Question for Acrylic builders out there

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KorD

KorD

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I have a small pico tank I would like to build... the detentions are roughly 23"L x 10"H, and 10" D

I have checked out a few "calculators" out there for this project, but I am looking for someone with experience to give me the right thickness for this tank. I would hate for a bow to break issue.
 
Tidal Gardens
1/4" gp should be fine. Maybe some other will chime in on this. I would stay away from the stuff they sell at lowes and Home Depot.
 
I am using a local company that sells acrylic. They are well known by reefers up here for their good product.

Should I also do a 1 inch trim around the top for added support?
 
Top Shelf Aquatics
I don't believe so. You could euro brace it. 1" trim seems extreme.
ImageUploadedByREEF2REEF1420722951.881013.jpg


Here is an example of a sump I built using 1/4" acrylic.

And your lucky to have a acrylic dealer where you are. I wish I had one close
 
BRS
Structurally 1/4" would be OK but visually 3/8" - 1/2" would look much better IMHO. As for the 1" top bracing not needed with thicker material but also IMHO a added benefit in helping keep water and critters inside where they belong. For some additional info and a fantastic tutorial on acrylic fabrication check out my good friend Daves build going on here https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/member-tanks/184776-let-snow-let-flow-let-grow.html



Cheers, Todd
 
Thanks for the help... I just got back from picking up acrylic sheeting.. You are all going to hate me when I tell you the price I get on the drops they sell as scrap...

I picked up three sections of 11" x 50" length and two sections of 18" x 33" length that are 3/8" for roughly $25.. the price also includes a bottle of Weldon 3, applicator, and a tube of fast set 16.

Now comes the planning stages for perfect cuts and such..
 
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NICE pickups on those 'Scrap' pieces of acrylic bud, we have Tapp Plastics out this way and always shop their $1.75/lb scrap bin. Though rarely find many pieces that large or usable for a sump other than maybe baffles...lol


Cheers, Todd
 
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TJ's Reef said:
NICE pickups on those 'Scrap' pieces of acrylic bud, we have Tapp Plastics out this way and always shop their $1.75/lb scrap bin. Though rarely find many pieces that large or usable for a sump other than maybe baffles...lol
Click to expand...

Midland Plastics here in WI has rows of different types/colors of acrylic available in different sizes.. I don't think they charge by the pound yet... it is more like.. "i'll let you have it for this price" if you disagree they lower their price.. They like hagglers :)
 
Tidal Gardens
One reason why I love this thread. I have honestly been looking. I guess just not in the right places. I will be at the glass place on Wednesday of next week. And the other place is way closer then the Internet. Lol. Thank you thank you thank you
 
Deltec
I just told the computer to find acrylic dealers in your city.. LOL

There are times I feel like a genius, but I'm thinking tomorrow will not be one of those days... I plan on cutting the acrylic sheets, and it is forecasted to be -25 windchill while I work in an unheated garage.. :tongue:
 
You my friend are a brave man. I would be scared to death. And that is wicked cold. I have some coworkers up in that neck of the woods someplace. I couldn't imagine.
 
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IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

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  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

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  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%

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    Votes: 3 4.3%
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