How to Install Baffles in Tanks

Baffles are the divisions within a sump that temper and direct the flow of water through the container. A sump is an isolated reservoir that is positioned below an aquarium, but is connected to the main system via piping. It functions to increase aquarium water volume and is an out-of-sight container, in which the aquarist can house unsightly pieces of aquarium equipment, including filters and heaters. With a little patience and concentration, the hobbyist can install their own baffles.

Things You'll Need

  • Work surface
  • Glass sump, 24-inches long by 6-inches wide by 10-inches high, 0.31-inches thick
  • Two panes of glass, 6-inches long by 8-inches wide, 0.31-inches thick
  • Sand paper
  • Small bottle of acetone
  • Clean cloth
  • Towel
  • One tube of non-toxic, 100 percent silicone, 10 fl. Oz
  • Measuring tape
  • Marker pen
  • Two match boxes
  • One roll of masking tape
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Place the sump on a dust-free and level work surface.

    • 2

      Gently sand the edges of both 6-inch by 8-inch, .31-inch-thick panes of glass, using a strip of sandpaper.

    • 3

      Dip the cloth in acetone and wipe down both pieces of 6-inch by 8-inch glass panes, so as to remove grit from the sandpaper and any residue oils from the glass cutter.

    • 4

      Lay a towel on the work surface and place both 6-inches by 8-inches panes of glass on this.

    • 5

      Squeeze a thin bead of non-toxic silicone sealer along the side-edge on both the right and left sides of the first pane of glass.

    • 6

      Measure a distance of 8 inches from the right side of the sump, along the front of the sump. Measure a distance of 8 inches from the right hand side of the sump, along the back of the sump. With a marker pen, make a mark on both front and back panes of the sump.

    • 7

      Lay a strip of masking tape along the floor of the sump, between the two marks.

    • 8

      Place two match boxes in a horizontal position on the masking tape.

    • 9

      Position the first 6-inch by 8-inch glass pane into the sump and rest it on the match boxes. Use your finger to smooth out the silicone beads, where the glass is secured to the sump. Use two strips of masking tape to hold the glass pane in position.

    • 10

      Measure 8 inches from the newly installed pane of glass and make a mark on the front and back panes of the sump.

    • 11

      Squeeze a thin bead of non-toxic silicone sealer along the side edge on both the right and left sides of the second pane of glass. Squeeze another bead along the side edge along the bottom of this pane of glass.

    • 12

      Place this second piece of glass carefully into the sump, between the two marks. Use your finger to smooth out the silicone beads, where the glass is secured to the sump. Use two strips of masking tape to hold the glass pane in position.

    • 13

      Leave the silicone sealer to cure for a day.

    • 14

      Remove the masking tape and two match boxes.