Sump Design - Input/Comments

Good point....like your skimming the same water 2 times.

Quick question....for my baffles/dividers....I am going to use glass from home depot that is 3/32'' thick. Is this OK. I also got the aquarium safe caulk ...100% silicone and it says aquarium safe on the tube.

 

I agree with the above on simplying and getting the refugium deeper. I think you've got more baffles than you need.

M

 

IMO no. 3/32" is too thin. I tried the same thickness in my first attempt at building a sump with poor results. Its hard to soften the cuts without breaking the glass so every time I brushed my baffles I got a cut on my hand or wrist. Eventually one of the baffles broke from the strain of the water pushing against it.

 

What if I were to glue/silicone 2 pieces together?
The only real pressure would be on that first partition/baffle from the overflows from the tank(where the skimmer would be).

The other 8'' baffles have little flow and pressure....but I can double those up also....if thats a solution!

Can I use a thick plexiglass? The tank is glass though and the only thing really bonding them is silicone so shouldnt it work?!?!

 

I used the .226mm acrylic in my 40gal glass tank. cut the acrylic 1/8" smaller than needed and silicone it in place, be sure to completely fill the gaps between the baffle and the wall. let the silicone cure for 24 hours then seal the seams all the way around both sides of the baffle and let that cure.
should have no problems as long as your meticulous and dont rush.

 

nice.....can that be purchased at home depot?

 

thats where I got it, its with the window glass on the back wall by the storm doors and screens

 

What did you use to cut the acrylic? I just bought some and a knife like tool that was near the stuff and I scored it like 15 times but I still cant snap it!!!

Can this be cut with a skillsaw or dremel or something?

 

I used a tablesaw with the fine tooth carbide blade, you can use a skillsaw with a similar blade as well, just take it slow and easy or the blade will burn the edges of the acrylic,

 

Thanks.....I think I figured the tool out. Cutting towards you really digs it in and makes a nice score on the acrylic and then it snaps after 10 or so scores.

Do you think I should include the protein skimmer in the first overflow section or make a small 7'' over flow section and then have the skimmer in its own section? This way I can control the level of the water where the skimmer is so I dont have to put a tray under the skimmer.