Zeovit reactors - *testing done*

[kari]

Originally Posted by Richard_Dicosimo

i have been looking into building a skimmer lately and have priced out some 6" acrylic tubing all 1/8" and if you buy a 6' length from industrial paints and plasitcs in Calgary they will sell it to you for 105$ nearly halfs your main chamber costs.
they are located in the industrial park in the s.e. near chinook center, they also had the 6" in stock when i was there last wednesday. also i found a site on the internet www.k-mac-plastics.com they aslo sell the acrylic tube for less then you say you can get it IF you buy in a 6' lengths. hope this helps you some.

Richard

The only problem with the tube from IPP in Calgary is that it's extruded. It can be done but sometimes if you look at it the wrong way it cracks up like corn flakes.

Thanks for the input though.

[Aquattro]

Kari, have you actually had extruded crack on you? I ask because I've always built my skimmers and reactors from extruded, anywhere from 4" to 8" tubing, and as far as I know, pieces built 7 years ago are still in service. My Ca Reactor has been around for 5 years and the LFS is using one of my first skimmers built 7 years ago. I know it's not as clear, but it's always stayed crack free and not leaked. Just wondering if your experiences have been different?

[Chin_Lee]

brad what thickness extrudes did you use? I've used up to 1/8 extruded and it cracks like crazy (fine cracks where glue was applied)

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Chin_Lee

brad what thickness extrudes did you use? I've used up to 1/8 extruded and it cracks like crazy (fine cracks where glue was applied)

I've used both 1/8 and 1/4, never had anything crack. You might see some crazing around seams, but no cracks. Maybe the material these days is crappier than 5 years ago? Dunno, just always used extruded

[kari]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Kari, have you actually had extruded crack on you? I ask because I've always built my skimmers and reactors from extruded, anywhere from 4" to 8" tubing, and as far as I know, pieces built 7 years ago are still in service. My Ca Reactor has been around for 5 years and the LFS is using one of my first skimmers built 7 years ago. I know it's not as clear, but it's always stayed crack free and not leaked. Just wondering if your experiences have been different?

What I see a lot is crazing if extra care isn't used. For example glueing joints that have induced stresses from bending or polishing. Also glueing parts that are not at room temp. They say this can be avoided by anealing the parts but who's wife will let you cook plastic in the oven. I was caught, once was enough.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by kari

They say this can be avoided by anealing the parts but who's wife will let you cook plastic in the oven. I was caught, once was enough.

I wouldn't have even tried, I got enough crap for baking rocks and stuff after bleaching.

I never got much crazing, but all my joints were just plain old straight edges. I wonder if different suppliers have different grades? I got my tubing at a local shop, not IPP

[kari]

There is a lot of really informative but dry reading in the tech support area at one of the acrylic manufacturers site (Cyro) for info on this subject. One would need to create a user name to get at it.

http://cyro.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/cyr...ge=std_alp.php


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[Richard_Dicosimo]

Originally Posted by kari

The only problem with the tube from IPP in Calgary is that it's extruded. It can be done but sometimes if you look at it the wrong way it cracks up like corn flakes.

Thanks for the input though.

The guy at Ipp said that his tubes where cast and not extruded... I asked, I thought thats what he said anyways?? I would have to double check but im pretty sure he said cast.

Richard