Another (what size acrylic) ?

[Anonymous]

I would like to build (or have built for me) an acrylic sump that will be 26" x 18" x 15". I plan to have bubble traps in the middle, which will in essence create support and give me two, 12" chambers. Suggestions on what thickness acrylic I need? Trying to be cost effective but still have something structurally sound. Thanks

 

[trido]

I used 1/4" on my refugium. 20x16x24 Tap plastics suggested 3/8 but the cost of material doubled. I will support the top only because its so tall. I seems as though it'll be fine

 

[Anonymous]

I used 1/4" on my refugium. 20x16x24 Tap plastics suggested 3/8 but the cost of material doubled. I will support the top only because its so tall. I seems as though it'll be fine

How does one support the top? Just by putting a thin acrylic frame around the top?

 

[Anonymous]

>... Just by putting a thin acrylic frame around the top?

Yes, two inch strip should be fine in most cases. Look best with a solid piece with center cut out, but for a sump, most just glue two strips along the longer edges. Cheaper that way, but you can use four strips if you want stronger sump.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm going to price it out building myself and having a place here build it. I definitely don't have all the tools or knowledge of building stuff with acrylic, but if its 50% less, I figure I can try it myself.

 

[trido]

2" strips is exactly what i used.
The whole thing cost just about $100.. Gives a new appreciation for the cost of things at the LFS.

 

[Anonymous]

Cool...we'll see what kind of quote I get from the one place I requested one from. Thanks for the help....the next trick will be building the thing!

 

[minibowmatt]

my 36x18x17 Acrylic tank was built out of 1/4" with 2.5" eurobracing, corner blocks on the top, and glue strips on the bottom. It is not flimsy at all. I would think 1/4" would be ok for anything less than 36" long, or 24" tall. If your bigger than those, go up to 3/8" JMO

 

[Anonymous]

Hmm, got a good (I think) quote for the materials, so I may pull the trigger and order everything up. Hopefully the 2" strip on the top of the long edges, along with the bubble trap supports does the job and keeps things stable. I'm sure I'll be back for any building tips you may have .