Looking for Comprehensive plans for a sump

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
The True Guapote

The True Guapote

Piranha
MFK Member
Apr 14, 2005
1,207
50
81
42
Cincinnati, Ohio
Okay I'm interested in building a wet/dry/sump whatever you want to call it. I'm going to use a 55 gallon tank as the filter for my 220 gallon show tank. The 220 is not drilled, it will use large overflow boxes. I'd like to have a guide with accurate descriptions of how to place the acrylic baffles. I've looked at several threads on here and there really seems to be no rhyme or reason as to how/why acrylic is placed within the 55. This is my first sump I've ever built and need excellent instructions. Thanks, Chris
 
"I've looked at several threads on here and there really seems to be no rhyme or reason as to how/why acrylic is placed within the 55."

Yeah everyones DIY is different. Exactness isn't required.

Plan for...plenty of room for the media and ensure the top of the baffles are below the tank height.
 
There is no exact measurements for a sump. The baffles are laid out to accomidate what you are using to run it. The first stage is the mechanical fltering stage and the width of this section will be different depending on whether you use filter socks or some other type of filter pads. The second chamber is the bio chamber and all you do is make it as big as you possibly can. And the last chamber will just be big enough for your pump to sit down in with a little room around it. And pumps are all different lengths and widths so that chamber will change size with the pump.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------basically figure out what kind of turn over rate you want (imo a 5-6x is good) and then buy a pump to match that. And then figure out what your mechaanical filter will be and buy those. Then you have everything you need to design your sump.
 
Okay, well I look at some designs and there is all kinds of pieces of acrylic dividing the sump and I can't figure out why it's there. So at least now I know there isn't some kind of formula I have to use. I'm probably gone use filter pad material for mechanical, bio-balls for biological, and then a Mag-18 pump to run the whole thing. What thickness acrylic should I use?
 
Is the 55 gallon tank you are using glass? If so I would recommend using glass panels instead of acrylic. You will have better luck with the silicone providing a good hold on the panels.
 
Actually acrylic baffles can be used. Silicone of course isn't the best choice in adhesives, but Loctite makes several that are excellent. Loctite Stik-N-Seal's bond strength is 900 pounds per square inch. Loctite Household Repair is 566 psi.
 
The True Guapote;2935993; said:
What thickness acrylic should I use?
Click to expand...
1/4" is good. 3/16" is minimal but will serve you well. For any panels that will not have water on both sides, use at least 1/4".
 
The True Guapote;2938873; said:
1/4" it is and would you say the Loc-Tite product is the best to use for mounting the acrylic baffles?
Click to expand...

I have not used Loc-Tite before so not saying one is better than the other, but I use http://www.thehardwarecity.com/?sku=6038814

Never had any issue bonding acrylic to anything with it and have used it with glass numerous times. It does not have a strong odor. From what I could find out it is this product with a different name. http://bostik.blackweb.co.nz/doc/FIO TITAN BOND.pdf
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom