Refugium baffle woes

[kclauser]

I am attempting a 10g DIY refugium/sump. I got the 10g aquarium from Petsmart today and picked up some 8x10 glass panes on the way home. The panes dont go in straight, the best I can get without forcing them and risking some breakage is like pictured below:

I got the 8x10 because I figured they would fit with the least ammount of modification but it looks like I may have to pick up the 10x12 since they have enough to work with so that I can just cut it to make it fit. Before I go through the trouble of taking them back, and then having to cut all the baffles, is there anyway I can make do with what I have? Ill even throw em in crooked like that as long as the fuge would still work, it doesnt have to be pretty, its going inside my stand.

 

[szwab]

they will work crooked. May be frustrating late on down the road as you addd stuff to your fuge. From looking at the thickness you should be able to cut them with a simple glass cutter. If you are into DIY. Wear gloves though as the glass will obviously be sharp after cutting it.

 

[kclauser]

Well I have the tools to cut it, I just didnt think I would have enough room to work with, that would be like trying to cut less than 1/4 off without chipping the glass.. I just wasnt sure it could be done.

 

[amike5]

Can't hurt to try to cut it. At worst, you break it and have to but another.

 

[jer77]

If that doesn't work you can use plexiglass from your local hardware store or HD. They can cut it to size so you don't have to if you want. Plus the bottom corners can be sanded or cut down so it fits perfectly into place. Its just much easier to work with IMO. And even though silicon should be used on glass, it works on plexiglass too even if theres some pressure behind it.

 

[Toddrtrex]

I would either go with plexi or cut the glass, there won't be much room in a 10 gal if the baffles aren't straight. I just built a sump for my 29 with a 10 gal, and trust me, room is at a premium.

Here is a picture of it to give you an idea. I don't have a fuge in it, however.

 

[szwab]

good thinking after cutting it go over the edged with some sand paper to take the edge off the glass. That way you won't cut yourself later on when working in the fuge

 

[hndakd]

a simple cutter should work on that. i have cut stuff that is almost a 1/2 inch thich. you should also get a good pair of wide pliers so that you can work the "snap". remember when you are cutting glass that it is very sharp!!! also, you dont cut the glass all the way through, you are seeting a line in it so you can break it. My dad does a lot of stain glass as a hobby so cutting my baffles wasnt a problem.

 

[Steverino]

Home Depot and Lowes sell those cutters, the handles with the rolling sharp wheel, I think about $6. Run it along the glass with a straight edge and snap off the 1/4" or so that you need, You can use the black wet-dry sandpaper or else a Dremel with one of the drum shaped sanding bits to soften the cut edges, and especially don't forget to do the top exposed one that you might touch later. The silicone will fill in the uneven edges on the side you cut anyway. It is easier to do than you think, wear safety glasses when snapping glass.

 

[1F2FRFBF]

I've worked with stained glass for many years, and the one thing I can tell you is that window glass is one of the easiest to cut, so you've got that going for you right there. When you cut, use steady even pressure - just enough to score a line, you don't have to press too hard. Then flip the glass over and use the ball on the end of the cutter to tap lightly along the score line; this should make it a little easier to snap off with the wide pliers that hndakd suggested. Then, as Steverino said, rough edges can be sanded down with wet-dry sandpaper (emphasis on the "wet" part of the deal - you don't want glass dust flying around if you can help it). That's exactly how I used to do it before I got the glass grinder.

If you don't feel comfortable doing this, there's always the option of looking through the phone book and calling a few glass and mirror places in your area. Find out if they can cut a custom size for you - most of the time they will.