiving. The price difference is minimal for the amount you'd need.

 

[bolt696]

I was told I would need thick plexi glass and it be be about double the cost. Do we have any contacts for glass?

 

[bolt696]

So would a 20 long be big enough for a 55 gallon and can the 20 long have a refugium section?

 

[Reef Junkie]

Yes and yes.

I'll be picking up a new polypropylene container for my sump/refugium at the new house. It'll probably be a lot bigger then the current sump. I'm also thinking of making the DSB remote. So, I'll be looking for playsand if anyone has?

 

[Editour2]

sump baffles

sump baffles

Just purchased GE Silicone I, 100% silicone rubber sealant clear, (windows & doors), to secure baffles for my sump. Before I use this has anyone used it and/or know if it is safe?

 

[DgenR8]

Re: sump baffles

Re: sump baffles

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6830773#post6830773 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Editour2
Just purchased GE Silicone I, 100% silicone rubber sealant clear, (windows & doors), to secure baffles for my sump. Before I use this has anyone used it and/or know if it is safe?

I believe that you will be fine with that. The stuff you have to worry about is the kitchen and bath silicone. That's treated with something to control mold.

 

[Reefer95]

the 20 l will fit under ur tank but with the tank already set up you may have a problem getting it in...try petland i got mine for 20 bucks...if u cant fit it in return it. once in u can but plexi glass and silicone in portions for a sump/fuge...check here for some ideas
http://www.melevsreef.com/

hth
nick

 

[charile1]

Bolt, let me know how it goes. Does anyone know how to convert the americale wet/dry to a sump? I won't to get rid of the bio balls.

 

[unkleJ]

FWIW - I used a 10g glass tank as a refugium, which overflows into a sump that I built out of acrylic, which is about 12 g.

By splitting it up into 2 containers, I was able to fit more total volume inside my stand (for a 38g tank).

I just bought plexi at home depot, and used a circular saw to cut it. I used weldon adhesive to glue it. Been in use about a year and a half now with no problems.

 

[Reef Junkie]

Charlie, if you have live rock, just pull the bioballs out.