How do you build a refugium/sump?

[nspiro88]

I see there are a lot of people that have been building their own sumps and refugiums. This inspired me to add an acrylic dividing wall to my oceanic sump last week at an attempt to make a small refugium. Needless to say, it didn’t work. First, I had no idea what I was doing. Secondly, I didn’t have enough space in my sump to begin with.

What tools are essential in building your own sump/refugium? I had one heck of time a time trying to cut the acrylic and adding the silicon. I can’t imagine trying to cut glass! I ended up with a messy plastic box! Any tips and/or guidance are welcome!

 

[hardaur]

It's pretty easy to convert aquariums to sump/fuges, I've done 2 and will be doing a 3rd this weekend. Just need something appropriate to cut acrylic and something to use as a router. I use a circular saw with a carbonite blade and a dremmel with a routing bit. Not real elegant, but functional. I also keep scraps of acrylic around to practice on before I start working with the pieces that are going into the sump.

Finally, and most importantly. . .learn to love this site: http://www.melevsreef.com/ Marc, a member here, tells you every and anything you need to know about building sumps.

HTH!

H