DIY Sump

SpateD · #1 03-20-2011, 11:53 PM

Sees no one has a sump that will fit in my tank, or is willing to respond to PM's after they say they have one.. I'm planning on building my own. All of the local stores can only cut 6mm glass. I'm looking to build the sump 36" x 20" x 20".

My question is.. Will 6mm glass be able to hold up to this? I plan on putting in 2 sets of baffles in it for 3 sections. So there is lots of support.

intarsiabox · #2 03-21-2011, 12:20 AM

6mm is almost 1/4" and you'll have no problems making baffles out of this thickness. Baffles have basically even water pressure on each side of the pane after installation unlike tank construction that has pressure on one side of the pane only.

SpateD · #3 03-21-2011, 12:28 AM

I'm saying that I plan on building the entire tank out of 6mm.

wingedfish · #4 03-21-2011, 12:44 AM

my 20" tall 55 gallon tank is 6 mil, but I suspect it's tempered. My 24" tall 75G is 9 mil.

I would think you'd be fine. there was a site with glass spec for tank building I seen somewhere.

wingedfish · #5 03-21-2011, 12:46 AM

here's a quick google chart

reefwars · #6 03-21-2011, 01:28 AM

it depends on how much water you plan to have in the sump...

SpateD · #7 03-21-2011, 01:28 AM

So by that chart it says I need 9mm. But that chart doesn't take into account that there will be 3-4 sections within the tank, so the baffles will make it stronger going the distance.

I just need to know for sure before I go buy the glass...

SpateD · #8 03-21-2011, 01:48 AM

In the first 2 sections I want to have between 10-15" of water for the incoming from the display, and my skimmer, and the middle section will have 1-2" lower. Then the return section last.

Ross · #9 03-21-2011, 01:58 AM

It will be fine simply for the reasons that you mentioned.

I have a 22"wide x 7"thick x 22" deep tank from 6mm and its been fine for years.

SpateD · #10 03-21-2011, 02:23 AM

So..36" x 20" x 18" or 20" high.. With average 12" of water throughout.. With 3 baffles for 4 sections..