Too build or buy sump question.

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craigthor

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 30, 2007
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Should I build or buy? I'm looking for a sump for my 120g 5' tank 60x18x26. found this here and like it and the price is right: http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-WET-DR...76|39:1|66:2|65:12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1318.

I would love to use the new Marineland but price and size it won't work. I've built sumps before but the tank I want to use is a 38g 36x12x20 and the tank is gonna cost me around $100 just for the tank and nothing else. what is everyone else thoughts?
 
andyc228;2061820; said:
make a sump, w/d with rubbermaid containers . its easy and really cheap
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Yeah, not a big fan of rubbermaid built ones but may do that as they are cheap. Built on in the past and within a week buile a replacement out of a 29g tank.

Craig
 
$270 for a premade one vs $80 for a diy (thats with the really nice stiff construction grade tub from HD)

or even if you go for a new glass tank you could still build it for around $80
 
When I sell the commercial ones I chuckle every time.
 
If you're confident in your ability to make a good tight seal on the walls that separate the media compartment from the pump compartment go DiY all the way - you can customize it to how you personally prefer it, get a larger compartment for your media, and have the satisfaction of knowing you made somthing under your tank.

I just got done with a 60 gallon and had to scrap it because the silicone I used was too weak - went with a super glue acrylic plastic bonding agent this time - but it can be a real pain in the rear to get a good tight seal if you aren't very skilled in glueing things water tight.

If you've got the patience and time - I say DiY.
 
Yeah, I will probaboly DIY one after some looking yesterday I just need to find a good quality container to start with.

Craig
 
You can also build one from scratch. I just made one from acrylic. Very simple and it is customized to what you want. Lowes is now selling the thicker acrylic and it is very inexpensive. Overall, it cost me about $20 more than using a Rubbermaid tub but I don't have to worry about it cracking or bowing out (provided you can seal acrylic well!).

If you don't want to go that route, Lowes also carries heavy duty moving crates that work very well. Very thick walled. Won't bow or crack. My Lowes has them in 36g and 56g configurations.
 
Went and checked out the larger tubs but they won't fit inside my stand :( Room is my den so to speak so not sure if I want the filter sitting outside the stand yet.

Craig
 
Trippingpara;2063422;2063422 said:
You can also build one from scratch. I just made one from acrylic. Very simple and it is customized to what you want. Lowes is now selling the thicker acrylic and it is very inexpensive. Overall, it cost me about $20 more than using a Rubbermaid tub but I don't have to worry about it cracking or bowing out (provided you can seal acrylic well!).

If you don't want to go that route, Lowes also carries heavy duty moving crates that work very well. Very thick walled. Won't bow or crack. My Lowes has them in 36g and 56g configurations.
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Is it the correct type of acrylic though? If it's extruded, it's nowhere near as strong as the cell cast type.
 
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