15 gallon tank being used as the sump, 24x12,12. The side panels of the tank are 11 7/8 inches, and that is 'glass-on-glass' fit. When I get my glass baffles cut (hopefully tonight), should I go with 11 7/8 inches wide, or back it off a 16th of an inch and get them cut at 11 13/16 inches? I'm concerned that if I get them cut as an exact match (11 7/8) then when I try and put them in I won't be able to. With the lip of the tank, I can't just slide the glass down, I need to angle it it sideways to get it in the body of the tank, and then slide it into position, but it it's an exact match, will I be able to do that without breaking it?
How 'tight' should I get glass baffles cut to fit diy sump?
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mp3z24
Aquarium Advice Freak
the other problem you will run into is that the silicone sealant at the seams will interfere with a pane of glass that is cut to the exact interior dimension of the tank.
that said... i would probably get the glass cut exact and also remove some of the silicone from the affected areas. then when the baffles are to be installed, i would apply the silicone to the baffle and the tank corner at the same time. as long as the baffle is not cut too large, you shouldnt have a problem with fitting it between the front and back panes of the tank.
but this is all speculation, as i have never built a sump.
~mike
that said... i would probably get the glass cut exact and also remove some of the silicone from the affected areas. then when the baffles are to be installed, i would apply the silicone to the baffle and the tank corner at the same time. as long as the baffle is not cut too large, you shouldnt have a problem with fitting it between the front and back panes of the tank.
but this is all speculation, as i have never built a sump.
~mike
andywg
Aquarium Advice Regular
I would get it cut up to a quarter of an inche smaller than the gap. Silicone can esaily handle a gap that size.
Thanks for the replies. I had the baffles cut at 11 3/4 inches, so that left 1/16 of an inch on each side for 'play'. Was easy to get in place, but next time I might cut it a bit closer. Here's a pic:
Haven't put any water in it yet, but not bad for my first try, if I do say so myself!
Haven't put any water in it yet, but not bad for my first try, if I do say so myself!
