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  #1  
Old 08/12/2004, 11:27 AM
Petro Petro is offline
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Location: Montreal, Qc
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Building a glass sump

i just posted the same thing in new to the hobby, but I didnt notice this forum existed....


i need ot build a glass sump that is 16 L x 13 D x 15 H


i was wondering if there is a certain thickness and type of glass i should use?

is there something special i have to do to the joints?

and is there anything else i should know?


thanks alot
  #2  
Old 08/15/2004, 09:45 AM
gregt gregt is offline
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Why not acrylic?
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  #3  
Old 08/15/2004, 01:28 PM
daytona955 daytona955 is offline
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I would agree, acrylic would be easier and probably stronger. But if you insist on glass use a minimum of 1/4 inch thick. You will need some form of "band" for lack of a better word at the top and bottom to help hold the seals just like in a manufactured glass aquarium.
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  #4  
Old 08/15/2004, 03:47 PM
BeanAnimal BeanAnimal is offline
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I can give you reasons why to use glass...

Acrylic costs a LOT more
Acrylic seems have to be perfect
Acrylic pieces have to be cut EXACT
Acrylic takes longer to cure
Acrylic scratches over time
Acylic can craze if not glued right...
Any local glass shop can cut your pieces for you

And a few more things I have not thought of.

Regarding the "band" around the top... very simple to construct from 1 by dimensional lumber or 3/8 black pipe...etc. You could get real fancy with aluminum j channel or angle.

Bean
  #5  
Old 08/15/2004, 03:51 PM
gregt gregt is offline
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Hmmm.

Acrylic in these sizes is probably about the same or cheaper.
Acrylic cement takes far less time to cure than silicon
It's a sump so who cares if it gets scratched.
You can cut acrylic yourself very easily - you don't need a glass shop to do it.
You can drill acrylic for bulkheads very easily.

JMHO
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  #6  
Old 08/15/2004, 11:34 PM
daytona955 daytona955 is offline
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Have to agree with greg in all of the above and add that it does not shatter from rock, is stronger, looks better, no ugly seams, easy to work with, can be sanded on edges, can be cut by the shop you buy at with little to no extra price, and while it does scratch, the scratches can be buffed out easily unlike glass.
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  #7  
Old 08/15/2004, 11:48 PM
BeanAnimal BeanAnimal is offline
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Good points and well taken. Esp the drilling.

I guess I don't care what the seams look like (other do though) and of course my acrylic seams most likely will look worse than glass seams.

I guess I have always found glass to be much cheaper... local hardware stores and glass shops may vary depending on area though.

I was under the impression that acrylic cement should be left for a week or so to fully cure so that it does not absorb water? I was also under the impression that hte seams had to be perfect or there would be leaks or failure.

I have not worked with acrylic in 15 years though...so my opinions were just that...

I would love to try and 45g acrylic sump... but am afraid to spend the cash for the plastic and have an expensive leaky box! With the glass I know it will work.

Regards,
Bean
  #8  
Old 08/16/2004, 01:10 AM
Soujirou Soujirou is offline
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I'm planning on making my very first sump/fuge and due to college among other obligations, I'm trying to make it as cost effective as possible. It will be constructed out of a standard 10 gallon glass tank. I'm guessing I could simply go to a glass store and have them cut the size baffles I'm looking for, but I'm wondering what I could use to adhere the baffles to the glass tank?
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  #9  
Old 08/16/2004, 11:18 AM
BeanAnimal BeanAnimal is offline
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if you have a glass tank..get glass baffles cut. YOu can get cheap thin glass. Adhere them with aquarium safe silicone.

Bean
  #10  
Old 08/16/2004, 04:01 PM
Soujirou Soujirou is offline
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Thanks, I'll simply ask what type of silicone they'd recommend when they cut the glass for me.
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  #11  
Old 08/16/2004, 06:02 PM
BeanAnimal BeanAnimal is offline
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there have been a few threads here on that subject...

you want GE silicone that has no fungicide or moldicides in it.

LOwes and home depot even carry "aqarium silicone" as do most LFSs.
  #12  
Old 08/16/2004, 07:11 PM
Radcast2 Radcast2 is offline
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Dont mean to steal the thread but I just put this thread up and if I could get some opinions I would greatly appreciate it.
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...hreadid=420965
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