Best local shop for sump?

[mcoomer]

I've got a sump for the new tank but it's not ideal so I'm considering the cost of building vs buying. Best local shop in the area to get a sump built?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[gothunder3022]

Check with Jason at CFI (his shop is in Bellevue)...he does:

Custom Acrylic aquariums from 5-1000 gallons

Custom sumps

Custom Steel Stands

Onsite Installs

General Fabrication in a wide range of materials

Full systems, "turn key"

[email protected].

 

[Chichas01]

what are your requirements? I say build your own if at all possible.

 

[Red C Aquarium]

There are a lot of options w/sumps.

We do custom sumps moslty glass w/acrylic baffles .

Just PM or email w/specs .

[email protected][/email]

ARSA

 

[mcoomer]

I'd love to build my own but I just priced the acrylic through TAP Plastics and it won't be cheap. I know they're not the cheapest option around but for 3/8" acrylic they want $504. I can get 1/4" sheet for $282 and I might go that route but my only fear is flex. I want to build a sump that is 40" L X 20" W X 24" H with baffles to form a skimmer section, center section (for fuge, reactors, and probes), and the return section. I think that the baffles will help to prevent excessive bowing so maybe it's not an issue but I want to be sure. I also want to build a probe holder and a 6" skimmer stand but those will only be few dollars more so I didn't bother pricing them. I haven't priced acrylic online yet so I guess that's the next step.

Mike

 

[Red C Aquarium]

Looks to be very custom, this may run you $1200 from a local shop.

Let me know if I can help.

 

[mcoomer]

I think I'm going to give it a go with 1/4" acrylic. I think the baffles I have planned will help to minimize bowing of the to large side panels. I could also do a euro brace on the top if I find that it does bow. Plus, it will be nice to have the right sump instead of one that just gets me by until I get the right sump. I want to build this tank right.

Mike

 

[mfinn]

I recommend Jason at CFI.
He built one for me 4 years ago and it was perfect.
It is 48" x 24" x 18" and was around $300.

 

[iroll253]

You could just get a 40 breeder or something similar and insert your own baffles.

 

[Chichas01]

why does it have to be acrylic? like iroll said any glass tank will work and you can have the baffles cut for cheap at a local glass shop. A little silicone and you are good to go. The big plus will be that you can put your money where it counts in lighting, skimmer, or livestock.

 

[mcoomer]

I recommend Jason at CFI.
He built one for me 4 years ago and it was perfect.
It is 48" x 24" x 18" and was around $300.

Just sent email. I'm looking for one that 40 X 20 X 24 and if they can do it in the $300 neighborhood I'll definitely go that route. That's about the same as it will cost me to buy the acrylic, pay the shop cost to have it cut, and sales tax. Plus, it would free me up to work on something else. That would be sweet!

Mike

 

[roscoe]

A 50b is 36''x18''x24'' pretty close to the dimensions you are looking for but I hear ya when you need an exact dimension for what you have to work with. It is just another option to look at.

 

[mfinn]

Just sent email. I'm looking for one that 40 X 20 X 24 and if they can do it in the $300 neighborhood I'll definitely go that route. That's about the same as it will cost me to buy the acrylic, pay the shop cost to have it cut, and sales tax. Plus, it would free me up to work on something else. That would be sweet!

Mike

This was 4 years ago and I would be willing to bet the cost of acrylic has gone up along with everything else.
I'll also bet Jason will work with you on this.

 

[IWishIWasAFish]

I found this really nice $15 Rubbermaid tub the exact dimensions (not even 1/4'' off!) of the space under my tank. It's almost as big as what you're looking for. Needs a eurobrace installed in the middle, but otherwise it's absolutely perfect in a "cheap & fast & effective" way.

Sounds like it's probably not the way you'd most like to go, but I just had to chime in. Plastic tubs are manufactured stronger than they used to be and in so many more sizes than they used to make.

Good luck with your project

 

[sullest]

just get 40 gallon next month at petco they will have a $1 per gallon sale. 40 bucks then u are set

I found this really nice $15 Rubbermaid tub the exact dimensions (not even 1/4'' off!) of the space under my tank. It's almost as big as what you're looking for. Needs a eurobrace installed in the middle, but otherwise it's absolutely perfect in a "cheap & fast & effective" way.

Sounds like it's probably not the way you'd most like to go, but I just had to chime in. Plastic tubs are manufactured stronger than they used to be and in so many more sizes than they used to make.

Good luck with your project

 

[ac7av]

I agree with sullest, just get a glass tank that fits the specks you want and use silicone to glue in the baffles, that you can have cut at your local glass shop for cheeeeep.
I built one with three baffles it was a smaller tank but still cost 15 bucks for baffles and silicone to do the job.