Where to buy glass for sump baffles in RI area?

[reverendmaynard]

Hey folks,

I'm looking to build a sump out of a 55g tank and want to use glass for the baffles. Does anyone have any suggestions for where to get the glass in or close to RI?

I'd like to use 1/4" glass and also would like to feel that there's at least a chance they will be cut to the correct size, so the big boxes are probably out.

TIA

 

[APISTOBORELLI]

Home Depot is where I got mine. Any auto glass place can cut glass for you as well.

 

[NateHanson]

Look up "glass" in the yellow pages. I guarantee there are a few glass shops in every decent sized town.

I don't think Home depot and lowes have any glass thicker than window glazing (which is less than 1/8"). You need a shop that does residential glass service to get 1/4" glass cut.

 

[APISTOBORELLI]

You're right Nate. I got 1/8" for mine. For a 55 toy'd need 1/4".

 

[reverendmaynard]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I have a list of half a dozen places I will call for estimates, I was just hoping that someone who's already been through it and made a purchase could give a specific recommendation.

 

[SteveDola]

coventry glass and warwick glass on jefferson blvd will cut glass to order. there are others too. usually pretty inexpensive and much easier than trying to DIY.

 

[Jennifer]

What would be the problem with 1/8 "Glass" for baffles in a 55 gallon?

I find it hard to believe that there is enough water pressure to break that 1/8 glass. Even with a water height difference of 12 inches between chambers. Plus anything over 3 inches of height difference between chambers will give you extra bubbles that may make it to the return pump and to the display.

 

[reverendmaynard]

I'm not sure if there'd be a problem or not. I just feel more comfortable with the thicker glass. I'd rather do it once than have to scramble to get it back up and running if a baffle were to break.

 

[Reefried]

I have used 1/8 glass from a local glass shop to make at least 4 sumps one being a 55 and a 40 breeder 39 long and a 20 high, all are fine and still running today, there is little to no pressure on the baffles, in a typical sump (slow flow)

 

[delta]

What would be the problem with 1/8 "Glass" for baffles in a 55 gallon?

I find it hard to believe that there is enough water pressure to break that 1/8 glass. Even with a water height difference of 12 inches between chambers. Plus anything over 3 inches of height difference between chambers will give you extra bubbles that may make it to the return pump and to the display.

I would say the down side with 1/8" glass it would be user error. Especially if you plan on keeping LR in your sump. Also it would be tough if your hand slipped while moving or cleaning, you want something that will not break easily. I would rather spend a little more before hand rather than go through the hassle of doing a baffle replacement when it is filled and in the stand.

My .02cents

 

[bigdog]

i just did a 55 gallon sump and used lowes glass will not do that again just because i tapped 1 of the baffles and crack it look like a flood gate opening up. u can do what u want but do say i didnt tell u

 

[GaryDN]

House of Glass in warwick, I know them very well. Very nice and helpful

 

[dedfish]

I make my baffles using 1/8" acrylic from HD sandwiched between two pieces of egg crate. They are plenty sturdy and provide a great deal of surface area for bacteria to grow on.

 

[reverendmaynard]

Interesting, dedfish. How do you affix them in place? Silicone?

 

[dedfish]

Yup. I'm actually in the process of upgrading my sump. I subscribe to the low flow through the sump theory though so I do not require a bunch of baffles to eliminate bubbles, just baffles to separate sections. I also angle the last baffle the the water flows over so instead of the water flowing over an edge and creating more noise it flows over and down the incline of the last baffle. Later tonight I will be finishing the silicone job on the last baffle. I will take some pictures.

 

[Reefried]

I would say the down side with 1/8" glass it would be user error. Especially if you plan on keeping LR in your sump. Also it would be tough if your hand slipped while moving or cleaning, you want something that will not break easily. I would rather spend a little more before hand rather than go through the hassle of doing a baffle replacement when it is filled and in the stand.

My .02cents

good point Greg, esp with live rock in a sump....but I still use 1/8