Acrylic or glass sump

[danreef55]

Trying to decide between a glass and acrylic sump. Given equipment servicing needs is the acrylic sump less susceptible to damage?

 

[ryanjohn1]

I prefer acrylic. Basically for that reason. I’m pretty clumsy

 

[FishTruck]

Also, easier to drill and glue and modify - acrylic is.

 

[BZOFIQ]

If you're running a fuge then glass is a lot easier to maintain because you can take a blade to it and keep it nice and clean

If you're not, then acrylic is basically fine as long as whoever build it doesn't use thin acrylic.

 

[Stinson Beach Aquatics]

Glass can be very easy with silicone, but acrylic may be more flexible. Also, tempered glass cannot be cut or drilled so make sure you use non-tempered.

 

[PharmrJohn]

If you're running a fuge then glass is a lot easier to maintain because you can take a blade to it and keep it nice and clean

If you're not, then acrylic is basically fine as long as whoever build it doesn't use thin acrylic.

Pretty much says it all.

 

[danreef55]

Folks thanks for the input. I am going to have a sump 72x24x18 that's going to be installed in the basement and I will have a refugium

 

[mfinn]

Trying to decide between a glass and acrylic sump. Given equipment servicing needs is the acrylic sump less susceptible to damage?

Having had both, I really don't think it matters.
I currently have acrylic sumps under both my tanks and both have refugiums. I have seen no issue cleaning them.
I guess the biggest issue would be is pricing. Which can you get cheaper?

 

[C_AWOL]

Since this is going in the basement, you can go with something like a rubbermaid 300g bin or even a fiberglass koi pond. Both of those options will hold a massive amount of water and are significantly less expensive than even a barebones glass tank ever would be for a sump (which is a big plus) and you can compartmentalize them as needed with eggcrate and zip ties or not at all.

 

[Solo McReefer]

Folks thanks for the input. I am going to have a sump 72x24x18 that's going to be installed in the basement and I will have a refugium

That's a display

 

[danreef55]

Thank you all for the feedback!

 

[danreef55]

Since this is going in the basement, you can go with something like a rubbermaid 300g bin or even a fiberglass koi pond. Both of those options will hold a massive amount of water and are significantly less expensive than even a barebones glass tank ever would be for a sump (which is a big plus) and you can compartmentalize them as needed with eggcrate and zip ties or not at all.

C_AWOL thanks for the input. I will have internal protein skimmer and calcium reactor. How would I suspend these so that they are at the proper functioning height which is approx 8"?

 

[mfinn]

C_AWOL thanks for the input. I will have internal protein skimmer and calcium reactor. How would I suspend these so that they are at the proper functioning height which is approx 8"?

Lots of options there. My first thought would be something like a plastic milk crate. Eggcrate stand.

 

[GARRIGA]

I'll throw PVC into the equation as an option.

 

[Vinaka_vakalevu]

C_AWOL thanks for the input. I will have internal protein skimmer and calcium reactor. How would I suspend these so that they are at the proper functioning height which is approx 8"?

the same egg crate/ milk crate method to get them at the proper water level in the bin

 

[BZOFIQ]

I'll throw PVC into the equation as an option.

Solid but very pricey option.

 

[C_AWOL]

C_AWOL thanks for the input. I will have internal protein skimmer and calcium reactor. How would I suspend these so that they are at the proper functioning height which is approx 8"?

Since the top is wide open, you can use an milk crate box/diy egg crate/pvc stand to keep them suspended at desired height.
Additionally you could even run your refugium in a separate container as well such as one of those 30+ gallon black bins

 

[C_AWOL]

Solid but very pricey option.

A pvc pipe stand with egg crate zip tied on top can be made for ~20 or less and can be more exact in height than milkcrates. Doesn't seem expensive to me compared to everything else in this hobby

 

[BZOFIQ]

A pvc pipe stand with egg crate zip tied on top can be made for ~20 or less and can be more exact in height than milkcrates. Doesn't seem expensive to me compared to everything else in this hobby

We are talking PVC sumps here and not DIY eggcrate dividers

PVC Tanks and Sumps – Aqualogic

aqualogicinc.com

iSumps | MRC America

www.mrcamerica.com

here is an example

 

[GARRIGA]

Gotta admit those PVC/acrylic hybrid sumps are a thing of art as well as very functional and likely longer lasting. Cheapest I've found was around $750 for approximately 40 gallons capacity. Considering how much spent on the overall system and being for some this the most crucial component besides lights then price likely justified but I get it. Can't overspend on everything and one might be able to build one them selves.

End of day they really aren't complicated pieces of equipment and can likely find shops that can perform the required cuts including from the source of the material. Food for thought as I've had glass sumps and Oceanic made some of the best but glass is heavy and fragile and acrylic scratches yet easy enough to build a mostly PVC sump with acrylic windows and change those later on or just make it out of PVC and simplify it from the start. Lifetime sump they seem to be also.