Acrylic manufacturer

[ScubaSteve]

Heck, build your own tank! Get the acrylic cut to size and assemble yourself. Intimidating but not as hard as you think.

[Ginu]

Well I would much rather prefer an acrylic over glass for a fuge.

I was thinking of getting the pieces cut to size then gluing it myself; I'm assuming this will save some serious cash. Now if I would want to purchase the precut pieces and doing it myself, how do i determine the exact size of the divider?

[sphelps]

You should be about to source 1/4" cast pre cut with jointed edges for around $5-6 per sq foot.

For 18x18x20

Front and back = 18x20
Bottom = 18.125x20.125
Sides = 17.5 x 20 (x2)
Divider = 17.5 x desired height.

The bottom is a little bigger so you don't end up with the seam right on the edge or overhanging, that can be problematic for the glue. You do the same idea for the sides, sit them slightly inwards and directly on edge. The can router off excess material with a trim 3 flute bit.

The glue or solvent you want is weldon 4

[sirruckus]

try laird plastics in delta for anything made out of plastic sheet or tube

[msjboy]

HI Ginu,
if you are interested, you can assist me with doing up a sump as I have 2 sets of 3/16 acrylic already cut up.... plastic is free for you but you will help each other for the build... needs 2 hands and time. I have a new 80 tooth blade ( no table saw but I think I can borrow one) , weld-on 4 ( though I need to buy a hypo needle applicator, thin piano wire, a couple of clamps, and 3 quick squares.


The sump is 20 by 17 by15H though. I was going to make it something like: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...sm-130d-2.html for my red sea max 130.
Also see

Did you see if northwest plastics in North Vancouver can do it?
Also check for plexiglass on craigslist... 1/4" is best but 3/16 should work for tank of that size with baffles for bracing.

also see
http://www.melevsreef.com/tools.html
http://www.melevsreef.com/29g/sump/design.html

msjboy

[Ginu]

msjboy - I would love to give you a couple of helping hands for the experience at least and then go from there. I will PM you for more details.



I tried North Shore plastics but they are expensive as well, thanks for the suggestions.

[KevinK]

Originally Posted by Ginu

msjboy - I would love to give you a couple of helping hands for the experience at least and then go from there. I will PM you for more details.



I tried North Shore plastics but they are expensive as well, thanks for the suggestions.

i would brace the sides in the midel, as it wil bend.

I build this sump last year, se http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=88919

i had the bottom 1 inch wider all around, and put a 1 inch strip around ( so the sides have in fact 2 sides to put the weld on, and than a 1/2 inch rod on the inside, making it a 3 double weld.

Than 1/2 way up I put a 1 inch strip, as you can se, and than a top brace