55 gallon conversion to sump

[Johnd651]

So I was thinking of turning a 55 gallon I have floating around that i got for free into a sump and ato reservoir. It has been empty 7+ years. Any issues with the silicone being dry so long? I did notice both top and bottom frame are broken. Since I will be adding glass baffles, are they strong enough or should I reframe it?

 

[FUNGI]

should be ok as I assume you are not filling to top. I would just leak test and epoxy the frame......

 

[Johnd651]

should be ok as I assume you are not filling to top. I would just leak test and epoxy the frame......

No, probably 5-6" in the skimmer. Reservoir would be higher.

2 part epoxy?

 

[Johnd651]

Also...1/4" glass for baffles... what type of glass? How much should I take off the width for the silicone on the edges? 1/16" on each side? 1/8"?

 

[FUNGI]

I would just do 1/8th, you could also use plastic glass channels so you can move the glass around to modify things in the future

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

Or just put a smaller tank inside the 55 to become the return pump area and save the hassle of siliconing in baffles.

 

[FUNGI]

Or just put a smaller tank inside the 55 to become the return pump area and save the hassle of siliconing in baffles.

Thats a good thought......