Sump Build

[AmaleeC]

Hello everyone! Im building an Aqueon 20g long Sump and got my baffles cut 11 1/2” long, leaving the gap between the glass and the baffle to be a little too big. Is the gap too big to use the panels? Or should I silicone it like crazy?

 

[JoshO]

How big is the gap?

 

[AmaleeC]

How big is the gap?

Well the tank measures 12” and the baffle is 11 1/2” so about 1/4” on each side

 

[JoshO]

That's quite a significant gap In my honest opinion. I think if you siliconed in stages you'd be able to build up enough to hold it, but i think it could be risky, one accidental bump and you end up losing your filtration temporarily!

 

[NS Mike D]

I wouldn't take the chance, cut baffles. You can have a glazer do it for you for a couple of bucks if you aren't comfortable with cutting that precise. heck, bring the tank to teh galzer and he/she might silicon it for you (I made a mess trying to get the silicon on baffle joints.

 

[AmaleeC]

Hmmm. Could I use foam spray as an alternative? Or would that not be a good idea?

I don’t like the idea of risking it with silicone, I may just have new ones cut.

 

[AmaleeC]

Hmmm. Could I use foam spray as an alternative? Or would that not be a good idea?

I don’t like the idea of risking it with silicone, I may just have new ones cut.

If not, and I go with new baffles, how much should I get them cut? According to the Aqueon Measurements, the tank measures 30.25" x 12.5" x 12.75"

 

[JoshO]

If not, and I go with new baffles, how much should I get them cut? According to the Aqueon Measurements, the tank measures 30.25" x 12.5" x 12.75"

Is this taking into account glass thickness or are these the internal dimensions?

 

[AmaleeC]

Is this taking into account glass thickness or are these the internal dimensions?

Internally the tank is 12” wide :)
Should I get this next one cut to 11 3/4 L?

 

[JoshO]

11 9/10 lol. As close as possible if you can!

 

[RocketEngineer]

Did you actually measure the inside dimension? I ask because most tanks in that size have plastic trim that adds 1/2” to the dimensions. That would give you 12” wide on the outside, meaning the baffles are about right. Have you test fitted them?

 

[AmaleeC]

11 9/10 lol. As close as possible if you can!

Lol okay. Thank you!

 

[AmaleeC]

Did you actually measure the inside dimension? I ask because most tanks in that size have plastic trim that adds 1/2” to the dimensions. That would give you 12” wide on the outside, meaning the baffles are about right. Have you test fitted them?

Yes! :) I measured the inside with a tape measure and even tried siliconing the baffles and made a huge mess lol

 

[RocketEngineer]

Grrr. Feel your pain. Sorry it didn’t work out. My first sump was a mess too so don’t feel bad.

 

[AmaleeC]

Grrr. Feel your pain. Sorry it didn’t work out. My first sump was a mess too so don’t feel bad.

Thanks for the reassurance! Truthfully, it’s all a learning process. Gotta take the good with the bad :)

 

[Slim64684]

On my 20 long sump build I cut my baffles at 11 21/32 gave me 5/32 clearance in an aqueon tank. Total inside width is 11 13/16 measured with an 8" metal scale and 6" metal scale

 

[AmaleeC]

I just wanted to update you all and let you know it turns out I’m really bad with a tape measure ;Hilarious
I used the original panels and the sump turned out okay actually. I’ve never worked with any kind of tool or anything before this tank build and it turns out silicone is pretty messy haha!

 

[Slim64684]

I just wanted to update you all and let you know it turns out I’m really bad with a tape measure ;Hilarious
I used the original panels and the sump turned out okay actually. I’ve never worked with any kind of tool or anything before this tank build and it turns out silicone is pretty messy haha!

Silicone can be ridiculously messy, but glad it all worked out for you.

 

[AmaleeC]

Thanks!! Now I just need to figure out how to go about my overflow. I’m a little confused on the Eshopps overflow.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

9/10? 21/32? What kind of tape measure are you guys using???