building first sump!! please help!!!

[champscorner]

i just bought everyting i believe i need to build my first sump out of acrylic!!! i have a rookie question as i haven't built anything quit like this before, espeacially out of acrylic. when i'm using the weldon 4 i will be glueing/fuseing all the perimeter pieces to the bottom piece outside edge, how can i clamp this to hold it at the 90 deg angle i need while it dries? also i want to put teeth in the refugium baffle is there a way to do this(with clean cuts) without using a router saw? would a dremmel work? as i have acsess to one. thanks

[slumpysix]

Some use filled plastic pop bottles on either side to stabalize the pieces as the glue sets. I personally used blue painters tape and taped the speed squares to hold in place while keeping the piece square. Go slow and do one piece at a time. A router is the best way to cut the grooves in . You want to make sure to clamp the acrylic securely when cutting grooves. I never have used a dremmel to cut grooves but maybe someone else has. Make sure you sand the edges flat before glueing. Good luck


go here for some valuable info
http://www.melevsreef.com/tools.html

[champscorner]

thanks man, i've been all over melevsreef's site for the last couple of weeks studying up. so the speed squares with painters tape will hold? i guess i was thinking i need a clamp to apply some pressure while the weldon is setting. how long do you wait in between bonding each piece? thanks for the luck hopefully she'll hold for me!!!

[cmomo0128]

Holding each in place for about 5 mins will usually set it strong enough to stand freely. I always start with the sides of the sump first ( glue all the baffles and ends to one side ) and then let it set overnight. The next day I put the other side on and go from there.

[champscorner]

thanks guys!!!
I'm starting on it tonight.