DIY Sump/Refugium - Acrylic Build

Hola,

Just wanted to share my build and get any advice you guys and gals might have for a first time acrylic build. The sump is designed to fit through the front door of a 54 gallon corner tank and stand. I'm replacing my marineland C3 sump with a DIY because I need more skimmer room/depth and there is no way to control the micro bubbles. The following are some pictures of my design and progress to date. I plan on having it complete next weekend. I'm using Weldon 4 to bond the acrylic and will be using Weldon 16 to fill the gaps I know I will have. Any input on design would be appreciated.

 

Sorry, the first pictures I posted were really small.

 

For a reference, this is my current setup.

 

I like it. What do you think the cost of materials will be? I would be interested in doing something similar so that i could increase my sump capacity under my 125. I currently only have a 20 g sump because that is all i could fit through the door. I was actually thinking of doing 3 separate sections and connecting them via pipes after placing them through the door. Keep posting your build progress!

 

The materials have run me about 130-140 (acrylic and Weldon). Plus, I had to buy a router, bits, clamps, L-squares, and a shop vac for all the shavings.

I probably could've ordered a sweet custom sump for the same price, but it's more fun to build it yourself. Plus, I'll have all the tools to build other fun goodies.

 

I updated my baffle heights to better suit the hight of the sump and gain more water volume.

 

It definitely is more fun to build it yourself. I like your current set up and the sump is coming along good. Keep up the good job. Thanks for keeping ups posted.
On thing that I've learned with using acrylic is to be precise and take your time. Don't rush. Well maybe that's 2.
Nice build.

 

I had a 50g Rubbermaid Roughneck DIY sump under my 125g, that fit thru the door of the stand. well actually, I really had to bend and twist it, but it fit well! $17.50 at a Menards store (like a lowes, HD)

Think out of the box, or maybe in it, I dunno!

To the OP- yes, Looks good. Nice DT btw

 

Thanks! Did you have "baffles" in the Rubbermaid? If so, what did you use? I'm sure a 5gallon bucket or few would do the trick. Pictures?

 

Skimmer stand to put my NWB110 right at 7.5in.




My foreman.