Why do we use plexiglass for sumps
- Thread starter ninjamini
- Start date
loyalrogue
New member
I use glass.
It's also cheaper.
It's also cheaper.
Re: Why do we use plexiglass for sumps
That would be a great idea, except that in my opinion this hobby really isn't science. I consider it more of an art. There are many ways to accomplish the same goal in this hobby. What one person may want in their sump will not work for another. For example, some people like external pumps vs. a submersible one. Other may want to place their skimmer in the sump, while others plumb their skimmer outside the sump. Some may want a refugium and other don't. etc...
Size is also another issue. Some people try to cramp all their equipment in the cabinet, so the space for a sump could be limited. Others keep it simple and have only limited equipment.
Good Luck and Have Fun!!!;
:thumbsup:
That would be a great idea, except that in my opinion this hobby really isn't science. I consider it more of an art. There are many ways to accomplish the same goal in this hobby. What one person may want in their sump will not work for another. For example, some people like external pumps vs. a submersible one. Other may want to place their skimmer in the sump, while others plumb their skimmer outside the sump. Some may want a refugium and other don't. etc...
Size is also another issue. Some people try to cramp all their equipment in the cabinet, so the space for a sump could be limited. Others keep it simple and have only limited equipment.
Good Luck and Have Fun!!!;
:thumbsup:
jeffbrig
Premium Member
Re: Why do we use plexiglass for sumps
Economics. While the plastic itself would be cheap, the injection molding equipment, and making a limited use mold would be rather expensive. Look at the various companies that supply water storage tanks and tubs in polyethelene and other plastics. They're not terribly cheap, and shipping costs are insane, because the tubs end up shipping as oversized boxes or by freight regardless of weight.
The 2nd problem is customization. Everyone wants a slightly different size or shape, or wants to fit a different size skimmer in the main compartment. Making a a collection of molds to suit varying needs would be too expensive. The key to injection molding is to spec a part, build a mold, and then mass produce thousands upon thousands of them to amortize the cost. I don't think our hobby demands enough sumps each year to make this cost effective.
My 2¢
Economics. While the plastic itself would be cheap, the injection molding equipment, and making a limited use mold would be rather expensive. Look at the various companies that supply water storage tanks and tubs in polyethelene and other plastics. They're not terribly cheap, and shipping costs are insane, because the tubs end up shipping as oversized boxes or by freight regardless of weight.
The 2nd problem is customization. Everyone wants a slightly different size or shape, or wants to fit a different size skimmer in the main compartment. Making a a collection of molds to suit varying needs would be too expensive. The key to injection molding is to spec a part, build a mold, and then mass produce thousands upon thousands of them to amortize the cost. I don't think our hobby demands enough sumps each year to make this cost effective.
My 2¢
