wooden sump

[scbasser5]

I am sure someone has tried to build a sump using plywood and covering it with resin or paint, I just havent seen or heard anyone discuss.

I have been thinking of creating a 150 to 200 gal sump for my 150 reef tank. I plan to move it in another room to reduce some of the noise and make things easier to access.

Am I barking up the wrong tree with this idea?

 

[cstires]

Why not just use a rubbermaid container or one of those 100+ gallon poly tanks? They have then at the tractor supply company for around $75. I'm sure you would spend just as much if not more building it out of wood... Just a thought.

 

[scbasser5]

My concern there would be how to secure baffles to the irregular shaped sides. Also since you cant fill it completely with water, it would not have the capacity, I was seeking.

I could use two of them though but then the price goes up.

 

[flfirefighter13]

Just tagging along here, curious as well. I seem to remember a thread about this in the past, may have been wood tank though. Im also pretty sure the monster fishkeepers forum has some info on it as well, Ill try to find it this weekend

 

[staticx]

there are alot of wood tanks and you could def do a wood sump. You would just have to reincorce it by building some sort of frame.
i would probly say to get yourself something els as building a wood one that large is alot alot of work. you can buy plastic tubs though that are a uniform shape and wont buldge.

 

[rsxs1212]

my fish store (coral connection) made huge displays out of a sort of composite sheeting.. it is about 3/4"thick and is white.. it feels like plastic kind of and looks like it too

sorry i dont know the name but if it isnt super expesive im sure its alot easier to work with than resin and plywood.. the composite you would just silicone or weldon?

 

[MJT82]

You could always build a wooden frame and line it with that black pond liner. I have seen this done before... A guy made a huge "lagoon" that way... It was really awesome.

 

[scbasser5]

That is an interesting suggestion, I guess you could just silicone in some baffles.

 

[marineboy0]

I previously made a birthing pool from 18mm chip board standard 3x6", reinforced by 4" fencing posts. Lined it with carpets and polystyrene for insulation and comfort. That held a lot of water. Same idea would work for a sump but it would probably be better to do it with marine plywood. The liner I used was specific for a birthing pool and heavy duty. The sides were vertical. Sealing baffles would be less of a challenge than a rubbermaid container as the sides would not bow under hydrostatic pressure.

I actually have the birthing pool 10 years later as a work bench - built to last.

 

[RandyStacyE]

Here’s a thread where a guy converted his stand into an 80 gal sump!
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17814