Sump build with fancy tools

[Brianh]

I wanted to build my own sump since I own a machine shop/ plastics fab shop. It's not really trying to show off my tools, but to show how we do things in a fab shop. I owe the design to www.melevsreef.com. He seems to be the sump king.
The cutting pattern for the router is laid out on the computer first. The info is sent to the router (speeds, feeds, tool size etc.). Then the router uses a 1/4 carbide end mill to cut out the pieces. We use Craftic cement (we don't like weld-on 4 anymore) to bond the pieces together. It holds water, awsome Now I need to plumb it, and add some sensor mounts

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

That's awesome Brian! I still gotta find time to stop by. Been sick lately

[Original Fin]

Regardless of your intentions, I'm still drooling over here and very green with envy.

I'm serious now...would you consider taking an order if I supplied the specs? I went to technical school for drafting in a past life...I've been out of the CAD loop too long to remember how to use real programs anymore, but if I supplied a Google sketch-up file would that save the fabricator/machinist time, or would they still have to write a bunch of CNC code anyway? I remember back in the day, there was no such thing as converting files easily...hopefully that's not the case anymore.

If not, I totally understand not wanting to turn a hobby into actual work.

I have some crazy sump ideas for my next project, and I'm sure I don't have the tools and know how to make it work without a lot of help. If not from you, could you possibly suggest any other acrylic shops somewhat local to Turlock that I could contact?

One more question...I've read this in a couple places lately, that cell cast acrylic is the type you want to use for aquariums. Have I got this right, or is it just noise?

[Brianh]

Fin,
send me an e-mail or PM, since your local.
Brian

[Brianh]

James,
a lot of time we're here having a beer after work! Let me know.

[Original Fin]

Fin,
send me an e-mail or PM, since your local.
Brian

I will do that as soon as my Contributing Member transaction goes through and I'm given that priveledge. I've never been able to send or receive emails/pms here, so we'll see.

[Brianh]

I will do that as soon as my Contributing Member transaction goes through and I'm given that priveledge. I've never been able to send or receive emails/pms here, so we'll see.

I can send them, and I'm new. Your profile says you don't want to receive PM's or e-mail when I try to send you one. Go to settings (top right) then "general settings". You should be able to check the boxes to allow PM & e-mail.

[Original Fin]

Tried that before, and just checked it again. My preferences are set correctly...something has always been wrong with my account I guess. I can't access my own photo gallery, nor can I make attachments to posts. I've always gotten a you don't have permission to do that message.

It's been a couple days now since I paid for membership, and my status hasn't changed. I'll try to flag an admin down.

[Brianh]

Here is my new sump installed
I took out some LV from my display, and put it in my sump so I have a little more room to put stuff on the bottom like the open brain in the second pic. The sump has about 30 gallons of water (40 total volume). I think I'm going to like the new SWC skimmer.

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

Your tank is looking really good Brian! Nice work with the sump.

[berrymilan]

WOW, its cool, you can go for it, I am glad to see your work, you are doing awesome.