INSTALL THE SUMP -Part 2 Measure, Cut and Sweat
SUCCESS!!!
How I did this?
First, I made a cardboard template of the sump tank.
Transferred the measurements to the centre panel, marked the cut lines and realised I needed to cut more than first thought.
I made two permanent U braces to go ether side of the centre panel (making sure the sides were a perfect fit and didn't 'push up' into the bottom of the tank) and some temporary front supports before I cut the cabinet.
Using my Renovator tool I cut most of the centre panel. Before I made the final cut I had the permanent braces sitting in place and emptied about 40 litres from the DT and a lot of live rock and corals, placed these in two bins.
I also had more NSW heating in the garage.
I cut some of my wife's yoga mat for under the sump. No, she didn't know I was going to do this when I asked where it was.
I made the final cut and when the centre panel didn't trap my Renovator's blade my confidence went above 50%.
Removed the centre panel. (There was a wooden leg and a metal screw I had to cut)
Positioned the sump half in the tank and enlisted my wife to assist (and share the blame if it went topsy-turvy).
Realised I needed to swivel the permanent front braces to fit the tank and manoeuvred the sump into position.
Filled the sump, added the skimmer and return pump. Replaced the two cabinet doors.
Added the LR and corals and made two islands, one for mainly softies and my anemones (yes discovered I had a baby) and one for mainly sps.
I had been getting sick of trying to keep my anemone away from my sps so figured this was a good solution.
Still got some fine tuning to do to setup the skimmer correctly.
No noticeable extra noise apart from a faint gurgle.
Assumed the position with a beer and I'm feeling pretty satisfied with the install.
Cheers
Greg