Dremel to cut acrylic sump?

silverarrow · Sep 5, 2018

I recently purchased the Klir automatic fleece filter to replace my filter socks. The top opening in the filter sock compartment of my Trigger sump is about 3/4 inch too small for the Klir filter to fully slide in. What's the best tool to cut a bigger opening in a acrylic sump? I have limited tools to do the job but happen to have a dremel with the diamond wheel but not sure if this is not the best tool for the job without harming the inhabitants and the integrity of the sump. I would imagine if I'm going this route, there would be acrylic dust/bits everywhere in my sump.

OriginalUserName · Sep 5, 2018

silverarrow said:
I recently purchased the Klir automatic fleece filter to replace my filter socks. The top opening in the filter sock compartment of my Trigger sump is about 3/4 inch too small for the Klir filter to fully slide in. What's the best tool to cut a bigger opening in a acrylic sump? I have limited tools to do the job but happen to have a dremel with the diamond wheel but not sure if this is not the best tool for the job without harming the inhabitants and the integrity of the sump. I would imagine if I'm going this route, there would be acrylic dust/bits everywhere in my sump.

Dremel is a pain for acrylic because it wants to melt and the discs get stuck but it will get the job done if the acrylic isn't thick. IMO I wouldn't be worried about hurting the inhabitants.

Simplicity Aquatics · Sep 5, 2018

I agree the dust isn't going to be much of an issue but I'd probably still put a filter sock around your return pump or bulkhead. I would consider an oscillating saw, you can get a nice one on amazon for $40 and its like a magical tool I use all the time on projects. More versatile than a dremel but not expensive.

silverarrow · Sep 5, 2018

Simplicity Aquatics said:
I agree the dust isn't going to be much of an issue but I'd probably still put a filter sock around your return pump or bulkhead. I would consider an oscillating saw, you can get a nice one on amazon for $40 and its like a magical tool I use all the time on projects. More versatile than a dremel but not expensive.

Something like this?

Simplicity Aquatics · Sep 5, 2018

silverarrow said:
Something like this?

Bingo, I have one by the brand TackLife I have been super happy with. Doing a kitchen remodel right now and it has been so useful.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075JH5ZFC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also bought these, they are like 1/2 or less the cost vs buying at Homedepot.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RTPAZ68/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

jccaclimber · Sep 5, 2018

1) As stated, high speed rotary tools sort of suck on easily melted plastics.
2) As far as things you may already have around a hack saw works surprisingly well, assuming you are competent using one on thin materials. By that I mean don't just lean in to it hard without bracing or doing some supporting to keep from cracking the acrylic.
3) I'd go ahead and run a sock, but acrylic dust is reef safe. I've polished the inside of running reef tanks with power tools. The water clouded, the filter sock clogged frequently until we got it all out, but the fish were all happy and even the SPS stayed open. Not sure I'd try it with a clam.
4) If you don't mind buying one oscillating tools are AMAZING for all sorts of things. I got a really cheap one a couple years ago at HF to try out on a one-off job. I'll replace it with a nice one when it finally dies, but I've not managed to kill it despite efforts to do so. I doubt the cheap ones on amazon will be any worse than the one I got, and quite frankly would probably be better.
4b) You can go through nails as shown, but it is hard on the blades. Rather handy though when you need to notch out a section of wall and you know you're going to hit a nail.

silverarrow · Sep 5, 2018

Thank you all - just got myself a oscillating tool to do the job right the first time.

Dondante · Feb 11, 2019

silverarrow said:
Thank you all - just got myself a oscillating tool to do the job right the first time.

How did it turn out.

silverarrow · Feb 15, 2019

Dondante said:
How did it turn out.

Works great - cuts through acrylic with ease. I ended up buying the Rockwell brand oscillating tool with blades.

Triggreef · Feb 15, 2019

jccaclimber said:
I've polished the inside of running reef tanks with power tools. The water clouded, the filter sock clogged frequently until we got it all out, but the fish were all happy and even the SPS stayed open. Not sure I'd try it with a clam.

Would you mind going into some detail about that? I had an urchin do a number on mine.

Dondante · Feb 16, 2019

Post some pics

jccaclimber · Feb 20, 2019

Triggreef said:
Would you mind going into some detail about that? I had an urchin do a number on mine.

That’s going to take some significant digging, but give me a week or two to see what I can find. I’m slowly relocating across the country and have only intermittent access to the computer that might have pictures.