Custom glass sump baffles... expensive!

Vadafallon · 07/25/2016, 10:03 AM

I called my local glass company and it will be about 18 a piece for a 20 long sump. I would need four baffles 1/4 inch a piece from them. Does this sound right?

CafeReef · 07/25/2016, 10:19 AM

if it's for a 20 long, I would honestly just go with glass from Lowes of Home Depot, buy a glass cutter for $5 and do them yourself. You could probably do it all for $20-30. Cutting glass with one of these is super simple. straight edge, score, snap

https://www.amazon.com/Red-Devil-106...s=glass+cutter

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...ht=glass+lowes

mcgyvr · 07/25/2016, 10:33 AM

I don't think thats highway robbery but I'd bet you could find it for less..
call another glass shop and price it out..

akmzero · 07/25/2016, 11:45 AM

Are you just using it for baffles? Cause 1/4 sounds like overkill, 1/8 is what I've always used

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

mattruggiero · 07/25/2016, 12:05 PM

Glass can be expensive which is why I chose to go with acrylic baffles in my sump. Not sure where you live but I had all the baffles cut to size by Tap Plastics. I had three pieces cut which cost me about $22. They have an online calculator on their website so you can figure out how much it'll cost you. Food for thought.

akmzero · 07/25/2016, 12:10 PM

You have to be careful with acrylic baffles in a glass tank as acrylic expands in water so you want to make sure you leave 1/8 of play to account for that

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

Vadafallon · 07/25/2016, 12:40 PM

Its funny cause i called another place and they said 25. Looks like glass has gone up and i am thinking that 18 is not such a bad price anymore. I did look into the glass at lowes, but it just seems so thin and flimsy.

Vadafallon · 07/25/2016, 12:42 PM

Of course i could always buy a kit from modularmarine for about 60 bucks.

Vadafallon · 07/25/2016, 12:44 PM

Nevermind, with shipping it would be the same. I think i might just get someone to cut me some.

Wazzel · 07/25/2016, 12:44 PM

The glass to put the baffles in my 40 breeder is going to cost about $50 total. The first 4 pieces were $27 all together. The second batch is smaller pieces. Between the tank, glass and silicone the sump will end up costing me just over $100.

sleepydoc · 07/25/2016, 02:52 PM

1/4" is the thinnest I would go. Thinner glass gets easy to break if you bump it.

Check to see if the glass shop is polishing/rounding the edges or not. You don't want a sharp edge, but it doesn't need to be perfect, either

zeemofree · 07/25/2016, 03:44 PM

Check craigslist or the dump, old window pains can be had free .

Lsufan · 07/25/2016, 07:39 PM

I would also go with 1/4" thick glass for the baffles. If u are decent at diy projects glass really isn't hard to cut. It might take a couple cuts to get the hang of it but u can get the amount of glass to cut your baffles for about 1/4 of the price of getting them to cut it. U just have to cut it to size then take a sander to the edges to knock the sharpness off so it doesn't cut u.

Wazzel · 07/25/2016, 08:41 PM

I have always used 1/8" when converting a tank to a sump. Leave a little weep hole so the water can ballance during the initial fill. Once full the glass is not seeing any pressure, just directing the flow.

Pickledmoose · 07/25/2016, 09:31 PM

that sounds pretty high. I made a few sumps with 1/4 I get baffles for about $7, I made a fancy filter sock holder in my sump for two four in socks, that piece of glass cost me $40. In my first sump I used 1/8in with unfinished edged those baffles cost about 3 dollars each but I sliced my hands a few times and eventually cracked one.

Ou8me2 · 07/26/2016, 03:12 AM

I know this might sound crazy but I'm in the same situation myself. Petco has a 1.00 per gallon sale and I am thinking. Wouldn't it be cheaper to just buy a 20 long and use that glass for the baffles? Might be more than you need but I'm guessing it's not too thick that you couldn't cut it yourself. I think with tax my last 20 long was 22 and some change. Seems like a cheap alternative.

If I am wrong, please feel free to correct me.

zeemofree · 07/26/2016, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ou8me2

I know this might sound crazy but I'm in the same situation myself. Petco has a 1.00 per gallon sale and I am thinking. Wouldn't it be cheaper to just buy a 20 long and use that glass for the baffles? Might be more than you need but I'm guessing it's not too thick that you couldn't cut it yourself. I think with tax my last 20 long was 22 and some change. Seems like a cheap alternative. If I am wrong, please feel free to correct me.

