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How much is it to get glass cut for baffles for a sump? (1 Viewer)

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Luman01

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My friend at school was asking me how he can add a sump for his 55gal eel tank, he wants to add some corals. Of course I’m more happy to help him, but sumps are pretty expensive, so I suggested a diy sump. So where would be a good place that’s pretty cheap to cut some glass out for baffles, I’m pretty sure he may want to use either a 20 gal high or long.

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Lucas
 

Matyas

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Go acrylic for baffles. Easier to work with and cut. Most often they will cut if for you at the plastics store. Plus its a little cheaper
 

Matyas

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Go to aero shield plastics they will take care of you. For a 20L tank it should cost no more than 30$
 

EvenFurther

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Acrylic needs expansion gaps too. Take that into account for the dimensions. Acrylic will swell when submerged in water. I've seen a post where someone broke the glass tank because there wasn't enough room for Acrylic expansion.

My preference is for 1/4" minimum glass baffles, if its a glass tank. Glass baffles will actually make a glass sump tank stronger.
 
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Luman01

Luman01

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thank you for the responsives, i forgot that on ebay they sell glass baffle kits pretty cheap, so im pretty sure my friend will go with that! but great info in case i decide to build my own sump.
 

tvu

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There’s a guy on R2R that goes by taylorpilot(?) The has prefab kit for diy sumps.


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Carrie17

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I got my glass from Binswanger. One piece didn't fit well and they recut it for free.

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Daktari55

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I built a 75 gallon sump with 4 chambers using 1/4 inch glass. Binswanger cut it for free. It was a slow day and the guy was intrigued with the concept. Have it cut an eight inch shy on the width and use clear aquarium silicone to keep the glass in place. It has worked like a charm for ten years. The cost was nominal especially compared to everything else you will wind up buying. Do it right the first time.
 

oguzman

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Cool question. I just went to benswangers off of McKinney street. They charged me 15 dollars per sheet of .25" glass and 2 extra to polish the edges (I didn't get a machine polish btw.
 

DaAznGuy

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If you are using a glass tank, glass partitions will hold up better. I've used acrylic with glass before, but the silicone doesn't adhere to the acrylic that well long term. If you go that route, make sure you use something better than standard silicone.
 

Cody

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If you are using a glass tank, glass partitions will hold up better. I've used acrylic with glass before, but the silicone doesn't adhere to the acrylic that well long term. If you go that route, make sure you use something better than standard silicone.
Holy crap. He's still alive.
 

jluspo

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I used ceramic tiles as baffles for my diy sump. Works great.

In fact, I use white ceramic tiles as the floor of my bare bottom tank.

Silicone doesn’t stick to acrylic.


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sneezebeetle

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I get all my glass cut at the same place that specializes in glass. They have every thickness I could want, are quick and efficient, and have alot of clients who go to them specifically for aquarium glass....AND they are a local small business with the nicest folks :) I actually just got some glass cut for a frag tank i'm building.

Personally, I would prefer them anyday over HD or Lowes because I know the cuts are precise and straight.

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