Questions for any Acrylic Pros (Sump/Aquarium/General Builders)

[Mason Michalski]

Hey guys, so I have some questions only for those with experience bonding these materials, as I am in the final stages of a $600 Acrylic Sump build, and this final bond stage is so important for the quality and life of the sump. I found a little bit of material from Melevsreef on how to bond acrylic sump baffles in place, but NO youtube videos on the process. Was looking for a sort of rough step by step process for the building when applying the "Weld on 4" as his only really gave the order for them in a loose format

Do I build the sump first, then bond in the baffles?

How do I bond the baffles to the panes, do I use clamps like the rest of it?

Do I bond the baffles to the front pane, then build the rest of the sump around it?

Do I build the ATO Reservoir air tight, then bond that first into the made or unmade sump?

So many moving parts, and I have a gorgeous sump in the works here that I want so bad to see succeed.

PLEASE, if you have advice, I don't care what it is, leave it as it could help! Thank you

 

[lapin]

Constructing an acrylic sump | Melev's Reef

To build a sump yourself, you'll need the proper tools and a flat work surface. Be sure to check out my tools page: http://melevsreef.com/articles/acrylic-work-tools-i-use , so gather up some of these items and read over the pages here on Melev's Reef. I share quite a bit of information to help...

www.melevsreef.com

As per his site

• Lay the front panel on the work surface, and glue in the baffles and end pieces. Let it cure for at least 45 minutes
• Lay the back panel on the work surface, and flip the glued assembly onto this panel and glue all touching parts to the back panel.
• Lay the top panel on the work surface, and glue the four-walled sump to it.
• Lay the bottom panel on the work surface, and glue the sump to it.

This refugium was pre-built and then glued into the sump.