Acrylic thick enough?

[ExtremePCs]

Hi all,

I'm going to attempt to build an acrylic sump for my 125g reef. The dimesions will be roughly 54" L x 15" W x 18" T. Can I use 1/4" acrylic? I planned on a 2" lip around the top panel. I will be using Weld-On #4 and #16 (if needed) for the joints.

Thanks!

 

[swbean]

I've made many sumps out of 1/4", as long as you add baffels to keep the sides from bowing and stressing the corner joints you should be fine.

 

[ExtremePCs]

Thanks. I will have a 3 section bubble trap and a 'fuge baffle. All will extend the full internal width.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I use 1/2" for stuff like that and would not dream of using anything less than 3/8". That said plenty of folks would use 1/4". I do not like things to bow at all and like the extra safety factor of the larger crossectional joint area that the thicker material offers.

I would imagine James (acrylics here at RC) would advise against the 1/4" but I could be wrong. As I said, many others would give it the nod including Melev who I beleive uses 1/4" for his sumps.

Bean

 

[rustybucket145]

I used 1/4" on a similar application. I was making a frag tank that was only 3' long. It worked Great...... for about four months..... then one day while I was at Home Depot (ironically buying supplies for another DIY tank) a corner gave way and dumped roughly 40gallons of water and marsh mud onto my sunroom floor. Luckily my floor is brick laid on sand so there was no water damage to speak of, other than a very unique marsh smell for a few weeks.

So, If this tank is going to be inside your house on good floors, I would suggest going the 3/8" or even 1/2" route. 1/4" is just not much of a sealing area to seal from my personal experience.

 

[sunkool]

i did 1/4 on a 60l 18h 20w with a 2 inch lip. If I could do it again I would go thicker. Like the wife says do it right the first time, but I never listen.

 

[BeanAnimal]

who ever does (when it comes to the wife)

 

[Acrylics]

You could prolly get away with 1/4" but like others, I wouldn't recommend it. 3/8" would be good, obviously 1/2" even better

HTH,
James

 

[ExtremePCs]

I'll probably just end up using a 55g glass tank then . I can't find anything other than 1/4" locally, and I don't want to have to pay shipping on something that large and heavy.

Thanks to all who responded!

 

[BeanAnimal]

If you look in the phone book you will find several plastics suppliers. Sign shops carry the stuff, but they have to buy it from somebody! Usually the sign shop folks are 100% jerks, at leats they have been in every town I have ever had to deal with them.

Bean