[blu23girl]

ok,I am working on building a sump/refugium out of a 29gal tank. I just spent ALL day working at it, and after hours of frustration and three trips to home depot, I am back to where I started! With an empty 29 gal tank! Ok, questions...
1. How in the hell do you get the sealant into the spaces b/w the bubble trap baffles? I had to tear mine out, as I could only reach the one side, and it was messy and not going to be sturdy. Any ideas? Pictures and LOTS of detail would be good (I am using glass tank and 1/4 inch acrylic baffles).
2. After frustration and lots of nasty words :-) I came across this pressure lock baffle system that used weather stripping, so I tried it... Seemed to be working until I added water, baffles did not hold! Anyone ever tried this with sucess? Curious, I like this idea better, its cleaner... But I need help... Any ideas?

Thanks guys!

[NATIVEVAMAN]

If you have the small silicone tubes and you cant get it in between the baffle walls then more than likely the baffles are to narrow.If you are dealing with the large tube of silicone then you may have to put the interior silicone in with your finger or an applicator of some type.I would say the baffle walls should be at least 4 inch,s apart.

[patrick1234]

after you put the sealacone on get your finger nice and wet (do not use soap water as calking and stuff tell you to do) and run your fingers along the seal ever few inces get your finger wet once more

[blu23girl]

I thought the bubble trap baffles were suposed to be 1" apart? That's what I read on melves reef site anyway... Hm... More to ponder!
thanks!

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I dont see how a 1 inch baffle could do much for bubble control.You couldnt even squeeze a bio ball in them.(not that I would do that).If you are going to put live rock in the baffle I am sure 1 inch wont work.

[clown shrimp]

put a sponge from in the first baffle it will work from microbubble control

[Hi.state]

I just siliconed one side of my baffles and they are holding up. I've only fresh water tested them for the last two days so we shall see. I did fill the baffles with water and no leaks though.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I personaly would not use a sponge for anything in a reef tank because they tend to collect and hold all the nasty stuff that flows thru them.The reason for using live rock is that it doesnt impede the flow of water and it gives an added level of denitrification.And unlike a sponge you dont have to take it out and clean it.

[blu23girl]

Ok, i spaced the baffles out, a bit more... i can reach my hand in now!

I leak tested... and so it seems ot be working... i will post pictures/more details tongiht!

Thanks for your help Dale, i appreciate it!

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Any time Rachel,just remember this next time I visit Alaska lol.

[clown shrimp]

well true but it depends if it being a drlled aquarium or a over flow

[clown shrimp]

if it is over flow it will be fine "like Mine"