UPCOMING: Events

Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: Refugium Plans

  1. #1
    Join Date
    10-13-2003
    Location
    NW San Antonio
    Posts
    7,113

    Default Refugium Plans

    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
    Gary

    125 SPS, 75 gal. LPS/softie reef, 9 gal. Nano

  2. #2
    Join Date
    01-23-2003
    Location
    Windcrest
    Posts
    802

    Default

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

    "Courage is fear that has said its prayers"

  3. #3
    Join Date
    01-23-2003
    Location
    Windcrest
    Posts
    802

    Default

    I got the plans from someone off of RC.
    Henry Moncada

    "Courage is fear that has said its prayers"

  4. #4
    Join Date
    12-09-2002
    Location
    San Antonio
    Posts
    1,998

    Default

    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.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    06-03-2003
    Location
    Eckert and Abe Lincoln
    Posts
    173

    Default

    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
    120 Gal Custom Built Acrilic Tank, Mixed Reef, All LED Lighting, 4000 Gal Koi pond

  6. #6
    Join Date
    09-21-2003
    Location
    San Antonio
    Posts
    686

    Default

    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!

  7. #7
    alexwolf Guest

    Default

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

  8. #8
    Join Date
    01-23-2003
    Location
    Windcrest
    Posts
    802

    Default

    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
    Henry Moncada

    "Courage is fear that has said its prayers"

  9. #9
    Join Date
    09-21-2003
    Location
    San Antonio
    Posts
    686

    Default

    Thanks. It's about 1.5 - 2 inches.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    01-23-2003
    Location
    Windcrest
    Posts
    802

    Default

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

    "Courage is fear that has said its prayers"

Similar Threads

  1. Plans for my new 40 breeder
    By cpreefguy in forum General Reefkeeping Discussion
    Replies: 37
    Last Post: Sat, 3rd Jun 2006, 09:33 PM
  2. Skimmer plans
    By shookbrad in forum Equipment & Do It Yourself
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: Thu, 29th Sep 2005, 05:16 PM
  3. stand plans
    By jaded in forum Equipment & Do It Yourself
    Replies: 32
    Last Post: Wed, 9th Mar 2005, 10:15 AM
  4. new plans
    By dwdenny in forum General Reefkeeping Discussion
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: Thu, 13th Jan 2005, 12:23 PM
  5. New 350 Gal Tank Plans
    By JeffCo in forum General Reefkeeping Discussion
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: Thu, 8th Jul 2004, 02:27 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •