Converting 55 gallon tank to a sump

[Anonymous]

Anybody ever tried this? I am moving and I am planning on converting an old 55 gallon tank to a sump. planning on using acrylic baffles and need to also know what kind of epoxy/sealant works best. Also I am finally drilling the back of my Oceanic 120 when I move. I have a rough idea about the overflow design I am going to use, but suggestions on PVC size diameter size, drilling the hole....etc. are welcome. Probably going to need to handle about 1500 gph, and the pipe is going to go about 1.5 feet out the back of the tank before 90 turn down to the sump.

 

[Anonymous]

I've found that the GE Silicone works fine, it might not stick as well to acrylic as it does for glass, but you goop enough of that along each side and it's going to stick to the glass without a problem making the acrylic stay in place even if it doesn't stick.

 

[Anonymous]

silicone it is then, I thought that would work, but I was a little worried about the strength

how about piping/flow...am I going to run into big problems from running my overflow horizontally about 1.5 feet before discharging downward...or will it not affect my flow that much? I am talking straight out the back of the tank about 18" and then a 90 turn downward...I may be able to attach a 45 degree right out the back of the tank to get some gravity flow towards the sump

 

[pwj1286]

GE Silicone I not II. GE II has antimold chemicals in it I hear.
_________________
Mercedes SSK

 

[Anonymous]

I would go with 1.5" PVC. 1" would be to small.

 

[Anonymous]

I've converted glass tanks into sumps several times, and always used glass for the baffles and dividers with very good results...I mean why not? You can take measurements and simply have the glass shop cut it..it's not expensive to do, and when you silicone it together, you have VERY strong joints. Speaking from experience, using silocone to bond acrylic is never a very good solution long term.

 

[Anonymous]

I've converted glass tanks into sumps several times, and always used glass for the baffles and dividers with very good results...I mean why not? You can take measurements and simply have the glass shop cut it..it's not expensive to do, and when you silicone it together, you have VERY strong joints. Speaking from experience, using silocone to bond acrylic is never a very good solution long term.

You are right I could have the glass cut at lowes too. Wazz do you think the water will run over and down okay with all the horizontal gravity fed run I have? I realize every 90 slows the flow down, but how much does a couple feet of run slow me down? Any idea?

 

[Anonymous]

if you're concerned about strength bonding to the acrylic run a bead of superglue along the joint