built a glass aquarium/sump, it seems....

[aaronc]

Hi,

I just built a new sump for my 180 bow front. The sump measures 14" high x 20" wide x 64" long, about 77 gallons. Two of the vertical seems are quite solid, no flex. The other two vertical seems feel a bit flexible. I've sealed the inside seems already, etc. I don't think it'll leak but am concerned about flexing/bursting at those two seems. I may put a 2" x 20" piece across the top at each end of the tank just to be safe. Am I being paranoid? Or should I be concerned about the flexing?

Thanks,

Aaron

[Michael L.]

What glass thickness did you use? Some flex is normal, but too much and your glass will crack. You may want to use a centerbrace in rather that braces that are on the ends.

[mfinn]

Extra bracing on sumps is always good. Better be safe than sorry.

[coralnut99]

Is this acrylic or glass?

At only 14" high, there shouldn't be a heck of a lot of bowing, unless it's bare edged.

A pic would help.

[aaronc]

It's not bowing that I'm concerned with but flexing in the seems, bonding, etc..

Thanks,

Aaron

[aaronc]

I filled the sump with water today. All is well. :-) Still going to add some glass across the top at each end, just to be safe.

Aaron

[coralnut99]

Originally posted by aaronc
I filled the sump with water today. All is well. :-) Still going to add some glass across the top at each end, just to be safe.

Aaron

That's the bracing we've referred to. Unless you use glass that's much thicker than the application calls for, it's always safe to put bracing around the top. Search eurobracing and you'll get plenty of ideas.