Sump Repair

Tokash23 · Nov 21, 2017

I wasnt really sure where to post this so here it is. My sump is made up of 2 sections a drain/skimmer section then the return. As of the other day i noticed the water level dropping in the drain/skimmer section meaning the baffle i have in place is leaking into the return section. So i need some advice on how to proceed. I will obviously need to drain the sump and re silicon the baffle in place. My question is how long should i allow it to dry/cure (i know most need a week, but not sure if i can get away with quicker or if there is a quicker curing product?) and also how should i take care of the tank itself while the sump is down? I dont have a full blown reef or anything i just have a handfull of easy corals and 2 fish, but any advice is appreciated. Thanks in adavance.

glb · Nov 21, 2017

Tokash23 said:
I wasnt really sure where to post this so here it is. My sump is made up of 2 sections a drain/skimmer section then the return. As of the other day i noticed the water level dropping in the drain/skimmer section meaning the baffle i have in place is leaking into the return section. So i need some advice on how to proceed. I will obviously need to drain the sump and re silicon the baffle in place. My question is how long should i allow it to dry/cure (i know most need a week, but not sure if i can get away with quicker or if there is a quicker curing product?) and also how should i take care of the tank itself while the sump is down? I dont have a full blown reef or anything i just have a handfull of easy corals and 2 fish, but any advice is appreciated. Thanks in adavance.

Could you temporarily replace the sump with an inexpensive glass tank while you repair the baffle? You could have no chambers for the time it takes the silicone on your existing sump to cure IMO. Just make sure the skimmer water line is correct. Petco has tanks for cheap and you could always save it for quarantine, backup, etc. Good luck!

Cory · Nov 21, 2017

Silicone need about 24 hours to fully dry. 7 days to 21 for full cure

Mandelstam · Nov 21, 2017

glb said:
Could you temporarily replace the sump with an inexpensive glass tank while you repair the baffle? You could have no chambers for the time it takes the silicone on your existing sump to cure IMO. Just make sure the skimmer water line is correct. Petco has tanks for cheap and you could always save it for quarantine, backup, etc. Good luck!

^^This, or just get a Rubbermaid tote or something.

Cory · Nov 21, 2017

You could also just cut out the old baffle and replace it with a plastic with a foam seal. Then you don' have to drain it. I think they are called removable baffles

Tokash23 · Nov 22, 2017

Cory said:
You could also just cut out the old baffle and replace it with a plastic with a foam seal. Then you don' have to drain it. I think they are called removable baffles

I wasnt aware they made such a thing. Possibly have a link?