Need help / Sump for 92 gal

[kimcar]

In the process of setting up a 92 gal tank that I bought and could use help on making a sump for it . In my 150 g I just used a DIY clear tote and a(2) 5 gal bucket(stacked abnd cut to fitinside with holes cut out) actually worked fine but I will not have as much room in this tank cabinet. I had tried to make a sump out of a 20 gal tank in the past had some thick plexiglass cut for it then when we got everything in place it started leaking and I could not fix it:squigglemouth:..First of all the design for the sump I have been seeing some sumps that only have a large chamber and a small chamber. Which design is best and do I need to have the thicker plexi glass cut to fit. I have seen some cut like an overflow box..All help is appreciated. Kim

 

[Greenpj22]

I have found that plexiglass/acrylic does not bond well to glass when using silicone.

I always get sheets of 1/4" glass cut and use silicone. Glass is usually cheaper than acrylic anyways.

Do you plan on using a refugium? Or just a place to house live rock and the skimmer?

 

[kimcar]

Last time I bought plexi glass amd I had to buy whole sheets ..not cheap . Want a refugium.

 

[Greenpj22]

I would just get some glass cut at a local class shop. Would a 40 gallon fit in the cabinet


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[kimcar]

Dont think forty would fit

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[fragmatic]

I would just get some glass cut at a local class shop. Would a 40 gallon fit in the cabinet


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Great idea, but most local glass shops do not have or cut thick glass. The most they usually can provide is double strength window pane. However most large cities have a commercial shop that does plate glass for store fronts. This only means you will have to make a few calls and expect to pay accordingly. Hopefully someone on the forum has had experience with this.

 

[gcrawford]

I recently made a sump for my 120 using a 40gallon breeder - perfect size in my opinion if it will fit in your stand. I used 1/4 glass which was cut at a local glass shop in Huntsville. 4 pieces cut to my specs were only around $20. I used aquarium silicone sealant to install them - very easy and more secure than trying to get plexi to stay in place. Overflows to the right side of the sump for skimming, bubble trap, refugium, finally return area on the left which houses my heater, ATO sensor and now my GFO reactor pump (not yet pictured). I'm not saying this is the best design, but it does work well for me. Hope this helps.....

 

[kimcar]

Do u have the measurements of glass peices that u had cut?

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[Greenpj22]

I would find out what skimmer you'd like to use and find out its optimal water depth, and base that on your baffles.

But you can always build it deeper and then build a stand for the skimmer


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[gcrawford]

Do u have the measurements of glass peices that u had cut?

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I don't, but if you go this route, just measure your sump width and make the height whatever you want. My height was based on both the depth of water I wanted in the refugium and the depth of water that the skimmer sits in. As far as width, give yourself a little play to put in the glass pieces. You don't want to wedge the glass pieces in. For instance, if your sump is measured for 17 inches width from inside of glass on both sides, order the glass to be 16 7/8 which will give you 1/16 of an inch on each side. If you're not comfortable with your measurements, take your sump to the glass shop and let them measure it for you. Measure in all areas of your sump, as nothing is perfect. 1/8 inch of play may be fine on one side, but not the other. Also, have the glass shop grind the edges, so they don't cut you. They didn't charge me any extra for this.

 

[shovelrider]

Huntsville glass co. is who I used to cut and bevel the glass for my internal overflow. Price was right and quick turnaround.

Beveled edges a must!

 

[Greenpj22]

I totally agree about the grinding of the edges when it comes to glass. The local glass shop here does it automatically without asking. I once got some window pane glass from home depot and it wasn't grinded. It cut me pretty quick.

just get a measuring tap and measure the inside of the aquarium where the baffles will go. Follow gcrawford's advice on measuring and you are set. for the baffles that the water is going under, and not over, use a book of some sort so the glass can rest on it while the silicone dries.

Find out if you want to use filter socks or not for the input to the sump. Also try to base the size of the skimmer. I got a new life reef skimmer and it barely fits in my compartment.

 

[kimcar]

Working this weekend Monday I will go to Petco and find a tank that will fit in this cabinet ..Does anyone know if they are still running specials on tanks $1 a gallon?

 

[kimcar]

Thanks for the help guys I appreciate it.:bigsmile:

 

[gcrawford]

Here's a quick link with approximate tank sizes. You can measure your stand and see what might fit.

Standard aquarium tank sizes and weights (mobile)

Good luck!

 

[Greenpj22]

I know the petco here in B'ham had the dollar per gallon sale until January 19.

go to petco.com and search their ad. They should have it listed