My 1st Acrylic/Glass DIY Sump

I'm building a sump for my 15 gallon frag/clown tank. I've never built one from scratch and have never worked with acrylic before. So I figured I'd document my progress (failures?) as I go for others to learn from (what to do, or what NOT to do), along the way.

My supplies: Will be using a 5 gallon tank

300 gph Pond Pump from Home Depot ($30)
Acrylic sheet ($24)
Egg Crate ($12)
Silicone ($10) (this was black- all that was available, Looking back I can already say MISTAKE, more on this later)
LED light strip ($40) just because I wanted to play with LEDs


Acrylic Cutting Tool ($8)
Propane torch ($18)
Screw in hooks ($1)
Plumbers chain ($5) (hooks & chain to hang light strip)


My first successful bend-- so proud, because after making multiple fire balls I finally figured out what to do... Jeez, that's much easier... lol

The All Glass brand of Silicone is a NEVER, EVER AGAIN purchase. As I was squeezing it out to attach some things together I noticed that I wasn't getting much out, then I discovered that it was all over my shirt, both hands and had squirted out the back of the tube. Well, that was a great product that did just what it was designed to do..... or perhaps not.

looking good

Partial Quote from S&FW_fishyfriend The All Glass brand of Silicone is a NEVER, EVER AGAIN purchase. As I was squeezing it out to attach some things together I noticed that I wasn't getting much out, then I discovered that it was all over my shirt, both hands and had squirted out the back of the tube. Well, that was a great product that did just what it was designed to do..... or perhaps not.

You are doing great if your humor is still intact. Where did you get the LED!!!

Got the LED at Petsmart, it's not a very long fixture, but I don't need it to be.... It says it is supposed to work on up to a 30 gallon.

Hows the project going?

I've been busy on fair weather days, but on the days I haven't been busy it has rained... Bummer, but I haven't forgotten about it. I've got the loc-line ready, just need to plan out what pvc pieces I will need and do it! I will definitely, post pics as I go.