Refugium "Assembly Required"...

[postie]

Another great Ebay deal! Got a 12" hang-on refugium. I got it to stick on the side of a 55 reef for some diversity and just to be "doing something". Well, the refugium came today and I certainly did not expect quite so many pieces...lol

Of course a manual with "complete" instructions came along with the unit...thank God I went to college! So, here's my question:

Unit is made out of acrylic and came with cement. The instructions state to put the unit together with rubber bands, then use the cement along the joints (instructions are a bit more detailed than that). What I want to know is whether or not the "cement" is all that is needed to hold the refugium together (forever), or would it be wise, once the cement has hardened, to seal the joints with aquarium silicone as well?

If I had known there were so many pieces and parts to glue, screw, apply and fix, I would have just put a small aquarium above the main tank and bought a pump!

Also, what size pump would be appropriate, assuming the refugium holds together? I see a flood acomin"! Dimensions of refuge are 12" X 4 1/2"D X 12".

All suggestions are welcomed!!!

 

[nickb]

'Truth in advertising' on E-bay. Hmmm

Are there any other details about the 'cement' (e.g. a brand or chemical name)? If it is true acrylic cement (e.g Weldon or methylene chloride) then you will be fine. These chemically bond the two acrlyic surfaces and form a strong, leak-prove bond (assuming you get it applied properly of course). There'd be no need for silicone.

 

[Entacmaea]

I'm sure there is a acrylic faq's somewhere on here, but in short- if the "glue" is free-flowing liquid, assemble the peices as suggested, making sure all the edges meet tightly and are square, then apply the glue (actually acrylic solvent) with a needle applicator- just drag it along the seam and the solvent will be drawn into the seam by capillary action. The solvent will dissolve, then resolidify the two edges, bonding them together. I usually repeat this process to make sure the seams are completely sealed.

If the "glue" is thicker, not free-flowing, best to apply the glue to the edges first them assemble quickly. That said, I wouldn't use the thicker glue even if it came with the kit (unless the seams are badly cut and there are gaps) For $5 go buy the thinner solvent and a needle applicator and you will get a stronger bond with less mess.

Also, masking tape to fix things in place works a little better than rubber bands, IME. "spot glue" the peices together with the solvent, then remove the tape, and do the whole seam.

Hope that helps!

Best, Peter

 

[postie]

This is the thinner cement and the kit included the needle applicator, so I should be fine. Better get to work on it...I'm sure this will take DAYS...lol Thanks for the responses...I wasn't sure how the cement worked. I've never assembled acrylic before...so I'll give it a shot!

 

[postie]

OH...any suggestions on pump type/size?

 

[Entacmaea]

for that small of a fuge I would go for a mini-jet or micro-jet, depending on how much flow you want...

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