Sumps for Dummies - I've got questions!

[NeedBiggerTank]

Thanks Mike - appreciate the input. I want to make sure I do this correctly and so its functional.

I can set up the Eheim to run off the sump, instead of the display. The problem we are having now is the Eheim is getting clogged with algae - but that wouldn't be an issue if it pulled water directly from the sump.

Can you put GFO in a mesh bag, or does it need to "tumble"?

 

[MVlk]

Here is the design I went with. Still cleaning up wiring and misc, but I think it is looking pretty good.





I'll shoot you a PM with my number if you want to chat.

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

Another Measuring question re: Baffles

Another Measuring question re: Baffles

I know these questions are getting a bit much! Hopefully this will be one of the last ones...

When you are measuring the width of a baffle, from each edge that you are going to be securing to each side of the sump w/ silicone - do you subtract 1/16" to 1/8" from the total measurement so that there is room for the silicone to fit between the baffle and the sump glass? Or do you measure for a tight fit?

Thanks in advance! :spin3:

 

[fishdoc11]

I would measure for a tight fit without bowing the tank itself.

 

[poolkeeper1]

If it's glass be careful as tight can also mean broken trying to force it in.
Good mearuring and a 16th less would be my plan. I cracked two panels on my first try at forcing them in.
Bill

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

Well I definately don't want to break the baffles - it's a 1 hour and 15 minute round-trip to Lowe's from here. And that's if you don't go inside!

1/4" thick glass - would this be the correct thickness using glass for my dividers/baffels? Anything thinner would be too fragile, correct?

 

[poolkeeper1]

Glass

Glass

Well I definately don't want to break the baffles - it's a 1 hour and 15 minute round-trip to Lowe's from here. And that's if you don't go inside!

1/4" thick glass - would this be the correct thickness using glass for my dividers/baffels? Anything thinner would be too fragile, correct?

Correct, But Lowe's or Home Depot does not sell 1/4" glass only 1/8" which is too thin. You need to find a glass Co or Hardware that sells the 1/4" stuff.
Bill:thumbsup:

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

I knew Home Depot didn't have anything but plate glass... but didn't realize Lowe's just had the same thing. Guess I'll have to reasearch a bit more on that and find someplace that has thicker glass. Certainly there are a few places in M'boro that do.

 

[nightfire]

i have tons of glass in my shop that would work for ya but the thing is im not very good at cutting it

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

Well, I have a tile cutter that I've been told will work just fine cutting glass... maybe we can work out a deal!

 

[nightfire]

what are the messurments ya want and how many ya want.....i can try to do it my self for ya........actually i even have lexon which is a tad better then acrylic and would work in a sump....i think regular selicon will work to hold it to ya glass sump.....if so then let me know the sizes ya need and i can bring it with me to the meeting at mel's unless maybe ya might being heading to dickson before it

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

I hadn't finished the measuring part just yet - but can get that done tomorrow. Can you attach that stuff to glass w/ silicone? What about heaters - will that melt it if one gets too close to it?

 

[nightfire]

i've seen many attach acrylic to glass with silicon so yes.....as far as heaters and stuff i dont know because ive never used acylic like that before,id say no because lexon is something people us instead of glass at times for windows and such

 

[estutesman]

I used my heater in my acrylic wet dry filter with no ill effects.

 

[nightfire]

jennie i sent ya a PM with my phone number on it...i'll check out the stuff i got tomorrow and see what i can fit in our car and such but call me to iron out details

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

Got all my plumbing supplies, egg crate, etc. today. Getting ready to cut the baffles and "build" the sump. Wish me luck!

I'll post pictures when I'm done. This ought to be good for a giggle or two. If I have all my fingers left when I'm done, I'll consider it a victory.

 

[fishdoc11]

Good luck!

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

Update - Finally getting started!

Update - Finally getting started!

Picked up our glass for the construction of our sump today. Next time I'll see if one of you guys can order the dang glass and we'll give you the money (I'm thinking it shouldn't have been so much) - cause they charged us $70 - $10 for each piece!!! We called three places and they were all basically the same price. Maybe I'm not the bargain hunter I thought I was!

Anyhooo, now I can get started - better late than never, as they say. I'll post pics tomorrow of the finished product, assuming I measued everything correctly!

BTW - if anyone wants the Lexan, they are welcome to it. :lol2: I'll even throw in the dang $40 worth of tools we bought to try and score or cut the blasted stuff. :mixed:

Stay tuned - this ought to be good for a giggle or two!!! :celeb1:

 

[greg0385]

Picked up our glass for the construction of our sump today. Next time I'll see if one of you guys can order the dang glass and we'll give you the money (I'm thinking it shouldn't have been so much) - cause they charged us $70 - $10 for each piece!!! We called three places and they were all basically the same price. Maybe I'm not the bargain hunter I thought I was!

Anyhooo, now I can get started - better late than never, as they say. I'll post pics tomorrow of the finished product, assuming I measued everything correctly!

BTW - if anyone wants the Lexan, they are welcome to it. :lol2: I'll even throw in the dang $40 worth of tools we bought to try and score or cut the blasted stuff. :mixed:

Stay tuned - this ought to be good for a giggle or two!!! :celeb1:

im fixing to buy some plexiglass for my 75gallon sump/ATO. whats the thickness?

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

I've got Pictures!

I've got Pictures!

Well - it's done! :bounce3: I did measure everything correctly - thank goodness.

It has to sit a day now before I can clean it thoroughly - so its a bit dirty! It only took 3.5 hours to upload the three pictures - AFTER I reduced them to a lower resolution! :hammer:

Overhead View

Side View

Intake End View

So how did I do guys? Do I get an "A"? Remeber this is my first DIY sump! Looking forward to your feedback.