Finished the custom 29 for a customer

[johnjernigan65]

 

[Joshky]

I take it you took a 29g and took the trim off and then put acrylic pieces inside/on top of it to create a less expensive version of a synergy sump (or similar)? I've read some horror stories of acrylic baffles expanding in glass tanks once wet and eventually causing tank failure/leaking, hopefully you didn't cut them to fit tightly.

 

[johnjernigan65]

Nope all acrylic made all of it

 

[Joshky]

Ah that's good, was worried for a minute. Looks pretty good, nice job.

 

[Waterjockey]

I take it you took a 29g and took the trim off and then put acrylic pieces inside/on top of it to create a less expensive version of a synergy sump (or similar)? I've read some horror stories of acrylic baffles expanding in glass tanks once wet and eventually causing tank failure/leaking, hopefully you didn't cut them to fit tightly.

I've had Plexiglas baffles in my sumps for over 20 years. Never heard of this. Why would they expand when wet?

 

[Chris Adams]

looks nice well done

 

[KStatefan]

I've had Plexiglas baffles in my sumps for over 20 years. Never heard of this. Why would they expand when wet?

They will absorb water and expand

 

[Joshky]

I've had Plexiglas baffles in my sumps for over 20 years. Never heard of this. Why would they expand when wet?

Don't claim to be an expert on the subject but acrylic does absorb water to some degree, the type of acrylic used will dictate how much expansion will occur. You can google for more information if you're interested.

 

[Waterjockey]

They will absorb water and expand

If the sheet expands more than a few 10,000's or even 1000's of an inch per linear inch, it's the wrong material...most cell cast sheeting shouldn't be an issue. When working with materials with such different properties (glass/acrylic in this example) for thermal expansion, moisture absorption, etc space and flexibility needs to be incorporated into the design.
Imho that should never be an issue

 

[Waterjockey]

Don't claim to be an expert on the subject but acrylic does absorb water to some degree, the type of acrylic used will dictate how much expansion will occur. You can google for more information if you're interested.

Most cell cast shouldn't be an issue.

I certainly am not an expert either, but I did work for the company that invented Plexiglas for 10 years and learned a fair bit about working with the various types and production methods.....and with a limitless supply of the stuff, we built *everything* out of it in the shop lol