LParker480
Community Member
How thick of glass do I need for my 55g sump for the separate chambers? And do I really need to put them in or can I just leave it wide open with just a heater, inlet, return pump and live rock?
SUMP BUILD QUESTIONS?
- Thread starter LParker480
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If no skimmer or mechanical filtration, aside from filter socks is to be added, you can leave it open. The main reason for partitions is to allow for segmented setups. Such as first for mechanical, socks and skimmer. second for biological, such as rubble or a refugium, and finally a return pump section. If plan to just use it for biological and have a bunch of rubble rock I don't see a need to add. If have a skimmer, id recomend adding at least a bubble trap to prevent micro bubbles from getting to display.
That I was unaware of. I don't personally use one so I didn't know. Thanks for educating me on that! I prefer constantly checking under my stand and manually topping off. Just as much as I enjoy lugging 5 gal buckets around for water changes. Hahahaha. Apartment life with limited space. Or so the wife tells me. Lol.
Oops...the rest of my reply got cut off...
If you're using an ato system then you would want the sensor chamber separate from the rest of the sump. we generally put them in the last chamber with the return pump.
If you're using a skimmer then you want a chamber for it that will maintain a consistent water level.
If you're using an ato system then you would want the sensor chamber separate from the rest of the sump. we generally put them in the last chamber with the return pump.
If you're using a skimmer then you want a chamber for it that will maintain a consistent water level.
Would the reason be that due to the larger surface area there would be a greater evaporation with less effect on water level, yet a higher volume that could potentially lead to inconsistencies?
Makes sense. Thanks again!
cracker
5000 Club Member
I "think" LP wants to know how thick of glass to separate chambers. I assume he has a 55 tank. LP the thin glass you get at the big box store is pretty thin. thicker glass at the shop will cost more. Can Ya get your hand on an old 10 or 20 gallon tank ? That glass would work good. It's not hard to cut really. For a narrow 55, I'd use 3/8's acrylic. I know ,I know.If You rough up the edges where the silicone contacts the acrylic will give You a very strong bond.. Iv'e done it many times. In fact I just used 3/8's acrylic for baffles in a 75 gallon tank/sump. You just rough up the edges real good gives the silicone something to stick to. what ever You use cut the panel just a little narrow.
In that case I'd use no less than 1/4" glass. acrylic is an oily material and even if roughed up, the bond would not be as strong as with glass. Yeah it can work but not the best option. But regardless of the baffle material, they would need to be cut smaller.
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LParker480
Community Member
Sorry for the delay. I did originally buy some glass pieces from Lowe's (big box) and after doing some further digging and reading, I went to a local glass shop and had them cut some 1/4" pieces for the tank. I'm picking them up tonight and going to try and get it all installed this evening.
Also, I do have a skimmer but was just curious to know if the glass partition were needed. I'm building an in-wall 125g with 55g sump so I'm doing all the reading I can and trying to take it slow. I've always been told that the only dumb question is the one not asked....Thanks guys for your info!
Also, I do have a skimmer but was just curious to know if the glass partition were needed. I'm building an in-wall 125g with 55g sump so I'm doing all the reading I can and trying to take it slow. I've always been told that the only dumb question is the one not asked....Thanks guys for your info!
cracker
5000 Club Member
LP if You don't know yet, the skimmer needs a steady water level . Your skimmer will have it's own proper raange of water depth. so that glass panel needs to be that height. if it's too tall put something under the skimmer pump to raise it. There's a site Gmac something. Goggle gmac aquariums it will pop up. Good basic info on sumps and overflows etc.
PS. Hope it's ok to post other websites here.
PS. Hope it's ok to post other websites here.
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