Sump build

pastelball · Feb 29, 2016

in the process off making a sump. Don't have enough room for a off the shelf sump. Got a few quotes for acrylic. They were $429.00 and $500.00. So got some 1/4" glass. I got it all together and now have to take it apart. Have a bubble in the bottom. Used some of the dap silicone adhesive from homedepot.

pastelball · Feb 29, 2016

So would you use the dap silicone adhesive or get the
Aquarium Silicone Adhesive - Clear 10oz
SKU: 206079 from brs to hold the tank together

don_chuwish · Mar 2, 2016

Two I see mentioned often - SCS1200 and Momentive RTV108. Adhesives rather than sealants.

pastelball · Mar 2, 2016

I ordered the rtv don't need it to come apart.

Fin · Mar 2, 2016

Have you leak tested it like it is? For a sump that will be half empty, I am not sure I would start all over for that bubble. If it was a 40-50 gallon (or more) aquarium, then yes.

If you do decide to cut it apart, you need to make certain you get all traces of the old silicone off. Use a sharp razor blade to remove all of it and when you have it all off, use a brand new blade and go over the area again. Rub the surfaces where the old silicone was with acetone.

Use painters tape to mask off the areas you will be applying adhesive to give you a nice sharp edge.

You made a good choice with the RTV. If you ever tried to cut something apart that was put together with it, you will see the difference in holding power.

Fin · Mar 2, 2016

Have you leak tested it like it is? For a sump that will be half empty, I am not sure I would start all over for that bubble. If it was a 40-50 gallon (or more) aquarium, then yes.

If you do decide to cut it apart, you need to make certain you get all traces of the old silicone off. Use a sharp razor blade to remove all of it and when you have it all off, use a brand new blade and go over the area again. Rub the surfaces where the old silicone was with acetone.

Use painters tape to mask off the areas you will be applying adhesive to give you a nice sharp edge.

You made a good choice with the RTV. If you ever tried to cut something apart that was put together with it, you will see the difference in holding power.

pastelball · Mar 2, 2016

I went a head and took it apart. Came apart fairly easy. I did use a razor blade to get the silicone off. I feel a little better get the rtv. I will put it together this weekend.

don_chuwish · Mar 2, 2016

Clean it very well like Fin said - acetone and all. Otherwise the RTV won't grab the glass well.

pastelball · Mar 2, 2016

I sure will, I need to stop and get some.

pastelball · Mar 5, 2016

Used rtv 103 this time. Didn't tape off as for a sump not worried about look.

don_chuwish · Mar 5, 2016

Still looks good!

pastelball · Mar 5, 2016

Thanks. I really like the black on it. I feel better using the 103.

pastelball · Mar 6, 2016

So it's been over 24hrs since I put the tank together. If I try to move the glass it moves but only like a hair if not less. Should I take it apart and start over? Or is it due to rtv being flexible to a point.

don_chuwish · Mar 6, 2016

Give it longer, like 5 days or more. Does it still smell? As long as you can smell that fresh silicone off gassing smell it's not ready.

pastelball · Mar 6, 2016

It has a very faint smell. I have time not looking to put it into use for a week or so.

pastelball · Mar 10, 2016

Looks like I may have to redo this sump. Looks like I may have squeezed most of the rtv out. It's still has a good hold. I can still get the glass to move just a hair.

fragit · Mar 10, 2016

Agree that it looks as if you've squeezed the silicone out. There should be silicone in between the glass not just in the corners. The structural bond happens where the edge of one piece of glass meets the face of the adjoining piece.

pastelball · Mar 10, 2016

Thats what I was afraid if. Didn't think I did it to hard but I guess I did. Not doing to good on my first sump build. Kind of think I should of just made a 15 gallon work. Oh well.

fragit · Mar 10, 2016

Have fun with the process! Don't rush it. Remember nothing good in this hobby happens fast.

ithk21620 · Mar 10, 2016

Put a thin spacer between the pieces of glass on top and bottom so they have a consistent spacing. You could use a piece of zip tie or something similar. Don't stick the piece all the way through the joint though so you have a solid seal on the inside.