Modifying existing sump to accommodate larger skimmer

M

michad

I need to remove a 16" section of the baffle that separates the ATO section from the skimmer section in my sump.

The ATO section is well braced and we're leaving 3.5" of the baffle in place on the front and back ends.

Unless I can figure out how to get a different angle or possibly a different bit I think we're leaving 3/4 to 1" of the baffle at the bottom.

Here's a sample cutting out the red lines removes the baffle, cutting the orange opens up the section to accommodate the new skimmer.

DSC_0138r.jpg
alt="">

The ATO is currently dry, before we start this I'll be draining the skimmer section.

Any thoughts on how to do this other than a rotozip/drimmel?
 
It wont be pretty but what about a hack saw blade. You could work it back and forth by hand and with the right pressure I think you could get it close to flush.
 
man, sure is an awesome sump.....wonder who built it! :lol: Good luck. Chris might be on to something but i think it would take a while with the band saw method. better safe than sorry
 
Start by deeply scoring the acrylic on both sides you wan to remove with a regular acrylic scoring/cutting tool. this will allow the acrylic to snap off in a clean line. Use a Dremel , hacksaw or jigsaw to cut the rough outline with relief cuts to the score lines, this will permit you to remove the larger portions of acrylic and you can use pliers to snap off the rest to the score lines. It'll take time but it's not that bad to do. Once you're done, clean up your rough edges with sandpaper.
 
Its done. Pics tomorrow.

I used pop's RotoZip to chunk out the baffle. Went alot easier than I thought it would. After it was all done I noticed that the ATO section was hanging off the pink foam by about 3/8". For a temporary fix I cut some blue foam to fill in and support the sump.

Tomorrow I'll cut a more accurate piece that will give me a tighter fit and then set my float and screw in the door for that end of the tank. Sure will be great when I have a door that actually covers the whole opening. 8)

Yeah it is a great sump. Hope I dont have to replace it anytime soon cus there's no way to get it out without cutting it into three pieces.

Building my stand to hold the new skimmer in the morning. Then I just have to go get it and we'll be able to call a close to this phase of the upgrade.

Total water volume is now 410.2 gallons.
 
Once the Reef Octopus was put in place, it was apparent that I had to redo the acrylic work to get lower in the sump. Remove the skimmer, drained the sump and went through 4 carbon discs cutting out more acrylic. I left 1/4" of material in the sump....just too scared to get too close to the bottom.

And the Reef Octopus in place....
DSC_1337.jpg
alt="">

Not much clearance, but enough to make it work....
DSC_1340.jpg
alt="">

From the end of the tank, shows the arch we had to cut out of the side to get the monster in the sump....
DSC_1341.jpg
alt="">

Two pumps are leaking bubbles (not too much but some) around the outputs.
Still need to build a power box to reduce the wire clutter.
Waiting for the break in to really see the skimmage.
Oh yes, need a new door for the left side to cover up the mess.

Once its broke in I will probably replace two of the impellers with the new style, one pump was sticking, now I have two pumps sticking. I'll need to cut a couple of extra pieces of eggcrate to get a true level bottom.....ideally I'm going to look for scrap 3/8" acrylic, as that is just about the perfect filler size.

All in all its looking good, I really was thinking about changing out to a different (read smaller) skimmer, but I hear all the cool guys have one of these so you know any help I can get in that area :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top