View Full Version : Sumps at a fair price?
Drachs
12/03/2007, 03:54 PM
I was looking at the sumps in my local marine store, and they start at $300. This doesn't strike me as a fair price for an acrylic box. I know I can build one myself, but is there a company out there, perhaps on the web, that provides high quality sumps/overflows/pumps at a fair price?
Your best bet is to build your own sump if you have the proper tools and the knowledge of cutting and cementing acrylic panels. Companies usually charge high prices due to the high cost of acrylic sheets and the labor to build them. I built myself a sump and the materials cost me only $70.00 to build one 36"x30"'18" high sump. It worked out well and I am happier with the one I built than what most manufactures offer.
Marc
Turbovinny
12/03/2007, 04:11 PM
like he said very easy to make and ALOT cheaper then the pre fab ones, build it as big as you can
hyperfocal
12/03/2007, 07:09 PM
It is even easier to buy a 20gal or so aquarium, and install your own baffles.
mg426
12/03/2007, 08:07 PM
I agree get a tank silicone in some baffles and save some serious $$$$$$$
atvdave
12/03/2007, 08:17 PM
just to give you some idea. I made this one out of a 65gal acrylic tank.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/56970sump1a.jpg
I built my sump out of 1/2" acrylic for more durability. I love it and could not be happier. I even plan on building a larger tank out of acrylic myself. I want to make a 400 gallon tank and it would cost me less than half of a manufactured one. It doesn't hurt to learn a trade if it can save you monry in the long run.
Marc
CruzinKim
12/03/2007, 08:26 PM
Used sumps off CL, EB or use equipment forum. What size are you looking?
chrismunn
12/03/2007, 09:05 PM
so what tools would you need to fab acrylic??? a router for clean edges, or a jointer. [ i dont even know what a jointer is, but marc levenson uses one when he fabs acrylic. ] a skilsaw with a cArbide tipped blade to trim panels to size. and a square... oh, measuring tape... hmm. im sure im missing something important here. c'mon guys. maybe a plan?
SeanT
12/03/2007, 10:27 PM
atvdave,
What is the eggcrate primarily for?
Thanks,
Sean
Lumamae
12/04/2007, 02:24 AM
Here's a really nice sump setup as a sample:
link removed
Blown 346
12/04/2007, 03:07 AM
I also built mine out of a 40 breeder tank.
Rwinfrey
12/04/2007, 05:30 AM
why don't you buy a sump kit.you have the pieces cut and then glue them together yourself.you also save on the shipping. www.aquaticacrylics.com
Rubicon06
12/05/2007, 08:28 AM
tag for info
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