What did you build today?

[CHOMPERS]

And the finished product (almost) with the completed filter box in place. The sump still needs a little partition work before it is installed. (More on that later.)
The filter media will be the existing Bio-Balls. The new capacity is about 50% larger than the old one.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Nice! I like that drip basket i may copy it in the future, might try something other than filter socks. A drip enabled sump is also on my to do list (as well as the tank to go with it).

Since you asked, i just built a 13g ATO reservoir for a reefer buddy.

 

[CHOMPERS]

Very nice work!!! I seem to have lost the skill to cut thin straps of glass, so I am quite envious.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Very nice work!!! I seem to have lost the skill to cut thin straps of glass, so I am quite envious.

Lol i feel you. I have to admit i cheated on those...i have a few long strips from an old red sea tank i repurposed so i just had to make quick chops to size.

Im actually gonna try and cut some 72"x2" strips this weekend so we'll see how that goes.

 

[CHOMPERS]

My longest narrow strip was 46". The cut didn't stay on the score, so I had to start over with a larger piece of glass. Throughout my other cuts, three others required the removal of thin strips (they were under 20"). All failed. I actually had to dip into my reserves of old tank glass because of the failures.
With no pieces left for backup, I had one more cut. It was another thin strip.
I clamped aluminum supports to the top and bottom of the thin section, and...it worked. The strip was about 1.5"x14". For your longer pieces, I would suggest angle iron or C-channel to support the strips. In the past I have had good success with run and nip pliers (about 80% success)

 

[Backfromthedead]

My longest narrow strip was 46". The cut didn't stay on the score, so I had to start over with a larger piece of glass. Throughout my other cuts, three others required the removal of thin strips (they were under 20"). All failed. I actually had to dip into my reserves of old tank glass because of the failures.
With no pieces left for backup, I had one more cut. It was another thin strip.
I clamped aluminum supports to the top and bottom of the thin section, and...it worked. The strip was about 1.5"x14". For your longer pieces, I would suggest angle iron or C-channel to support the strips. In the past I have had good success with run and nip pliers (about 80% success)

Anything 1/2" or better i wet saw with a diamond blade. I tried scoring and snapping with 1/2" and had little success. I may try to sandwich the thin strip with plywood sheet sorta like youre suggesting to eliminate vibrations (hopefully).

I actually have gotten my best results with long cuts on accident. Sometimes ill get a couple passes through and the rest of the cut will snap off clean...im not brave enough to try this with pliers though.

 

[CHOMPERS]

The wet saw is a good idea. I actually just tossed mine. It was the cheapest Harbor Freight had, and I had left it in the rain. It shouldn't have been an issue but...

 

[Backfromthedead]

The wet saw is a good idea. I actually just tossed mine. It was the cheapest Harbor Freight had, and I had left it in the rain. It shouldn't have been an issue but...

Well if it was a harbor freight brand it probably wouldve broke in a couple days anyway lol. I stopped shopping there when the jaws of my brand new boltcutters disintegrated immediately trying to cut a lock.

I look forward to some action shots of the sump. Ive wanted to try a baffled sump but always end up lazily going with a big open tank and socks.

 

[CHOMPERS]

The bolt cutters were probably OK. Higher end locks frequently have case hardened or carburized clasps. Same with the bolt cutters. Unfortunately there isn't a pair of bolt cutters that can cut a hardened lock. I've destroyed more than one pair. But an angle grinder with a diamond blade will work every time (just don't buy them from Harbor Freight, lol).

 

[CHOMPERS]

A video of the sump in operation is probably a few weeks out. My photo editing skills are nonexistent but at least my tape and marker skills are near the kindergarten level.
This is the general idea behind my