How to seal off pump well

Nash · #1 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 02:04 PM

I just finished setting up a 55 and I have been careful not to leave any gaps or spaces into which small frogs might escape into the vacuous great stuff and become lost forever. However my glass lid isnt flush with the top of my pump well which runs up the back left corner. How might I seal this off so that frogs cannot venture into there. In my 20 high I used a synthetic cotton and just shoved it down into the hole but I was hoping for a little less rigged approach. Any tips would be great.

defaced · #2 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 03:36 PM

Can you get a pic of it? What material is the well made out of? I've got a few ideas but would rather have a better picture of the problem before I start shooting in the dark.

Nash · #3 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 03:42 PM

It is egg crate and great stuff with a GE SiliconeII covering and shredded coco husk. I'll send a picture of it when I get home tonight. I guess I didnt explain it that well on my previous post. I have the well coming up to the top of the tank. I wanted to make it flush with my glass top to prevent entry.

Nash · #4 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 11:06 PM

Ok Ill probably not get a picture up tonight but I think I figured it out anyways. Thanks for your input.

defaced · #5 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 02:09 AM

Post up your solution, I'm interested to hear what it is.

Nash · #6 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 02:18 AM

I think I am just going to just make a lip of silicone around the top and trim it back so that it is flush with the top. I had this idea before but I didnt have anymore silicone and I couldnt be bothered to drive back to the hardware store but I think I cant avoid it. Once I put the hood on it will be hidden and you cant see it from below.

defaced · #7 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 02:45 AM

I was going to propose something similar. My thought was to take a piece of plastic or packing tape, and tape it to the lid where you are doing your buildup. Silicone around your rim, set the lid on, and let the silicone cure. Once cured, the silicone will peel off the plastic/tape and you'll have a perfect fit.

fishmommy · #8 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 01:02 PM

yep, that's exactly what I did.
lay a really thick bead of silicone around the well wall
wrap your glass lid in Saran Wrap
lay the lid in place
let cure for a couple days
lift the lid and peel the saran wrap off. perfect fit, no mess. 8)

Nash · #9 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 02:03 PM

Thank you both very much. It is as good as done.

defaced · #10 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 04:58 PM

Cool. I didn't know saran wrap would work. That little gem of info will be getting some use in the future.