Should I put another brace on this sump?

[Bosco83]

I just picked up this sump and I patched two holes in it that were for external pumps. So I was water testing it and it seems to flex a lot and I just wanted to know if this is acceptable? I was thinking I could put another brace right in the middle of where it is flexing most.


I am also going to cut the baffles out and put some new ones in any ideas? I was just thinking of keeping it simple so it would just be a larger version of the one I have. Here is a picture of the style that I did on Melvesreef the 2nd design.

http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/glass/index.html
Thanks,
Brian

 

[edwing206]

I wouldn't really feel safe using that even with another brace. It's a bit scary.

 

[iroll253]

I would use it for scrap acrylic or get a quote on a repair.

 

[Shane and John]

UGG..That looks like alot of water to potentially be on the floor!!

 

[Bosco83]

Here are some more pictures me simulating a brace it really doesn't take a lot of pressure.

 

[edwing206]

Just make sure there aren't any small dogs or children around that thing.

 

[returnofsid]

Wow, that's a lot of deflection!! I gotta say, that'd worry me a bit. Maybe one of our acrylic builders will chime in, or you could PM them.

 

[fulkerl]

Kind of scary looking without the center braced even with out water in it. Before putting it in use I would add more bracing, looks alot better when you are holding it, better safe than sorry.

 

[mfinn]

Maybe that area would be a good place to put a over and under bubble trap.
One baffle that goes almost to the top, that is 1-1/2" or so off the bottom and a shorter one next to it, that touches the bottom. I used a couple pieces of 2x4's ( 1-1/2" ) for spacing between my sump baffles.

 

[Scooterman]

Maybe that area would be a good place to put a over and under bubble trap.
One baffle that goes almost to the top, that is 1-1/2" or so off the bottom and a shorter one next to it, that touches the bottom. I used a couple pieces of 2x4's ( 1-1/2" ) for spacing between my sump baffles.

This would stiffen it up IMO also.
This deflection isn't as bad as it looks IMO again, acrylic can bend a good bit, it just needs more support as you have planned. If you trust your acrylic welds on the patches you made I don't see why this would be any different.
Again, JMO, you can shoot some of the acrylic tank builders here & see what hey say.

 

[Katchupoy]

Just add a brace on the top will help a lot. But one vertical almost half the height of the sump will do great.

 

[Bosco83]

Thanks for the input everyone! I am going to put all my baffles in and then maybe add a brace in the weakest point. I already have everything so not much to lose but a little tinkering time. I think it will be fine when I am all done and I will post some more pictures.

Oh yea and now everyone has my wife all worried she really hates it when I get water on the floor.

 

[fulkerl]

Wifes are funny that way, Its just a few gallons of water. But if you work it right you can get a new shop vac.

 

[Bosco83]

Wifes are funny that way, Its just a few gallons of water. But if you work it right you can get a new shop vac.

LOL already played that card!

 

[blk822822]

Wifes are funny that way, Its just a few gallons of water. But if you work it right you can get a new shop vac.

Good I dea I have wanted to get a shop vac for a long time but didn't have a reason to tell the wife.

 

[burning2nd]

shop vacs rock


brace.. ftw

 

[Bosco83]

Baffle height?

This is the sump I'm going to make the second picture down.
http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/glass/index.html

So I am trying to decide how tall I should make my baffles. I was thinking maybe 12 inches tall and the just putting my skimmer on a stand to meet it's requirements. This should still leave enough room for when the return pump is shut off and would give me maximum water volume? Is there any reason I shouldn't make them this tall?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[braddo]

Just make sure you have height available in your stand so that you can still remove the skimmer cup when it is sitting up on the stand.

 

[Bosco83]

So I am finished with my sump I am happy with how it turned out I think it will be perfect. Here are some new pictures with baffles and brace.

 

[blk822822]

That turned pretty good. I'm thinking about building a bigger sump for my 75 gal. How do you determine the size refuge area for a tank size????? Anybody?