DIY Bakpak Fuge

T

TheFatBoy

This looks really nice....

http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12402&PID=115853

But I was thinking I would want to make it as wide as my display, 36". If I was using the 1" schedule 80 pvc as the HOB/Intake/Return would it be able to hold the weight?

Also, would 1/4" pvc handle the weight of the fuge, or would it need to be thicker?
 
That looks nice. I have modified a CPR skimmer by adding an acrylic box for a fug area and deep sand bed. I just haven't gotten the nerve to fill it up and run it on the back of my 29G hotel tank yet. I have leaked tested it but have not put sand in it and hung it on the tank. I will take some pics tonight and post.
 
I have been thinking of building my own similar to the one in your link, except a little longer. Here are some ideas I have had, tell me what you all think...

1. Instead of having the pump sit inside the main tank, why not have the pump inside the HOB fuge and let it pull water in via a pipe/hose from a self-built surface skimmer. It would still function as a skimmer, it would free up room in the back of the tank, and it wouldnt be unsightly. The water could return the same way it normally does in the CPR bakpak.

2. If wanted you could add another venturi pump to the skimmer chamber and make it a recirculating skimmer.

3. Leave a chamber to hold the heater as well as a chamber for holding the sand/cheato/light. If one had any other sensors, this could also function to hold them.

4. I also want a place to put a filter pad/sponge to trap all the particulate matter that would be easy to get to.

5. I would also like to make the side facing the tank out of black acrylic to deter algae growth.

Thanks for your input. TB
 
I use a table saw with a carbide blade for straight cuts and I have hole bits for the hole for the bulkheads. It is kind of messy but the table saw does fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top