DIY- "Pins" method of gluing acrylic.

[highquality]

are you saying its not bowing enough now to do anything about it right now? or would you recomend a cross brace or doubleing up the top braces? more water will make it worse and more of problem right?

 

[melev]

Correct. When I tested out sumps I made a long time ago, I'd fill them up to see how much they'd bow out. Then based on what I saw, I'd drain it and make a top flange.

In your case, you are talking about adding a crossbrace with some plastic/nylon screws. I've done that exact thing before. The weakest point will be the screw itself. I've even tried adding some Weld-On between the two, and the screwing it together, and the acrylic crazed. It didn't break, and held just fine, but looked ugly.

For now, add more water and see if it is even an issue. You can always add a cross brace if you see a gradual issue develop.

 

[highquality]

So you dont suspect it will just go whamoo and crash all over the shop/ lol I mean usually a seam will go bad gradually if at all?

 

[melev]

Correct, it won't just blow out while you are doing a test at full water volume.

Seams can give way over time. Hopefully not for a very long time, but it is possible.

 

[gws294]

Well I started out five hours ago looking for information on frag tank design. I ran across this thread and just finished reading it. Fantastic information and guidance. It really is great how you guys, especially Marc, Zeph and James, have contributed. This information is invaluable. The pictures are very helpfull.

Well, not to drag on here, but just a genuine thanks.

I had done some acrylic fabrication 3 years ago, everything fell apart and leaked and I gave up. Now I'm ready to try again.

Thanks,
Geoff

p.s. Does anyone know where I can get some info on frag tank designs???

 

[REEFSTOCK]

Try the aquaculture forum here on RC

 

[gws294]

Thanks reefstock!!

 

[gws294]

BY the way, Welcome to RC!!! Thanks for your 1st post



:wavehand: :wavehand: :wavehand:

 

[REEFSTOCK]

Heheh just a new name for an old face It fits my new banners better ;p But thanks!

 

[Adrian]

Quick question for those of you who have done this. I just glued my first two pieces together using this method, and although the joints are perfect, no air bubbles, a bunch of glue oozed out on both sides. I dont mind it on the outside since I can route that away, but I would like to avoid it on the inside. Is it simply a matter of waiting a little longer before pulling the pins, or using less #4 to begin with?

 

[REEFSTOCK]

If done with #4 the ooze should dry up to nothing ness. Take a look at it now. Does it look better?

 

[Adrian]

Just looked, still tiny puddles on the inside. Its not a huge deal, but I would like to avoid it if possible...

 

[Adrian]

ok I just learned this by trial and error, but am i right by assuming you do the four sides, then attach the bottom? Do you use the pins for the bottom as well. Sorry im sure this has been covered, but Im a slow reader...

 

[H20ENG]

Adrian,
sometimes the puddling is caused by too thick pins. The more glue in the joint, the more will squeeze out when the pins are removed. If you wait too long, it will leave "worms" or little balls, and not simply puddle when you you pull the pins.
Try thinner pins first

Generally you do the sides to the front, then flip it and glue on the back. Then glue that to your top. The top will have openings that let the fumes out of the tank when you, lastly, glue the bottom. :wavehand:

 

[Adrian]

Thanks, makes sense, out to get smaller pins

So you do use pins for top and bottom or no....

I was planning on doing the top last so I can route out the openings, if I do this can I just drill some holes to let the fumes out?

 

[H20ENG]

Yes and yes

 

[Adrian]

Thanks and thanks

 

[999sterling]

Great thread!!! It took me four days to read through the whole thing, (I only have an hour or so a day) but well worth the time.
I currently need to build myself a sump and overflow box for my reef. I am having problems finding (recognizing?) the "right" kind of acrylic. How do I tell if it is cell cast or extruded! Or is their an online site that will tell me! Most of the sites I've looked at don't say. At least not in terms I currenly understand.

I expect I am looking for an online or mail order source. I have a Home Depot and a Lowes store located two hours away from me, but from what I understand, what they sell is polycarbonate, and hence, not what I want to build with. It is also only 1/8 inch thick (I've used it already to make toddler proof windows. ) so it is too thin anyway. I can't find a plastic store anywhere short of a 10 hour roundtrip drive from me.

So I guess to sum up. I have two questions.
#1 How do I tell the diverence between the different types of acylic? (when all the online stores I've found list EVERYTHING as just plastic.)

and #2
I there any store in particular that someone would reccomend online or otherwise.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

 

[GoldStripe]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9116479#post9116479 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 999sterling
Great thread!!! It took me four days to read through the whole thing, (I only have an hour or so a day) but well worth the time.
I currently need to build myself a sump and overflow box for my reef. I am having problems finding (recognizing?) the "right" kind of acrylic. How do I tell if it is cell cast or extruded! Or is their an online site that will tell me! Most of the sites I've looked at don't say. At least not in terms I currenly understand.

I expect I am looking for an online or mail order source. I have a Home Depot and a Lowes store located two hours away from me, but from what I understand, what they sell is polycarbonate, and hence, not what I want to build with. It is also only 1/8 inch thick (I've used it already to make toddler proof windows. ) so it is too thin anyway. I can't find a plastic store anywhere short of a 10 hour roundtrip drive from me.

So I guess to sum up. I have two questions.
#1 How do I tell the diverence between the different types of acylic? (when all the online stores I've found list EVERYTHING as just plastic.)

and #2
I there any store in particular that someone would reccomend online or otherwise.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

I would suggest a couple of stores if you cannot find it local. However, the shipping on acrylic can get expensive unless you order it pre-cut. Even then it can get pricey. Check these links out

US Plastic Corp.

McMaster-Carr
in the search bar, type "acrylic"

Ridoutplastics

There are also sellers on eBay that sell pieces and may sell you cut pieces to your specs. They should specify "cast"

 

[melev]

For sumps, I use AcryLite FF (extruded). AcryLite CP is cast acrylic. Cast is stronger, drills easily without overheating and melting, and has better clarity.