Great idea I thought of it too, or a used aquarium from Craigslist

motocrf450176 · 07/26/2016, 01:24 PM

I paid $96 shipped for 4 pieces of 1/4" glass for a 40B sump I built, this included rounded edges. onedayglass.com
Was a simple transaction.

bhbell · 07/26/2016, 05:34 PM

I've done stained glass and cutting glass is really not very hard. A few simple suggestions for you. 1 mineral oil for lubing the cutter head. 2 start close to the edge. 3When you start, don't stop, go edge to edge. 4 only use enough pressure to score (scratch) the glass. 5 ease up slightly at the end of the score to avoid chipping the edge. 6. Use a straight edge (I use a small carpenter square). 7 keep the cutter straight up and down (at a 90 angle to the glass). To snap the score I put the carpenter square on the table, line up the score line over the square with the score right over the edge of the square. Then keeping your fingers off of the score, you start at one end place thumb on one side of the score and index finger on the other and press down gently. You will see the glass crack thru along the score line. Just move your fingers a little further along the score line and repeat until complete. Alternately you can just place a towel flat on the table, hangingto and over the edge. Line up the score on the towel covered table edge, pick up the overhanging glass about 3 in and set it back down a little forcefully, while hanging onto it. It'll break off at the score, so hang onto the piece hanging off the edge. You can use a knife sharpening stone to smooth the edges and round the sharp corners

Sent from my VK815 using Tapatalk

fishgate · 07/27/2016, 07:06 AM

That is about right. I have built 2 sumps (40b) and both were that amount. Don't use acrylic as baffles in a glass tank as they will eventually leak between compartments. 1/4" is the right size and I'd spring for a little extra and have all edges finished. In the grand scheme of things it is not a lot.

rovster · 07/27/2016, 09:25 AM

$10-20 for each piece is about average. Ask around your local club. Some places just charge more. Some charge extra for finishing the glass too, some include it in price. I think I paid like $12/piece with finished edges, but I got quoted up to 20 from other places.

FISHRIPROCK · 07/27/2016, 11:49 AM

Local glass cut 8 pcs of glass, 8 different sizes for $40. Labor and material.

1/4" glass, sanded edges .

Guess I got lucky.

FullBoreReefer · 07/27/2016, 12:06 PM

My 40b setup the way I wanted was about $75 total in glass. I had 5 "large" pieces and a few very small pieces.

Ruckus16 · 07/27/2016, 06:48 PM

I had 4, 1/4" baffles cut for $18 total. I called a lot of places though.

motocrf450176 · 07/29/2016, 12:42 PM

@ $18 a piece I think you're good. Any day I can spend less than $100 on my tank I call it a win!!!!

07/25/2016, 10:03 AM	#1
Vadafallon Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 974	Custom glass sump baffles... expensive! I called my local glass company and it will be about 18 a piece for a 20 long sump. I would need four baffles 1/4 inch a piece from them. Does this sound right?

07/25/2016, 10:19 AM	#2
CafeReef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Elkhorn, NE Posts: 1,405	if it's for a 20 long, I would honestly just go with glass from Lowes of Home Depot, buy a glass cutter for $5 and do them yourself. You could probably do it all for $20-30. Cutting glass with one of these is super simple. straight edge, score, snap https://www.amazon.com/Red-Devil-106...s=glass+cutter http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...ht=glass+lowes __________________ 50 Gallon cube

07/25/2016, 10:33 AM	#3
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	I don't think thats highway robbery but I'd bet you could find it for less.. call another glass shop and price it out.. __________________ Who me?

07/25/2016, 12:44 PM	#10
Wazzel Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Houma, LA Posts: 4,743	The glass to put the baffles in my 40 breeder is going to cost about $50 total. The first 4 pieces were $27 all together. The second batch is smaller pieces. Between the tank, glass and silicone the sump will end up costing me just over $100. __________________ Mark Beware the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes it's a train. Current Tank Info: 120, LED, Bare Bottom, SPS/LPS

07/25/2016, 02:52 PM	#11
sleepydoc Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 3,907	1/4" is the thinnest I would go. Thinner glass gets easy to break if you bump it. Check to see if the glass shop is polishing/rounding the edges or not. You don't want a sharp edge, but it doesn't need to be perfect, either __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 120 gallon, coast to coast overflow w/beananimal overflow. Waveline DC 10000 II return pump, 40 gal sump, Octopus XS200 skimmer, T5 lighting

07/25/2016, 11:45 AM	#4
akmzero Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 254	Are you just using it for baffles? Cause 1/4 sounds like overkill, 1/8 is what I've always used Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

07/25/2016, 12:05 PM	#5
mattruggiero Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: CA Posts: 78	Glass can be expensive which is why I chose to go with acrylic baffles in my sump. Not sure where you live but I had all the baffles cut to size by Tap Plastics. I had three pieces cut which cost me about $22. They have an online calculator on their website so you can figure out how much it'll cost you. Food for thought.

07/25/2016, 12:10 PM	#6
akmzero Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 254	You have to be careful with acrylic baffles in a glass tank as acrylic expands in water so you want to make sure you leave 1/8 of play to account for that Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

07/25/2016, 12:40 PM	#7
Vadafallon Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 974	Its funny cause i called another place and they said 25. Looks like glass has gone up and i am thinking that 18 is not such a bad price anymore. I did look into the glass at lowes, but it just seems so thin and flimsy.

07/25/2016, 12:42 PM	#8
Vadafallon Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 974	Of course i could always buy a kit from modularmarine for about 60 bucks.

07/25/2016, 03:44 PM	#12
zeemofree Moved On Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 177	Check craigslist or the dump, old window pains can be had free .

