so i read in a thread somewhere that i could use a dremel to cut knoches in the baffle that seperates the the fuge and return chamber.
(Just like a refugium retainer (pictured below on the LEFT) but in the middle to keep critters away from the pump)
http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/k/model_k.jpg
image thanx to Melevsreef.com (http://melevsreef.com)
DIRECT LINK TO MODEL K (http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/k/sump_model_k.html)

so i went and bought the dremel from wal-mart and today i went to home depot it find the right bit to knoch the 1/4" sheet. the guy had no idea what i needed and didnt have anthing like that. he then told me to try the PVC side cutter bit for my drill and that dremel didnt have anything to cut acrylics!!! he recommened that i buy a $200 router but thats out of the question cause i would only use just once.

i will need to know what to use for this because i am going to make mt overflow the same way with the cuts.
if i cant find any advice i am going to just drill like 5- 1/2" holes and call it a day but ill know it wont be right and then ill be screwed when it comes time to make the overflow so please help!!!

They have them there. I can't remember what the actual bit is called, but it's typically used for tile cutting. Looks like a normal drill bit but designed to cut sideways.

I have used a spiral cutting bit in the past. You have to be careful of what you are doing or it can go bad quick, I'd recommend practicing on some scrap first, but with practice you can get good results

Dremel Spiral Cutting Bit (http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXYA57&P=FR)


The first link on google with the correct picture, I know absolutely nothing about that site.

I agree with Jason 100%. A spiral cutting bit WILL work. However, It's best to make some kind of jig to hold the dremel and bit, and allow you to move the acrylic, 1/8 of an inch at a time to make the cuts. YOU HAVE to hold the acrylic tight. Any twist will "torque" it and snap off any of the teeth.

This is the same principle as the mounted router, vertical or horizontal. If you can make a frame to hold the tool, and another to hold the acrylic and a clamp, it should work fine. If you aren't handy like that, personally, I'd just drill holes. My 75G had a sump/refugium with drilled cascade/overflow and it worked just fine.

Dave

ok so i had the typical Noob syndrome...
so what if it is already glued.... i wanted to be able to check the water levels before i drilled
can i still try to drill it vertical? its is kinda clamped tight!!
i could always attempt to cut it out.http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/x4mag2got0x/Forums/bashhead.gif

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/x4mag2got0x/Forums/update2.gif
i want to do it like the left side of the pic not the right!

So, let me try to understand.. the center piece, that you want to dremel, is already glued between the two sides of the sump..the walls? If so, you need to "freehand" with the bit. This is where it gets tough. Again, if it catches, just a bit, you'll break off the teeth you are trying to cut. You are better off using the bit to create a template in wood or something, and then use that to cut out the teeth...HOWEVER....

Personally, if it's fixed in place, I'd just drill holes in it. Make sure that they aren't too small, or they'll become clogged with algae etc.

Dave

I'd just drill holes in it. Make sure that they aren't too small, or they'll become clogged with algae etc.

Dave
i that might just be the easer way. do you have a sugestion about how big he round holl should be to not let anything but water get through?

I agree if the piece is already glued into place just drill it. If the area is tight you can get a right angle attachment for a drill or possibly the dremel to make drilling easier