How to Build a Sump for a Nano Aquarium

The nano aquarium is a small version of a reef tank. A nano aquarium is typically smaller than 20 gallons; select nano tanks may be as tiny as 2.5 gallons. Chemical changes occur quickly in small bodies of sea water, and one of the challenges of keeping a nano aquarium is to keep the limited volume of water in pristine condition. A sump, which is a reservoir placed below or behind an aquarium and connected to the aquarium via pipes, will add water volume to a nano aquarium. Although sumps are commercially available, you can build a nano sump of your own.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 base pane of 0.31-inch-thick glass, 8 inches long by 6 inches wide
  • 1 front pane of 0.31-inch-thick glass, 8 inches long by 6 inches wide
  • 1 back pane of 0.31-inch-thick glass, 8 inches long by 6 inches wide
  • 2 side panes of 0.31-inch-thick glass, 6 inches wide by 6 inches wide
  • Small tube of non-toxic, 100 percent silicone, 5 fl. oz
  • 1 sheet of sandpaper
  • Small bottle of acetone
  • Clean cloth
  • Masking tape
  • Scissors
  • Large towel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the sandpaper into strips and use it to sand the edges of each pane of glass.

    • 2

      Pour a small amount of acetone onto a cloth and wipe the edge of each piece of glass to remove fingerprints and residual oil and dirt.

    • 3

      Lay each pane of glass on the towel, on a clean and level work surface.

    • 4

      Squeeze a continuous thin bead of silicone sealer along the top edge on both of the length sides of the 8-by-6-inch base pane.

    • 5

      Squeeze a continuous thin bead of silicone sealer along both side-edges of the width sides of the front pane.

    • 6

      Squeeze a continuous thin bead of silicone sealer along the bottom side-edge of the 6-by-6-inch right-hand side pane.

    • 7

      Squeeze a continuous thin bead of silicone along the bottom side-edge of the left-hand side pane.

    • 8

      Place the front pane of glass on top of the base pane. Support this pane with one hand and place the right side pane in position next to both the bottom and front panes. Secure the front pane to the right side pane using two strips of masking tape on the outside of the tank.

    • 9

      Position the left side pane next to both the bottom and front panes and secure it to the front pane with two strips of masking tape on the outside of the tank.

    • 10

      Run a continuous thin bead of silicone sealer along both top-edges of both width sides of the back pane of glass.

    • 11

      Place the back pane on top of the base pane and secure to both side panes with two pieces of masking tape on each side, on the outside of the tank.

    • 12

      Smooth out the silicone sealer with your finger, running it along all the joints of the sump.

    • 13

      Allow the silicone to cure for at least a day before you remove the tape. Do not move the sump at this point. The sump structure will keep itself squared during the silicone curing process, provided it is not moved.