How can this baffle be fixed

[SpyC]

Theres no way the silicone will fail like that if the baffle is glass.

That is incorrect. Poorly siliconed seams fail.

 

[Troylee]

That is incorrect. Poorly siliconed seams fail.

Just ask Red Sea

 

[Katrina71]

It would have to be 10-15 inches long. Would that still work and what can I use ?

Why not just space it from the top? Use a small piece on each side or one in the middle?

 

[disaster999]

That is incorrect. Poorly siliconed seams fail.

Sure, under hundreds of pounds of pressure trying to keep water inside a tank, not when under slight pressure separating 2 compartments with similar water level on both sides. The silicone clearly came off the baffle, there is not even a hint of residual silicone left on the baffle, but yeah, believe what you will .

Also the OP already said the baffle is acrylic, why argue about it.

 

[SpyC]

My only concern if the baffles are silicone is the extra force being put onto the baffle used as the brace. Seems like that will also lead to another failure. The right thing to do would be to remove the sump and redot it with glass baffles.

 

[SpyC]

Sure, under hundreds of pounds of pressure trying to keep water inside a tank, not when under slight pressure separating 2 compartments with similar water level on both sides. The silicone clearly came off the baffle, there is not even a hint of residual silicone left on the baffle, but yeah, believe what you will .

Also the OP already said the baffle is acrylic, why argue about it.

Last I checked I asked the OP for confirmation and never directed the question at you. Never hurts to double check.

 

[Idech]

Are you sure that isn't a glass baffle with black film on it? If that is acrylic, it matches the rest of the sump and I'd be worried about the entire thing falling apart. That said, I think the baffle is glass with a layer of black on it

No, I’m not 100% sure. I will check again tomorrow but it’s hard to see.

Why not just space it from the top? Use a small piece on each side or one in the middle?

Excellent idea, I just hadn’t thought of it.

Also the OP already said the baffle is acrylic, why argue about it.

I will check again tomorrow and report back. It might be glass. But if it is, do I have to worry about the whole thing falling apart ?

 

[disaster999]

I will check again tomorrow and report back. It might be glass. But if it is, do I have to worry about the whole thing falling apart ?

There is a potential the baffle on the left would suffer the same fate if it is acrylic and the silicone bond weakens. If that happens, just wedge something between the 2 baffles again holding them in place, something like this

 

[vetteguy53081]

@Troylee beat me to it! I vote spacer!

Edit could make an L shaped piece of acrylic out of a sheet, turn it flat so it fits between the baffles then turn it to sit flush with the exterior of the tank:

One on each side.

Or cut a piece of tubing/pvc and stick it between the baffles (either a short piece in the middle or long pieces on the bottom to reach the very back (would need to be PVC or other rigid tubing for the later)):

 

[vetteguy53081]

And Weldon doesn’t work on glass…silicone is his only option.

My understanding acrylic but now see its glass and silicone- yes

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

Exactly why I added glass supports behind my acrylic baffles in my sump build. Glass to glass with silicone is ridiculously strong

 

[Idech]

I checked again and the baffle is acrylic, probably 3-D printed to add a weir. I’m 99% certain.

So I put two pieces of hard tubing as spacers, one on each end. The only thing that worries me now is the pressure it puts against the glass. I hope the silicone holds or I will have two problems on my hands.

Exactly why I added glass supports behind my acrylic baffles in my sump build. Glass to glass with silicone is ridiculously strong

This would be the ideal fix. I am waiting to see what the builders say.

 

[SpyC]

I checked again and the baffle is acrylic, probably 3-D printed to add a weir. I’m 99% certain.

So I put two pieces of hard tubing as spacers, one on each end. The only thing that worries me now is the pressure it puts against the glass. I hope the silicone holds or I will have two problems on my hands.

This would be the ideal fix. I am waiting to see what the builders say.

Glad you got a decent temp fix on there. The suggestion to add the glass inserts is probably the easiest long term solution

 

[Lingwendil]

Your temporary fix will not hurt the glass, no worries there.

It's troubling to see this, as bonding acrylic to glass has such a spotty track record I can't think of any larger manufacturer (other than... Red Sea) that does it in order to prevent issues like this. At least without some braces against glass so the load isn't all on the silicone joint.

 

[Troylee]

I checked again and the baffle is acrylic, probably 3-D printed to add a weir. I’m 99% certain.

So I put two pieces of hard tubing as spacers, one on each end. The only thing that worries me now is the pressure it puts against the glass. I hope the silicone holds or I will have two problems on my hands.

This would be the ideal fix. I am waiting to see what the builders say.

It’s completely fine.. that other baffle is glass and plenty strong to hold the force of the acrylic one.

 

[Idech]

Glad you got a decent temp fix on there. The suggestion to add the glass inserts is probably the easiest long term solution

It might turn out to ba a permanent fix. I would be okay with that as long as everything holds solid.

I can't think of any larger manufacturer (other than... Red Sea) that does it in order to prevent issues like this. At least without some braces against glass so the load isn't all on the silicone joint.

It’s a small local shop. I hope they learn from their mistake.

It’s completely fine.. that other baffle is glass and plenty strong to hold the force of the acrylic one.

Thank you, that’s a relief. Now I’m not even worried about it anymore, even if it turns out to be my permanent solution. I mean, it doesn’t look bad.

It’s just disappointing to pay good money for something that breaks 2-3 months later.

 

[disaster999]

It’s a small local shop. I hope they learn from their mistake.

Did you let them know? I hope they offered you something for your troubles?

 

[Idech]

Did you let them know? I hope they offered you something for your troubles?

I sent an email but got no answer yet. I will try to call them tomorrow.

 

[Idech]

I’ve talked to the builders and they are going to come and fix this. I suggested to silicone glass bands in between the acrylic pieces to hold it in place and they thought it was a good idea.

Thanks everyone, I wouldn’t have known how to tackle this !

 

[disaster999]

I’ve talked to the builders and they are going to come and fix this. I suggested to silicone glass bands in between the acrylic pieces to hold it in place and they thought it was a good idea.

Thanks everyone, I wouldn’t have known how to tackle this !

Thats good news they are willing to come fix their mistakes. Hope they can come fix the sump in place. Your tank probably will need to be sumpless for at least a day or 2 for the silicone to setup.