baffles - can i use plexi?

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by bje, Jan 10, 2010.

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  1. bje

    bje Long-fin Bannerfish

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    can i make the baffles out of plexi glass? i dont know if aquarium sealant will hold it... worked fine on my glass on glass baffles in my other sump. i have a ton of plexi. i can cut it down myself and make my baffles if i can use it.
     
    bje, Jan 10, 2010
    bje, Jan 10, 2010
    #1

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  2. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    I used plexi with aquarium silicone for my sump...seems to be okay. Of course, I haven't put any water in it yet.
     
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2010
    kcbrad, Jan 10, 2010
    kcbrad, Jan 10, 2010
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  3. pgreef

    pgreef Fire Goby

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    You don't want to rely on it for a waterproof seal but it should be fine for baffles. I did it in mine. Don't cut the plexiglass too long. Leave some room for it to expand so it doesn't crack the sides of your tank. Put the sealent around both sides of the joint rather than between the end of the plexiglass and the glass.
     
    pgreef, Jan 10, 2010
    pgreef, Jan 10, 2010
    #3
  4. bje

    bje Long-fin Bannerfish

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    great, thanks. ill do that.
     
    bje, Jan 10, 2010
    bje, Jan 10, 2010
    #4
  5. Geoff

    Geoff Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    Plexi is probably used more than glass,silicone doesn't stick to good to plexi but if you put a good thick bead of silicone on both sides of the plexi(which can be challenging sometimes) it will work fine,thats all I've used and haven't had any problems.The silicone does stick to the plexi a little and the two good beads on both sides kinda wedges the plexi in place,just let it cure for a good amount of time before you try to use it.
     
    Geoff, Jan 11, 2010
    Geoff, Jan 11, 2010
    #5
  6. GuitarMan89

    GuitarMan89 Giant Squid

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    I've used acrylic baffles in my sump and it's held so far (knocking on wood).
     
    GuitarMan89, Jan 11, 2010
    GuitarMan89, Jan 11, 2010
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  7. mattheuw1

    mattheuw1 Montipora Capricornis

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    gotta go with 1/4" acrylic otherwise it will bow after time. Also, silicone doesn't really stick to plexi so you have to do both sides of the plexi with silicone so the plexi is wedged tight.
     
    mattheuw1, Jan 11, 2010
    mattheuw1, Jan 11, 2010
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  8. bje

    bje Long-fin Bannerfish

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    yup, using 3/8ths plexi. looks like ill go with plexi then and lots of lube!
     
    bje, Jan 11, 2010
    bje, Jan 11, 2010
    #8
  9. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    Yeah, I did majorly thick silicone on both sides of the baffles. It took awhile to dry, so just make sure you have something to support the baffles while they are drying.

    Seems nice and tight today!

    Also, silicone really stinks and it will burn your eyes and nose, so don't stick your face into the sump tank and take a breath. I made that mistake!! Ew.
     
    kcbrad, Jan 11, 2010
    kcbrad, Jan 11, 2010
    #9
  10. bje

    bje Long-fin Bannerfish

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    oh no! lol

    isnt it odd, we go for silicate free sand, and yet we put silicone in our tanks. guessing silicone sealant doesnt 'leak' into the water column?
     
    bje, Jan 11, 2010
    bje, Jan 11, 2010
    #10
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