So if you have been folowing my sparatic posts here you know I have been in the process of putting in a DSB in my tank, which BTW has been going well thanks to all of your help. Now I have come to a problem.... tonight my Skilter started leaking like a civ, which left me without any filtration, and it happened after all my LFS were closed. So I put in an extra power head to keep water flow up. Anyway, I would like to ask a few questions on what was supposed to be my next project down the line but was moved up timeframe wise. I need some good DIYsump or sump/fuge plans. Now keep in mind that this is one thing that I have no idea on how to do, I never used them in my fresh water tanks. I have a 55 gal display and I also have a 12 gal tank that I was going to use for a fuge. Tomorrow I am also going to pick up a new skimmer. So if anyone could piece anything together out of this combo, or just point me in the right direction that would be really cool. I need details though because I am not versed on this subject at all. I also wanted to repair and use my hang on Skilter for something also if possible. So if anyone has any ideas please hit me up. Thanks all again
Yes, Episode 54 has some good information about refugia. Check that out. You could easily use the 12 gallon as a refugium.
I would also recommend the use of a sump. The bigger the better. Whatever you can fit under the stand. In my case, I'm actually drilling through the floor and using a rather large sump and refugium in the basement, but not all folks have that option. You can use a standard tank that will fit the space. You could use a rubbermaid container too. Finally, if you are handy, you can purchase acrylic and build your own sump. Depending on the option you choose, I could write a book. Report back when you read up some more and decide which route you are going to take.
If you get the Skilter going again, sell it Personally, I've used them and they are a) very poor skimmers and b) very noisey! Otherwise, just use it as a hang on filter, minus the skimmer, and fill it with live rock rubble for a "mini fuge" of sorts. IMHO, set up a real fuge and use the Skilter as a paperweigt (not the opinions of the landlord..but the posting party )
i agree with Dave on the skilter...had one once, good idea, sketchy execution.
i'm a HUGE fan of refugia as well as sumps...then again, we try to keep as much of the "technology" out of our tanx (and out of sight) as possible. as you suspect, just about any tank, bucket or bin can be used. about the most important aspect IMHO would be a good bubble trap before the pump bay.
about the most important aspect IMHO would be a good bubble trap before the pump bay.
Absolutely...even more so in a smallish system with smallish sump. The water just tears through the system and if there aren't any proper baffles or traps of sorts, will cause a micro-bubble snow storm in the display.
Here is the product you use to "glue" the acrylic. Though, in acutality, the acrylic is actually "welded" or melted together with this product called (appropriately) "Weld-On". You use the lighter, watery #4 with a capillary needle type dispenser to get into the tight spaces between the acrylic.
You need to use blocks, corner braces, and other tools to piece it together:
Complete three sides of the box (and bottom) and then baffles, before you close up the final side of the sump. This allows you to get in and make a better bond on the baffles.
Oh..yeah... *pointing up* and you need a friend who is your "Acrylic Guru". This is my buddy Gustavo (Neo on the board) helping me out. He's like...my best friend in the world... and happens to be a reefer too!
Personally, I've used them and they are a) very poor 
