Cutting acrylic ?

Chiefmaster30 · Mar 27, 2017

I have a wet/dry Trickle filter someone gave me and I want to turn it into a sump. My question is what can I use to cut the center pieces out so I can install my own baffles where I want them?

rcmike · Mar 27, 2017

You could use something like a dremel but it probably won't look pretty.

recess62 · Mar 27, 2017

There are several options. You can use a sawsall with a metal cutting blade, you can use a dremel with a plunge cutting blade, you can use a reciprocating cutting tool with a plastic cutting blade

pickupman66 · Mar 28, 2017

Depending upon the thickness of the acrylic you can also score it with a blade and then break it.

Chiefmaster30 · Mar 28, 2017

I believe it's 1/4"

ahiggins · Mar 28, 2017

Ive used a dremel to cut acrylic before and whoever said its not pretty is 10000% right. It bubbles and burns up and turns black in some areas. but if its not going to be seen, go for it! lol

pickupman66 · Mar 28, 2017

A scoring tool should work fine for that. Draw your line and use a straight edge and score it 5 or 6 times. Then set it on a block at the score line and it should snap off with a little pressure. You can always score it deeper if u want

This should give you a very clean edge

Chiefmaster30 · Mar 28, 2017

I can't use the scoring method. I'm trying to cut the inside wall of a wet/dry filter I have that I'm going to convert into a sump.

DipSpit · Mar 28, 2017

I am no expert, but I use a Freud Diablo 10-Inch 80 Tooth saw blade meant specifically for things like veneer, metal and plastic with a high tooth count. This ensures a smooth cut without chipping.

Chiefmaster30 · Mar 28, 2017

I'm wanting to cut one of the dividers that's already in there!

DipSpit · Mar 28, 2017

Chiefmaster30 said:
I'm wanting to cut one of the dividers that's already in there!

Oh, I misunderstood. A jigsaw or a Dremel, which was said I think, will work but it wont be pretty.

Chiefmaster30 · Mar 28, 2017

It don't have to be pretty. I don't care much about that. I just don't want to break or crack it. I don't have a jig saw or deemed but I do have a sallsaw.

SmyrnaReefer · Mar 28, 2017

have pics?

Chiefmaster30 · Mar 28, 2017

Yes it's this filter. I want to cut these two dividers out and put my own baffles in

Chiefmaster30 · Mar 28, 2017

Chiefmaster30 · Mar 28, 2017

Someone gave me this filter along with a 120 gallon tank. I want to convert it into a sump.

recess62 · Mar 28, 2017

Looking at that tank. One thing you can do is use either end compartment for the overflow into the sump. The water will flow under the first baffle. Rather than cutting out the second baffle you can use a piece of acrylic to cover the underflow portion of the second baffle so that the water will flow upward then drill
Large holes i.e. ( 2 inches x 3) at the level you wish the return compartment to be at

Does that make sense ? This way you do not need to cut out the present baffles. If desired you can add additional baffles to create additional compartments

donnievaz · Mar 28, 2017

It'll probably be messy but I think your best bet is a multitool. It will allow you to cut right up to the edge. You may not want to buy it because you don't know what else you'd use it for but I find new uses for mine all the time. Great tool to have.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-JobMax-4-Amp-Multi-Tool-with-Tool-Free-Head-R28602/206824272

H@rry · Mar 28, 2017

recess62 said:
Looking at that tank. One thing you can do is use either end compartment for the overflow into the sump. The water will flow under the first baffle. Rather than cutting out the second baffle you can use a piece of acrylic to cover the underflow portion of the second baffle so that the water will flow upward then drill
Large holes i.e. ( 2 inches x 3) at the level you wish the return compartment to be at

Does that make sense ? This way you do not need to cut out the present baffles. If desired you can add additional baffles to create additional compartments

This probably makes the most sense of all. Very little additional work and expense. Just make sure your skimmer will fit where you want it.

rcmike · Mar 29, 2017

The sides of that look really thin. It might weaken it if you cut out the baffles and don't put something in to reinforce it. Of course that depends on your water level also.