sump question

[seased]

I am getting ready to build a sump out of a AGA 30 gal tank. I was planning to use acrylic as the baffles. After reading some post on DIY sumps, someone mentioned that silicone will not adhere to the acrylic and that they would recommend glass. The main reason I wanted to use the acrylic is that I already have a 2x4' sheet sitting in the garage. What would the group recommend - glass or acrylic? Thanks!

 

[Alarmguy66]

Glass is undoubtedly better. Acrylic is easier to work with and in my experience, works just fine. Dont cut it so it fits too tight, make sure its clean when you silicone it.

This is an area you can stress over but dont, its too small a deal.

 

[Kennetht]

I used acrylic in my glass sump, and now after 2 years, the silicone is coming loose and I'm going to have to redo it.

 

[besl]

I secured acrylic baffles in my sump with silicone and after 1 year it is fine.

 

[fishdoc11]

I used acrylic for the baffles in the 30 gallon sump for my 90 and it did great for a couple of years. I sold it in July and to my knowledge it's still holding up well.
FWIW, Chris

 

[hesstondc]

I use acrylic, but I use marine goop to install the baffels....Works like a champ

 

[seased]

thanks for all of the input. For the silicone, I remember that I can get the same stuff that the LFS store carries but alot cheaper at HD/Lowes. Is it just the plain GE silicone II that they carry? Where do you get the marine goop?

 

[mamagoose45]

You may want to pm DMBillies (Mid TN) - we just built a sump and he may have some suggestions/ideas... just a thought.