How much space between plexiglass and glass for baffles?

[dlwn88]

Hey everyone,

Currently building my own sump. I read somewhere to cut the plexiglass an 8th of a inch less width wise to give you wiggle room to silicone the baffles. Well I did this and applied a little pressure to get it sit perfectly straight and the 20g tank shattered. Any ideas on how to do this properly?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[cmor1701d]

If you had to apply pressure to get it to sit straight then it was not 1/8" less than the inside width.

 

[BillD]

Sounds like it was an eighth larger.

 

[dlwn88]

Yeah. I found a very small piece sticking out a little bit. After several failed attempts of cutting the plexiglass 100% perfectly, I found a place that would do it. They cut it perfectly, I just had to sand the sides down just a tiny bit to get a better fit. Waiting for it to dry now, may have used a bit too much silicone but I'd imagine its better then not using enough.

 

[BillD]

Plexiglas can be scored and snapped much like glass.

 

[barterking85]

yupp with a strait edge and a sharp utility knife you can do alot of neat things with plexi glass too with a blow torch and claps you can bend it to make your own bow front too Ive bent it to make two end tables for our bedroom

 

[Pizentios]

A heat gun IMHO is much better for getting curves from acrylic

 

[kurtyboh]

you have to be careful how fast you heat it up though or bubbles will form.