acrylic thickness for a longer sump ?

cracker · Jul 25, 2016

Hello, You think I can use 1/4 inch acrylic for a 60 by 16 by 16'' sump? I mean would it be strong enough with the proper bracing. Also what is about warping? Thanks

justingraham · Jul 25, 2016

No idea but I think that's way to long I'm doing my own with 1/4 thick and at 30 inches and I'm kinda scared it's going to bow and going to do an inch brace on the top all the way around. I know the price jump is crazy from 1/4 to 1/2 but if it were me I would do the 1/2 for piece of mind and a brace as well. When I was looking into making mine I looked at melevs reefs website and went off what material thickness he used along with his ideas for planning.

cromag27 · Jul 25, 2016

1/2" with a euro and cross braces. would be solid.

cromag27 · Jul 25, 2016

Depending on the height, I would go 3/8" with a 3" euro and one cross brace. the cost difference from 1/4" to 3/8" shouldn't be too crazy.

justingraham said:
No idea but I think that's way to long I'm doing my own with 1/4 thick and at 30 inches and I'm kinda scared it's going to bow and going to do an inch brace on the top all the way around. I know the price jump is crazy from 1/4 to 1/2 but if it were me I would do the 1/2 for piece of mind and a brace as well. When I was looking into making mine I looked at melevs reefs website and went off what material thickness he used along with his ideas for planning.

cracker · Jul 25, 2016

I'm surprised You guys suggest the amount of bracing. I'm a rookie at working with this stuff. I built 4 ft by 16 by 16'' sump based on the design from Gmac. I need the length to make up for the short height and I want larger sections. ( I can make the sump at this height with 1 sheet. ) This sump will go under a 180 tank. I can get a 4 by 8 sheet for 126$ . I'll price the 3/8. Just looking for ideas here. I can always go with a separate refugium. Lot's of variables ! Thanks for any insight .

Squid · Jul 25, 2016

I believe height vs length requires thicker acrylic. Here's a calculator that may be useful. http://diyfishkeepers.com/AcrylicThicknessCalculator.htm

cracker · Jul 25, 2016

Thanks Squid ! That was very helpful. With the 10 or 11 inches of water I plan to have in the sump. The calculator says it will work with bracing. Now how much water will it need to hold with the return off? Another variable to consider!

Pepcrylic · Jul 26, 2016

I would build it with no less than 3/8'' with a 2 1/2 , to 3'' full euro brace on the top.

cracker · Jul 27, 2016

Thanks Pepcrylic. I will price a sheet of 3/8s Better safe than sorry !
If I use the thick weldon cement. Do I orient the seam to be glued vertical or horizontal?

cromag27 · Jul 27, 2016

Check out the acrylic fabrication thread. you'll find a ton of info from people like myself who have been doing this for years. some of the posts cover proper materials to use, as well as what order you'll want to weld your panels.

http://reef2reef.com/threads/acrylic-fabrication-q-a.224773/

cracker · Jul 27, 2016

Thanks for the direction, Also the price of 3/8 fricking more than doubles from the 1/4" ! 1/4 126$ 3/8 256$ !!! Sorry that's too much for the kid. I can get a new 75 for 170$ So take my chances with the 1/4 well braced or lose some room and go with the 75 ???

cromag27 · Jul 27, 2016

Whoever quoted you that much for 3/8" is trying to retire early. lol.

Pepcrylic · Jul 27, 2016

cromag08 said:
Check out the acrylic fabrication thread. you'll find a ton of info from people like myself who have been doing this for years. some of the posts cover proper materials to use, as well as what order you'll want to weld your panels.

http://reef2reef.com/threads/acrylic-fabrication-q-a.224773/

Do NOT use the thick weldon (16) use the tin sovent Weldon 3 or 4

cromag27 · Jul 27, 2016

I'm guessing you didn't mean to quote my post. I don't use 16 for anything. it's useless junk.

cracker · Jul 27, 2016

I wasn't quoting Ya I was thanking You For directions to the RC thread. Also, I've always used the thick stuff ! LOL Never trusted smoothness of my cut edges. Hey I'm a rookie but learning real quick ! Thanks for the heads up on the acrylic price ! I figured it get expensive real quick but not like that . More shopping is in order !
Also what's the negatives with using the thick weldon?

cromag27 · Jul 27, 2016

Not you. pepcrylic.

cromag27 · Jul 27, 2016

I pay about $30 more per sheet for 3/8".

cracker · Jul 27, 2016

cracker said:
I wasn't quoting Ya I was thanking You For directions to the RC thread. Also, I've always used the thick stuff ! LOL Never trusted smoothness of my cut edges. Hey I'm a rookie but learning real quick ! Thanks for the heads up on the acrylic price ! I figured it get expensive real quick but not like that . More shopping is in order !
Also what's the negatives with using the thick weldon ?

cromag27 · Jul 27, 2016

16's bonding strength is horrible. it's thick and syrupy because it contains synthetic acrylic resin, so it acts almost as a glue rather than a welding solvent. Weldon 3 and 4 will weld acrylic together, provided you use properly prepped edges and the correct welding technique.