Refugium Plans

[GaryP]

Does anyone out there have any links they would recommend for plans for a DIY refugium. I am thinking of building one for my 125 gal. reef.

One other thing. I was reading some of the previous posts about doing acrylic work. I've done some acrylic work int he past at work and we always used methylene chloride to weld seams and repair cracks. Anyone have any experience doing that? I'm thinking that meth. chloride is probably the main ingredient in some of the comercial products that was being referred to in the posts. It basically melts/welds the pieces of acrylic together rather than acting as an adhesive.

Thanks,
Gary

[Henry]

meth. cloride is a primary ingredient in weldon 4. I used an old 55gal tank to use as 'fuge and sump

[Henry]

I got the plans from someone off of RC.

[matt]

Henry, your plan is almost identical to my set up, except I use an external return pump and skimmer. Methylene chloride is the main solvent in weldon #3 and #4, but these products have acetic acid and or MMA resin to slow evaporation and thus strengthen the bond. Using straight methylene chloride to solvent weld cast acrylic will probably result in weak seams with a lot of bubbles. I've heard the best solvent is a product called MC bond, which unfortunately is only available from the manufacturer in gallons. You could use the meth chloride, but try adding some acetic acid to slow the reaction down. I have no idea how much. My suggestion is just buy some weldon#4, it's not very expensive and available at any plastic supply house.

[OldSalty]

Hey Gary, See Dan the Acrylic Man. (The Guy that makes all the sumps for the SanAntonio area. He Is a great guy and will help U out. Just don't ask him for the shirt off his baak, cuz he would probably give it to U. LOL. U can reach him at 680-8383. (number given with his permission)

Good Luck
Kelly

[JeffCo]

Hey Henry, Thats the refugium that I designed! I posted it on RC some time ago to get feedback. It has worked great for me and no microBubbles!

[alexwolf]

man that is a nice setup!!! I may have to change mine sometime soon......

[Henry]

hey Jeff yeah its a cool design. I'm using that with a 55gal tank with an external pump for now. How far from the bottom of your tank do you have your baffles?

Henry

[JeffCo]

Thanks. It's about 1.5 - 2 inches.

[Henry]

Cool I have mine about .75-1" off the bottom and also no bubbles.