New Sump and Then Absolute Disaster.

[asonitez]

Bah.... Well after shopping around all day and deciding that I did not really want to build a Refugium I decided to continue and get rid of the Eheim 2017 that I purchased and then reinstall the sump that i got with the system.

I decided to go with the advice of so many of you and remove the BIO-Balls and ceramic media. Instead I opted to simply use a 100micron polishing cloth with a bag of activated carbon sittin on top of it. For carbon filtration. I also put about 15 pounds of live rock into the sump as well. All was going well until I noticed that some water was around the base of the Sump that I had not put there. I assumed it was from me moving around down there installing heaters and stuff.

As it turns out the JOINT near the siphon from the tank seems to be a little weak and is dripping from the outside causing me problems. If that isnt bad enough I'm suspecting that the bottom of the sum is ALSO leaking though i have not been ableto prove it yet. Tonight it will stay as is in the turkey pan but tomorrow I'm gonna look into getting another sump from my LFS. They have used setups there for about 99 bucks I'f I'm not mistaken.

The Pics tell the tale. I'm hoping to have the system up and running before my Lights get here monday.

 

[asonitez]

More water building up. This is really depressing. I'm worried about my fishies and worried that I won't be able to find a sump tomorrow.[/img]

 

[Len]

I really think you're just seeing the leak. I don't think there's a crack in the sump (although possible, it is unlikely). I would fix the plumbing leak before buying a new sump. My hunch is once the plumbing is secure, problem solved. A tiny leak in the piping can create the big puddle of water you're getting. Also, look for other plumbing areas that may be leaking (bulkheads, threaded joints, glued joints).

In the meantime, empty the puddle and shut the pump down. Let the water run out of the pipes and watch the water catch area over the next 12 hours. If the sump is indeed leaking, a big puddle will form even with the pump shut down.

Good luck!

 

[asonitez]

Ok I will I think I will have to use some plumbers tape to seal up that joint where it connects to the sump. Hopefully it will save me a few bucks. the LFS I know has some nicer larger sumps for about 75-100 bucks. If all else fails then I will have to check them out and see if it can't pick one up. First stop this morning is homedepot for some plumberstape and then the LFS for another sump if that dosen't work.

 

[mr_X]

if you have to get rid of your sump, just buy the largest glass tank you can fit in that spot. you don't need to glue in any baffles if you don't want to, especially if you don't plan on keeping a refugium. i would still do so, to create a barrier between the bubbles, and the return pump, and i think this will allow you alot more room to do whatever in the sump.

 

[Anonymous]

I hate leaks. :twisted: All the best, they can be frustrating.

 

[asonitez]

Well I found the cause of the leak to be the joint where the water from the over flow was going in. Also... it seemed that the bottom of the sump was also leaking from one of the edges. Obviously due to dry/rot (if its possible) salt water leaking and killing the seal... or due to the time that the sump was with the previous owner. I purchased a Amiracle sump from my LFS for 99 bucks replaced the bio-balls with live/rock and ceramic installed my carbon filter setup drilled and installed my heater into the bottom of the sump through a easily removed sponge. In all the new sump is GREAT seems to fill easier and faster than my old one. It Took some customization to get it the way I wanted but all in all it looks and works fab. Time to let my tank finish its cycle and monday is lighting, and a slew of other goodies.

 

[brandonberry]

You can easily fix a leak in acrylic using super glue gel or by using Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) from the hardware store (near paint thinner). MEK can be used as a solvent for acrylic. Just mix a couple of scrap chips of acrylic with MEK and it will disolve them. Then you simply apply this to the seam and you'll have a perfect bond. I'd stick with superglue unless it is a major leak though.

I also agree with mr_X that if you are set on getting a new sump, just use an aquarium. Judging by the picture, you should at least be able to fit a 20g high tank under there. You should be able to find one for less than $30.

 

[asonitez]

I'm thinking since my old Sump sprung a leak I didn't really trust it any more with my tank and its inhabitants. I purchased a new one. I'm thinking of drying out and repairing my old sump and then making it into a Refugium with a small return pump. What do you guys think about this? Lemmie post a pic of it maybe you guys can reccomend where to cut out and what to place where to make it easier.

 

[Anonymous]

if you have to get rid of your sump, just buy the largest glass tank you can fit in that spot. you don't need to glue in any baffles if you don't want to, especially if you don't plan on keeping a refugium. i would still do so, to create a barrier between the bubbles, and the return pump, and i think this will allow you alot more room to do whatever in the sump.

+1