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CMG · 04-08-2008, 11:06 PM

Ok, so here are some pics of my slow process that started on sat. I wanted to post kind of a DIY somewhat step by step for those who dont have a lot of tools or a home. I did this in my tiny apartment and limited tools. Here's the run down:

Bought a $11 10g tank, went to lowes and bought a 1/4" acrylic sheet, acrylic knife and some GE silicone 1. I also recomend trying the gun that is used to dispence the silicone, its only a dollar and if you just squeeze the tube like me the back will start to come out! haha. Luckily I noticed in time! I now use a screw driver handle to push on it with minimal difficulty.

Ok so I measured the inside of the tank at about 9 3/4" and decided to make the baffles 9" high for the big ones and I think 7" tall for the shorter ones. So I measured and marked up the acrylic sheet with a white board marker. Then got a ruler and put it along the line and drew the knife flat across the acrylic about 3 times then dug the hook edge down in there about 2-3 times before removing the ruler. Once the ruler is removed you can continue to dig the hook edge in there and I cut it about 3/4 of the way through before lining the cut up with the edge of the table and giving it a whack to break it clean.

This is somewhat time consuming but I am a patient person and watched a movie while I did it.

Ok so after these are cut move on to your tank. How do you want to set it up? I did the "traditional" water enters -> refugium -> return area setup with 4 baffles. I used the same marker to mark the outside of the tank where I wanted the baffles. I know the pvc pipe is 1" that comes into the tank so I made the entrance a few inches bigger for a filter sock and all that, then 1" to the second baffle which is placed along the bottom of the tank and is the entrance to the refugium. and the return section is about 5-6" because the return pump size will be between 3-4 inches wide and since the tank is 9 3/4" wide this gives me enough rom for it.

Take into consideration the black trip with a lip at the top of the tank when measuring so you can actually fit things in there the right size.

Ok so after marking the tank and cutting the acrylic its time to silicone it in there. Silicone is at full strength on glass and only 50% strength on acrylic (see back of tube for this info) but I have seen people do it on here before with no apparent problems so thats why I did it, plus its easier to find than someone who will cut glass for you and all that around here anyways.

I used DOTS candy box's to measure 1" off the bottom. You need to hod the baffles in place with something like CD's and tape or krazy glue while you silicone. Mine were so tight I only needed a bottom support. When you put the acrylic in to test the correct measurements do not start to silicone yet. Your hand + tube will not fit between the tank and the first baffle so you have to apply silicone on both sides of the tank along your marking first, then push in the baffle against it and silicone the other side. Then do the same for the next baffle. Apply silicone to the sides AND BOTTOM before pushin in the baffle against the silicone. Then silicone the other "open" side.

Now let both of them cure 24 hrs. then do a leak test. Mine leaked as the pictures show in one corner so I fixed it up and then moved on to the next set of baffles. Give the water some time to leak if it needs to. Maybe 10 minutes or so.

When you do the next set of baffles I recomend doing the larger 9" tall baffle first. I was able to fit my hand + tube on both sides this way. Then do the previously mentioned method for the last baffle. I hope that was clear enough. Its time consuming but saves money and makes you feel good about contributing to your hobby!

Here is the DOTS boxes and the red marking lines and the silicone. The silicone to the right of the baffle is placed in first before the baffle, then the baffle is pushed in against it and the left side silicone beads are placed. OK I know its not that neat but no one is going to see it and more importantly it doesn't leak!!

Here is my little leak in the corner

04-08-2008, 11:06 PM	#94 (permalink)
CMG Torch coral Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sonoma County, CA Posts: 587 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: 50g FOWLR Setup Ok, so here are some pics of my slow process that started on sat. I wanted to post kind of a DIY somewhat step by step for those who dont have a lot of tools or a home. I did this in my tiny apartment and limited tools. Here's the run down: Bought a $11 10g tank, went to lowes and bought a 1/4" acrylic sheet, acrylic knife and some GE silicone 1. I also recomend trying the gun that is used to dispence the silicone, its only a dollar and if you just squeeze the tube like me the back will start to come out! haha. Luckily I noticed in time! I now use a screw driver handle to push on it with minimal difficulty. Ok so I measured the inside of the tank at about 9 3/4" and decided to make the baffles 9" high for the big ones and I think 7" tall for the shorter ones. So I measured and marked up the acrylic sheet with a white board marker. Then got a ruler and put it along the line and drew the knife flat across the acrylic about 3 times then dug the hook edge down in there about 2-3 times before removing the ruler. Once the ruler is removed you can continue to dig the hook edge in there and I cut it about 3/4 of the way through before lining the cut up with the edge of the table and giving it a whack to break it clean. This is somewhat time consuming but I am a patient person and watched a movie while I did it. Ok so after these are cut move on to your tank. How do you want to set it up? I did the "traditional" water enters -> refugium -> return area setup with 4 baffles. I used the same marker to mark the outside of the tank where I wanted the baffles. I know the pvc pipe is 1" that comes into the tank so I made the entrance a few inches bigger for a filter sock and all that, then 1" to the second baffle which is placed along the bottom of the tank and is the entrance to the refugium. and the return section is about 5-6" because the return pump size will be between 3-4 inches wide and since the tank is 9 3/4" wide this gives me enough rom for it. Take into consideration the black trip with a lip at the top of the tank when measuring so you can actually fit things in there the right size. Ok so after marking the tank and cutting the acrylic its time to silicone it in there. Silicone is at full strength on glass and only 50% strength on acrylic (see back of tube for this info) but I have seen people do it on here before with no apparent problems so thats why I did it, plus its easier to find than someone who will cut glass for you and all that around here anyways. I used DOTS candy box's to measure 1" off the bottom. You need to hod the baffles in place with something like CD's and tape or krazy glue while you silicone. Mine were so tight I only needed a bottom support. When you put the acrylic in to test the correct measurements do not start to silicone yet. Your hand + tube will not fit between the tank and the first baffle so you have to apply silicone on both sides of the tank along your marking first, then push in the baffle against it and silicone the other side. Then do the same for the next baffle. Apply silicone to the sides AND BOTTOM before pushin in the baffle against the silicone. Then silicone the other "open" side. Now let both of them cure 24 hrs. then do a leak test. Mine leaked as the pictures show in one corner so I fixed it up and then moved on to the next set of baffles. Give the water some time to leak if it needs to. Maybe 10 minutes or so. When you do the next set of baffles I recomend doing the larger 9" tall baffle first. I was able to fit my hand + tube on both sides this way. Then do the previously mentioned method for the last baffle. I hope that was clear enough. Its time consuming but saves money and makes you feel good about contributing to your hobby! Here is the DOTS boxes and the red marking lines and the silicone. The silicone to the right of the baffle is placed in first before the baffle, then the baffle is pushed in against it and the left side silicone beads are placed. OK I know its not that neat but no one is going to see it and more importantly it doesn't leak!! Here is my little leak in the corner __________________ My Chronical: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...wlr-setup.html 40g, Purple Dartfish (squirley), Banggai Cardinal (Spot), 3 sand sifting snails, 3 nerite snails and a golden banded shrimp (Batman).