Need help building a sump

[drtyjrzy]

Okay so thanks to a fellow NJreefer I have a nice 75gallon rr tank that needs a sump, my plan is to use my 55gallon acrylic as its sump, I know it's overkill but i want to keep a majority on my LR in the sump. Here's my problem, I've never done this before so I have no clue how to even begin. If anyone is in the Newark local area or north jersey(I'll come to you) want's to help me out, I'll provide beer and food. But be advised I know nothing about this and will ask a bunch of stupid, probably annoying questions!!
Thanks
Paul

 

[mnat]

Paul I am also a complete noob when it comes to building and making sumps so I would be no help. However, I have learned a bit about it and watching it be done with my own sump.

Step one: Figure out what design you want, in other words how many sections (skimmer section, refugium, return section). Figure out your baffle heights and how many baffles.
Step two: Once you have all that measured out, measure and order some acrylic to fit.
Step three: Weldon that stuff together
Step Four: Have a few beers
Step Five: Sump.

 

[kschweer]

Step 4 is very important...lol

It is actually very easy to do. Like mike said figure out the layout you want and the size of your baffles. Make sure you have enough freeboard (space for the "extra" water when the pumps are not running. It helps to draw out a few designs and see which one best meets your needs. With acrylic the construction is relatively easy. If you're getting your acrylic from an acrylic shop u would recommend having them make the cuts for you. It will save you some time and likely will be smoother cuts. Search Weldon or acrylic building on YouTube and watch how they bond the acrylic. Like I said it is relatively easy. Good luck!

 

[motortrendz]

Im not near Newark but if you want incantation help you build a sump. I have plenty of experience doing them. I built plenty of custom sumps for my personal systems including a 54g corner bowfront sump with a fuge. I usually do them in glass but we can do it in acrylic as well. Let me know.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[drtyjrzy]

Hey thanks guys, I'm gonna build it this saturday with the help of a non-reefer friend, but he is an engineer so hopefully things will turn out well. There will also be plenty of beer drank as well!!
Thanks
Paul

 

[Hockeynut]

Do u have the skimmer you will use? Just make sure it will fit and the water level is correct for that skimmer. Also don't make your return section to small or you will be topping it off daily if you don't have an ato. There a ton of pictures on line of sump design look at a bunch before you build. Good luck