baffles in rubbermaid

[gregkeller]

I'm building a wet/dry for a 55 gallon fish only tank and am planning on using a 30 gallon rubbermaid to house the bioballs (5 gallon bucket), protein skimmer and return pump. I would like to build some baffles into the sump to help with limiting bubbles, and maybe leaving an area to build a fuge in the future. I'm wondering what the best material to use for the baffles is and how to properly attach it to the rubbermaid container. Will acrylic with silicon work? I am just worried that a little bowing of the rubbermaid will be pulling at the connection and cause it to ultimately fail. I plan on trying to use the lid to the container to help with the bowing and slow evaporation, just cut out holes for the bio chamber, skimmer and return line, and i could probably use some nylon tiedowns like a belt around the top of the container to help it keep it's shape. So any ideas? Materials and what to use to best stick that material to the rubbermaid container? Thanks in advance.

 

[mr_X]

i haven't tried this, but i believe your fears to be correct. what about using a 30 gallon aquarium?
you could go a step further and get the 30 gallon tank drilled and use an external pump. a better setup IMO, and less heat in the tank.

 

[Len]

greg, here's an idea for any type of enclosure. Cut baffles about 1/2" shorter then the intended width, then glue on rubber strips (e.g. weather striping) to the sides. You can then snuggly wedge the baffles into place and readjust in any position you want.

That said, acrylic is probably easiest to work with. Silicone will work fine if you want permanent baffles.

 

[gregkeller]

that weather stripping sounds like a good idea, thanks, i'll give it a shot and report back.

 

[Anonymous]

I do not know if you will be able to baffle a rubbermaid tub. They bow a bit when filled. You may want to consider buckets or containers. Have your tank drain into a bucket. This will bet the bubles near the surface. Then on the return pump cut some holes in the side near the bottom and put your return pump in the bucket. This will have the draw from below the bubbles (hopefully). I can not reccomend a size, you will have to figure that out based on the size of your sump, gear and how deep you are going to run the water level.