Turning a 5.5 AGA into an AIO

[SF2K4]

So sadly 5.5 isn't enough characters to allow a search and I saw a lot of examples but no actually DIY... I want to turn my empty 5.5 AGA into an AIO (preferably using ABS plastic or plexiglass over acryllic but I'm open) and I just wanted a basic DIY... size of glass, size to make chambers, pumps to use, etc.

 

Thanks guys.

[nanoty]

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=132714

 

 

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=141508

[SF2K4]

So what would be best... Acryllic or ABS plastic? And does Weld-On adhere Acryllic to glass? And what on Earth would I use if I chose plastic? Silicone?

[Rubicon06]

I built one like Sandeep

 

So what would be best... Acryllic or ABS plastic? Acrylic

 

And does Weld-On adhere Acryllic to glass? No

 

And what on Earth would I use if I chose plastic? No Idea

 

Silicone? I used Silicone to attach the Acrylic to Glass, not glued but it will hold in a 5.5

[SF2K4]

So did you reinforce your acryllic with anything besides the silicone? Like a brace of some kind?

[Rubicon06]

I got pieces of Acrylic that fit snug in the 5.5 with little modification, then I cut a notch in the top of the acrylic pieces to fit snug against the black plastic rim of the 5.5

 

It's been running a little over 2 months with no problems, there isn't enough water pressure to really force it lose, the silicone is more of a sealant to me than holding it in place, though I'm sure it's helping to hold it. I was quite liberal in applying the silicone and let it cure for several days.

[SF2K4]

DId you cut the acryllic or can you direct me to a place with them cut to the perfect size? (speaking of which, what would be the perfect dimensions for the acryllic?)

[Rubicon06]

I bought sheets that were like 8x11 from Home Depot, I used a Dremel to cut everything myself.

 

I couldn't give you the best dimensions as I'm not sure all 5.5s are exactly the same, like I said the 8x11 basically fits perfectly, just needed some sanding to fit really.

 

Also I would've rather had it shorter, 4in is more than enough, takes up too much of the tank IMO.

[SF2K4]

I bought sheets that were like 8x11 from Home Depot, I used a Dremel to cut everything myself.

 

I couldn't give you the best dimensions as I'm not sure all 5.5s are exactly the same, like I said the 8x11 basically fits perfectly, just needed some sanding to fit really.

 

Also I would've rather had it shorter, 4in is more than enough, takes up too much of the tank IMO.

 

I do need to invest in a Dremel finally... I've been putting off getting one for a while

 

So the 8x11 fits perfect as the main wall... how big did you make the fuge-divider (from the back wall... I guess that's the 4" you are talking about? So your fuge is 8x11x4?)

[SF2K4]

Also, I haven't looked at Home Depot yet, but... do they sell black acryllic or would I have to paint my acryllic black? If so, is Krylon Fusion water-safe? I thought I heard it was (non-toxic or whatever) as long as I let it cure for a few days...

[Monkfish]

Also, I haven't looked at Home Depot yet, but... do they sell black acryllic or would I have to paint my acryllic black? If so, is Krylon Fusion water-safe? I thought I heard it was (non-toxic or whatever) as long as I let it cure for a few days...

Home Depot doesnt carry it sign shops carry all colors of plexi and abs.