[boardryder]

I just bought at 20 gallon tank to redo/upgrade the 10 gallon single baffle I made some time ago. I was going to purchase a kit from http://stores.ebay.com/usa-refugium but they don't have exactly what I was looking to build. I have a few questions as I want to make a solid sump this time.

What is the best acrylic to use and thickness? Does the hydroscopic property of acrylic only matter outside of water? I seem to have no problems with the baffel in my sump, but the pieces on top of my tank warp like crazy.

Any opinions on any of these designs? I'm going to have my inflow from the tank, an aqua c remora hang on, two little fishies, 200W heater, refugium, and mag5 outflow through a jbj chiller.

http://www.toddah.com/Pix/Reef/sump2crop.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/111/3...b4f833.jpg?v=0
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader...ftSumpView.jpg
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/SystemPIX...ix/Sump123.jpg
http://www.aquaria.info/modules/PNph...s/sump_174.jpg

[bad coffee]

I use 3/16" cast for all my small work. In a glass tank, you should use glass baffles, but glass is not as easy to work with.

Use lots of silicone and your baffles should hold for a long while. (because silicone doesn't really bond to acrylic, the bond will most likely fail over time)

B

[boardryder]

What is the price point for acrylic vs. glass baffles and where would I go about getting the glass? Also wouldn't acrylic baffles be okay if they were sandwiched with silicone on both sides?

[bad coffee]

Depending on where you get your glass, it could be cheaper. take measurements and check your local glass shop. Make sure they sand the edges that will be exposed, so you don't cut yourself.

If you sandwich the acrylic on both sides, it will hold. But eventually it will fail. It might be a month, it might be 2 years. You never know. Since it's a sump I say go for it.

B

[CHEMCHEF]

at home depot they sell lucite shets that vary in size (common lenths and widths) very easy to work with.
i just built a 20 long sump/ refugium

[georgelc86]

I bought my glass peices at homes depot and it was cheaper than the acrylic they sell there. cut my own peices didnt get the eges sanded so i have to be careful.

[boardryder]

So from what I am reading glass is the way to go. Anyone else?

Also, anyone have any input on the designs? The links all basically show the same idea I'm looking for just different ways of going about it so I'm trying to figure the best way

[masterswimmer]

No question in my mind. Glass is the ONLY way I've done it......and I've built many sumps for many people.

Will acrylic hold? Like Brett says (in a nutshell), maybe. I despise doing things twice. Do it right the first time and never visit it again......that's my philosophy.

swimmer

[nanchil]

I went with glass. Took the measurement and went to a local glass store. They did a good job. They sanded all the sides. Cost effective too.

[boardryder]

Okay so I found a local glass shop and the rates seem pretty good.

Do I need 1/4" for the baffles or can I use thinner, and about what size should the width be for a 12" wide tank? I was thinking 11.75 should be fine for fit inside and taking into consideration the silicone on the bottom holding the tank together.