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HorseyStripe

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so i finally got the stuff to put together my sump, and with my gigantic, swollen ankle i hobbled around and glued it together this weekend...


Putting the first piece on, I used Melev's guides for most of this...not quite done but it's coming along, still have to cut the top flange and braces for it :)
IMG_20101121_133848-1.jpg


i had enough room and coincidently a 2x4 is actually 1.5" thick so i used that as a spacer for my bubble trap baffles...
IMG_20101121_134818.jpg



this part was the most annoying piece i did, mental note to self, use the jig you made when cutting these...i got tired of moving it and you can see where my hand wasn't as steady as i thought it'd be

IMG_20101121_151448-1.jpg



coming together nicely...

IMG_20101121_151441.jpg



double sided tape holds these little $4 speed squares down nicely, i used the removable scotch tape kind...not sure what would happen if you used the permanent kind...either way, the removable kind held pretty good...

IMG_20101121_155146-1.jpg


when you put the last side on, make sure you have enough weight, when you think you have enough, find more, and put that on there too...PHONE BOOKS ARE NOT HEAVY ENOUGH BY THEMSELVES!

IMG_20101121_165027-1.jpg


finished-ish project...still needs a flange around the top, and water testing either tonight or tomorrow...

IMG_20101121_171611-1.jpg



all in all the seams look like they're gonna hold, you can actually see where it's bonded pretty well with the clear acrylic...i'll take a pic of a good seam and a bad seam and post them...
 
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HorseyStripe

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thanks everyone! i was pleased with how it looks :)

freeswimmingfish said:
Wow!!! That looks GREAT!!! I want to make a new sump/fuge someday. How much did it set you back?


Price breakdown:

acrylic=$148

Weldon #4= $8.99 (citypets...might be cheaper where you buy the acrylic) i got one can..and barely scratched the surface of the total amount

edge scraper= $9.98 reusable

weldon applicators = $5.00 Each (cant remember for sure) reusable but you'll need more of the needles get at least 2, they clog

Router Bits=$20 ea X2 reusable 1/4" straight and 1/4" round

Plastic Speed Squares = $4 Each (i used 3...they make sure you have 90 degree angles) reusable...make sure you cut off the corners or you'll have speed squares glued into your sump...again, reusable

Quilting pins = $5 at hobby lobby, reusable and a MUST

Beer = $25 consumable

Smokes = $12 consumable

fun time building and the headache i got from trying to keep it straight = Priceless

so all in all, i spent around $234 (not counting beer and smokes), of which only 148 really won't be useable again...(the acrylic)

woulda been cheaper if i had a decent table saw, but i had to have them cut my acrylic...(which i'd probably do again just to make sure it's precise)

i had some extra wood laying around and all so i used that to make a jig for my router...that may be an extra cost that i didn't count in the above...

you supply the beer and i'll help you :)

the initial assembly (baffles, sides, front, back) took me a whole day to complete, had to let it begin to set before i could put the next piece on...but i can see this being done in a weekend if you have the entire day...put together anyhow, not water tested...have to wait at least 24 hours for that...

if anyone has any questions don't hesitate to ask, i'm not a pro by any means but i did learn a few lessons that i'll put into practice next time i make one :) (i have a 46 bow that needs a stand and sump after i finish my 90)
 

RGH69

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Ok, since you know how to do it, I say we have a MARSH sump building party at your house. We all order the cut pieces, weld on, beer, cigs and head to your place... :D
 
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HorseyStripe

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RGH69 said:
Ok, since you know how to do it, I say we have a MARSH sump building party at your house. We all order the cut pieces, weld on, beer, cigs and head to your place... :D

word!..unfortunately i do all my building at my girlfriends...and her mom would probably have a cow :(
 

RGH69

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Got that thing running yet? We need updated pics with water flowing and macro growing!
 
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HorseyStripe

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haha...don't i wish...i'm working on a stand project right now too so the sump has taken a little of a back seat...sump won't fit in the stand i have now :(

i tried to take pictures of the seams and i couldn't get my stupid camera phone to focus on the seam...it kept wanting to look through the glass :(

water tested it last week and had 2 small leaks after 24 hours of having water in it... :( I think i got them fixed and will be testing again sometime this week...as i've said before, unfortunately it's at my girlfriend's parents house an hour away from mine so i don't get up there every night...

all in all i'm pretty pleased with it...first acrylic work ever so guess i had to expect a leak at least once...

i really really want to do this again..it was pretty fun!
 
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If you go to Home Depot, the one at 45 and 646, in the same section as the router bits they have saw blades for plastic. They have 80 teeth and are not off set, all the teeth are in a straight line when you look down the blade. They only cost about ten bucks and cut acrylic up to 3/8ths very well. Make sure you take a bar of soap and while the blade is running run it against the blade. That will coat the blade with soap and when you are making your cuts it will not get hot and melt the edges of the acrylic. I would only make two or three cuts with each soaping and then reapply it. You would be amazed at how simple it is to cut once you know how. Then you just measure and cut like you would any piece of wood. The only thing you need to be sure of is, make sure you use a brand of soap you like because after the table saw running on it for a while the whole work area will smell like that soap. I hope this can help some of you.
 
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