How thick should the acyrlic be for a sump?

[Opiy]

I plan on getting a custom sump built and was curious if I should go 1/4 or 3/8 thick acrylic. Dimensions will be 32 x 20 x 16. It will be made with cell cast acrylic and the cost of going 3/8 is around $100 more.

Is it worth paying the extra $$ to go the little bit thicker? Would I be better off in the long run? Or really make no difference. Thanks

 

[kgross]

Wat baffles or braces are you planning? a 32x20 with 16 inchs of water against it will bow a lot with 1/4 inch if it does not have any extra bracing. I would use 3/8 for that, but if you have lots of baffles so you have a smaller area you could get away with 1/4.

Kim

 

[Siklid]

would depend i think more on baffles like kgross said

havent build a sump out of acrylic yet though

 

[Fast Fred]

Exactly as Kim said. It would depend on the number and location of the baffles. 1/4" would be fine with some strategicly placed baffles.

 

[Fluxion]

My sump is 16x16x34.5 and made of 1/4" acrylic with some baffles. I have had no problems. I build a frag tank for a friend that is 12t x 18w x 36" long without any baffles and I havent' had a problem here either. I dont' think you will have any problems if you have a couple of baffles in there.

 

[DKreefkeepers]

I see that it is 16" high but how high will the water level be under normal conditions? I build sumps all the time and I use 1/4 for everything unless it is a really big sump.

 

[Opiy]

It will be modeled after meleevs model E sump to give you an idea. Pretty common design I think. Return and refug on each end with pump section in the center. Since 1/4 seems to be the more popular choice I might just use that anyway. I could save $100

http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/e/sump_model_e.html

 

[DKreefkeepers]

with the 2 baffles placed like that, 1/4" will be fine. Just put a top flange on it for extra safety.