DIY Sump

[sdmarvelous]

Hello. I'm planning on making a diy sump, and was wondering if anybody had any recommendations on where to purchase the glass for the baffles. I'll be using a standard 20 gallon long. I need the glass cut to specific measurements, approximately 8.5 x 11.5 and would need about 4 of them.

I got a quote from bob's glass and screen company and they quoted $15.00 for each of them. (1/2 thickness) 1/8 would be $10 each, but both of these seem rather expensive.

Any input or recommendations are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[SD Actuary]

For a 20 gallon you wont need very thick glass at all, I would guess you could easily get away with 1/8" thick.

I have bought from San Marcos Glass and RB Glass & Mirror and both places are similar in prices.

Having polished edges adds to the cost as well.

[reefer_n00b]

PM reefhobby for a quote.

[sdsocal]

1/8th is pretty thin when skimmer, heaters, sand, rock, pumps etc..... are manuvered around.

But I always get crazy visions of nasty cuts from glass ever since I put my hands through a couple of windows over the years. Finally got the feeling back in my pinky after 10 years. I guess nerves grow slow....... lol

[son619]

check out Ridout...they always have pre cut sheet for cheap....:)

[phillyblunt]

Second on ridout, they have cheap stuff out front

[sdmarvelous]

Thanks guys for the suggestions! I pm-ed reefhobby for a quote. I've also been meaning to go to ridout, but seem to always put this off. Maybe it's time to pay them a visit. Thanks again guys.

[jasonmrcdd]

if you wanted to go with glass baffels, you could probably get away with 1/4 inch (sort of a happy medium between 1/8 which may be too thin and 1/2 which is probably overkill.

I have used a place in el cajon (sorry I don't remember the exact name, but they are on main, about a block east and accross the street from yogurt mill) that had pretty good rates. I got a shelf for a china hutch that was probably 36x12x.25 and I think it was only about $22. You may give them a try...

Also, a quick word of advice...Spend five minutes googling and watching videos on you-tube before you do the silcone... they will show you how to use masking tape on the edges of your seams that will make it look super professional. I did some baffels that looked like a blind monkey did them. Then I researched it breifly before I re-sealed my display tank and it was well worth it. The display looks professionally done; you can't really tell the seams are not the original. Also, a caulking gun and large tube of silicone will go a long way over the $6 tubes you buy at the LFS...

Good Luck!

[unbereefable]

If your still looking, abc glass in clairemont has the best price I could find. I got 3, 1/4" baffles cut with polished edges for a 29gal for around $15. I can remember exact price. But it wasnt much more, if it's more than $15.

[jason142]

I've made both of my sumps, a 40g and a 60g, with acrylic baffles and they worked perfect. Just another option besides glass.

[sdmarvelous]

Just an update. ABC glass by far has the lowest prices and fastest processing time. I paid 20 for 4 panels 1/4" thick.

Does anybody have any reccomendations on aquarium sealant? The only thing I found was DAP*Aquarium Sealant.

Thanks!

[xL30NxCREATORX]

GE 100% silicon at home depot you can get clear, black, others too make sure its pure silicon works great.

[sushibug]

just use GE silicone.. i dont remember if its GE I or GE II. It can't have any chemicals in it to prevent mold...

[jasonmrcdd]

GE 100% silicon at home depot you can get clear, black, others too make sure its pure silicon works great.

+1 and they sell it in a full size caulking tube so you can use a caulking gun for a much easier and smoother install.

Just make sure you get 100% silicone. If it does not say 100% silicone there is a good chance that it has some pretty toxic moldacide in it.

Also, use masking tape to assist you with professional quality seams.

[sdmarvelous]

Should I not care that the GE 100% silicon indicates this:

"Not for use below the waterline where FDA compliance is necessary or aquariums"

[jasonmrcdd]

Should I not care that the GE 100% silicon indicates this:

"Not for use below the waterline where FDA compliance is necessary or aquariums"

hmmm... I did not notice that when I bought mine... I am sure that is mostly to cover the "assets" of GE...

Anyone else have thoughts on this disclaimer?

I know that tons of people have used this stuff with success...

[sdmarvelous]

i was also able to confirm GE I and GE II both have this disclaimer. You can google that disclaimer.

The only option I had between 2 Home Depot locations and the Lowe's by my house was Loctite clear silicone. It was the only thing that was labeled aquarium safe.

Thanks for everybody's help!

[reefhobby]

I can cut 1/4" glass if you can wait a few days. You need to confirm your own sizes though. I have dow corning 795 sealants if you need them. This is the product I have used at Sea World on a few jobs. I know it works.
Ray

[wizzbane]

with measuring the tank for my sump I measured and got 14 1/2 and was curious would going down 1/8 be better then the cut pieces being to wide?

[H4Rk3R]

so what was the decision on the GE I and GE II silicone?

you went with the Loctite?

[Abekillz]

Hey can any one post plans from the sump with with pics or just pm them. I abt to install baffles in my 30 gal sump with three chambers. Sump fuge and return pump.

[Abekillz]

Hey can any one post plans from the sump with with pics or just pm them. I'm abt to install baffles in my 30 gal sump with three chambers. Sump fuge and return pump.

[ford4life]

I'm interested in seeing these plans/pics

[reefer38]

GE silicone II is the good stuff.