Custom Sump

[danandkam]

I'm getting ready to start on a custom sump. Just a few questions for you veterans out there. Is there are certain type of Plexiglass to use? What size sump tank would you recommend for a 55 gal with the possibility of upgrading to a 90 or 125 in a few years. Thanks in advance!!

 

[GotSalt]

I'm no expert but I would advise not to use plexiglass. The reason being over time it becomes brittle. Glass baffles is the way to go. Also silicone sticks better to glass. You can get glass in different sizes at Home Depot or Lowes cant remember which. Thats what I did. Just cut to size with a glass cutter they also sell.

 

[ironman]

there are alot of variables when making a sump.
You normally have acrylic sumps with if building yourself have to be precisely measured for the special glue to bond. then you have glass tanks with baffles siliconed in place. You need to make it as big as you can allow under your stand or wherever it will be, more water volume is always a good thing. you need to keep in mind what filter equipemt such as skimmers you will be placing in the sump.

 

[AlexStinson]

For my 40breeder I used a 20long and installed baffles, my advice is to use the biggest demensions possible. You can never have too much sump

 

[_Alex_]

lowes cuts glass to size and is fairly cheap

 

[litenyaup]

Silicon does not bond to acrylic. I work with acrylic and u can only bond acrylic with "acrylic glue" weld-on #4 and #16. Glass to glass with silicon is the way to go.

 

[Troylee]

are you making a glass or acrylic sump???? if acrylic, do a search and check my sumps 101 page it will show you what to do...;)
as for a certain plastic yes you want polycast, acrylite "gp", or plexiglass "g".... the rest are known to fail under harsh enviroments such as pressure vessels....

 

[_Alex_]

are you making a glass or acrylic sump???? if acrylic, do a search and check my sumps 101 page it will show you what to do...;)
as for a certain plastic yes you want polycast, acrylite "gp", or plexiglass "g".... the rest are known to fail under harsh enviroments such as pressure vessels....

this is the man to listen to!! lol

 

[danandkam]

Ok..thanks everyone for the replies but the custom sump build just got cancelled...i ran across a deal i couldn't pass up. The only thing i'm missing is a return pump. Anyone have one they are wanting to sell?