07/25/2016, 07:39 PM	#13
Lsufan Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Baton Rouge Posts: 1,410	I would also go with 1/4" thick glass for the baffles. If u are decent at diy projects glass really isn't hard to cut. It might take a couple cuts to get the hang of it but u can get the amount of glass to cut your baffles for about 1/4 of the price of getting them to cut it. U just have to cut it to size then take a sander to the edges to knock the sharpness off so it doesn't cut u.

07/25/2016, 08:41 PM	#14
Wazzel Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Houma, LA Posts: 4,743	I have always used 1/8" when converting a tank to a sump. Leave a little weep hole so the water can ballance during the initial fill. Once full the glass is not seeing any pressure, just directing the flow. __________________ Mark Beware the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes it's a train. Current Tank Info: 120, LED, Bare Bottom, SPS/LPS

07/25/2016, 09:31 PM	#15
Pickledmoose Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: NY Posts: 19	that sounds pretty high. I made a few sumps with 1/4 I get baffles for about $7, I made a fancy filter sock holder in my sump for two four in socks, that piece of glass cost me $40. In my first sump I used 1/8in with unfinished edged those baffles cost about 3 dollars each but I sliced my hands a few times and eventually cracked one.

07/26/2016, 03:12 AM	#16
Ou8me2 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 743	I know this might sound crazy but I'm in the same situation myself. Petco has a 1.00 per gallon sale and I am thinking. Wouldn't it be cheaper to just buy a 20 long and use that glass for the baffles? Might be more than you need but I'm guessing it's not too thick that you couldn't cut it yourself. I think with tax my last 20 long was 22 and some change. Seems like a cheap alternative. If I am wrong, please feel free to correct me.

07/26/2016, 01:24 PM	#18
motocrf450176 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Spring, Texas Posts: 32	I paid $96 shipped for 4 pieces of 1/4" glass for a 40B sump I built, this included rounded edges. onedayglass.com Was a simple transaction.

07/26/2016, 05:34 PM	#19
bhbell Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lake of the Ozarks, MO Posts: 344	I've done stained glass and cutting glass is really not very hard. A few simple suggestions for you. 1 mineral oil for lubing the cutter head. 2 start close to the edge. 3When you start, don't stop, go edge to edge. 4 only use enough pressure to score (scratch) the glass. 5 ease up slightly at the end of the score to avoid chipping the edge. 6. Use a straight edge (I use a small carpenter square). 7 keep the cutter straight up and down (at a 90 angle to the glass). To snap the score I put the carpenter square on the table, line up the score line over the square with the score right over the edge of the square. Then keeping your fingers off of the score, you start at one end place thumb on one side of the score and index finger on the other and press down gently. You will see the glass crack thru along the score line. Just move your fingers a little further along the score line and repeat until complete. Alternately you can just place a towel flat on the table, hangingto and over the edge. Line up the score on the towel covered table edge, pick up the overhanging glass about 3 in and set it back down a little forcefully, while hanging onto it. It'll break off at the score, so hang onto the piece hanging off the edge. You can use a knife sharpening stone to smooth the edges and round the sharp corners Sent from my VK815 using Tapatalk

07/27/2016, 07:06 AM	#20
fishgate Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Damascus, MD Posts: 3,340	That is about right. I have built 2 sumps (40b) and both were that amount. Don't use acrylic as baffles in a glass tank as they will eventually leak between compartments. 1/4" is the right size and I'd spring for a little extra and have all edges finished. In the grand scheme of things it is not a lot. __________________ 125RR in-wall, 40B Sump, CS180 BM Skimmer, ATI 4x80 watt, eheim 1262, custom wrap around rock wall, ReefKeeper Elite 120g in-wall, 40B Sump, PC 54wx4, Jabao DC-6000 (full siphon), future seahorse t Current Tank Info: 125g, 120g, 2x40b sumps, ATI 4x80 T5HO

07/27/2016, 09:25 AM	#21
rovster Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miramar, FL Posts: 7,518	$10-20 for each piece is about average. Ask around your local club. Some places just charge more. Some charge extra for finishing the glass too, some include it in price. I think I paid like $12/piece with finished edges, but I got quoted up to 20 from other places.

07/27/2016, 11:49 AM	#22
FISHRIPROCK Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 72	Local glass cut 8 pcs of glass, 8 different sizes for $40. Labor and material. 1/4" glass, sanded edges . Guess I got lucky.

07/27/2016, 12:06 PM	#23
FullBoreReefer Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Wooster, OH Posts: 1,862	My 40b setup the way I wanted was about $75 total in glass. I had 5 "large" pieces and a few very small pieces. __________________ 60x36x24 mixed reef. 40b sump. Regal 250int Varios. 4xHydra26HDs+t5s. 4xMp40wes. Apex2016.

07/27/2016, 06:48 PM	#24
Ruckus16 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 38	I had 4, 1/4" baffles cut for $18 total. I called a lot of places though.

07/29/2016, 12:42 PM	#25
motocrf450176 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Spring, Texas Posts: 32	@ $18 a piece I think you're good. Any day I can spend less than $100 on my tank I call it a win!!!!