[gapbrother]

im looking to add some baffles to my glass sump and convert it to a refugium. anyone know if its possible to glue acrylic to glass, and if so, what kind of glue to use? thanks.

[pecan2phat]

Most will tell you that you cannot successfully glue acrylic to glass due to the non-adhesion of silicone and acrylic.
That being said, I've siliconed acrylic baffles into my sump with no problems for the past 5 years.
You need to use at least a 1/4" acrylic piece, this will give the baffle some rigid form and use aquarium silicone.

[meschaefer]

Quote: Originally Posted by pecan2phat Most will tell you that you cannot successfully glue acrylic to glass due to the non-adhesion of silicone and acrylic. That being said, I've siliconed acrylic baffles into my sump with no problems for the past 5 years. You need to use at least a 1/4" acrylic piece, this will give the baffle some rigid form and use aquarium silicone.

You basically want to have the acrylic to be sandwiched between two beads of silicone, so that it stays in place. The silicone will not "stick" to the acrylic properly.

That being said, why not just get glass baffles?

[rgun2515]

I have also siliconed acrylic baffles into my sump with no problems. Just make them snug, not so much that it breaks the tank...

They will be fine.

DON'T USE GLASS. You might get a nasty cut when working in the sump.

[meschaefer]

Quote: Originally Posted by rgun2515 I have also siliconed acrylic baffles into my sump with no problems. Just make them snug, not so much that it breaks the tank... They will be fine. DON'T USE GLASS. You might get a nasty cut when working in the sump.

Not if the edge is filed down and beveled, which is easy enough to do. Unless you have the acrylic laying around collecting dust, there is no reason to use acrylic.

The one thing that no one has asked (myself included), is how big is the sump and baffle. Silicone will work to hold arylic into place on a small set up. On a larger sump it will eventually fail.

[rgun2515]

Quote: Originally Posted by meschaefer Not if the edge is filed down and beveled, which is easy enough to do. Unless you have the acrylic laying around collecting dust, there is no reason to use acrylic. The one thing that no one has asked (myself included), is how big is the sump and baffle. Silicone will work to hold arylic into place on a small set up. On a larger sump it will eventually fail.

GOOD QUESTION... The Size is important. Up to 15" X 15" should be fine. I have no experience with larger.

And on the glass, I don't want to instruct someone not experienced with cutting and sanding glass. Not worth the danger IMO. Easer to use acrylic or some other form of plastic.

[jhale]

I got my baffles cut at a glass shop in the city, they took the time to bevel and sand the edges for me. I'd skip the acrylic, it's not worth the headache if the bond ever fails.

[fritz]

I've used both. Just a few points worth mentioning and then draw your own conclusions:

1. Glass is cheaper.
2. Glass will hold better making a better baffle.

As John mentioned call your local glass shop and ask them to cut you a few pieces and "polish the edges". It's usually about $1 extra per baffle to remove those sharp edges.

Each baffle should cost you around $5 or $6