PVC sheet uses.

Knology · Sep 26, 2018

So, browsing around the Home Depot, I come across these 4' x 8' PVC sheets in 1/2". My first thought is making some sumps out of these things. Then, looking at costs of water containers for mixing stations, I also think about making some large boxed storage containers.

Any reason this would be a bad idea? These things are only $70 a sheet.

I was thinking of using a 40B as a fuge and then have a 3ft sump made of PVC sheet for skimmer, reactors, and return.

I also was thinking about two 120g storage containers. 4x2x2. Nice flat surfaces for bulkheads and access doors.

Thoughts?

AlexStinson · Sep 26, 2018

Thats a cool idea

jjflounder1 · Sep 26, 2018

It would definitely need bracing ... That has a lot of flexibility

Knology · Sep 26, 2018

I was thinking the same thing. As it will be just an empty box, bracing and cross beams would be fine. Baffles on the sump could be spaced with bracing in mind.

I was also curious about glue. Those who have build sumps with this stuff in the past mentioned Weld On 16.

jjflounder1 · Sep 26, 2018

For RO water or mixing tank ..
Would be pretty easy to make a "exoskeleton" stand/frame out of 2x4s or Steel ..
I think that would even look cool .

As far as glue I have used plumbers PVC glue ...
And I'm sure taking a look online at places like eplastics you would find glues with the consistency and set time it's convenient for you

AlexG · Sep 27, 2018

I bought 4 sheets of this product for my tank build. 1 sheet for a tank bottom, 1-2 sheets for sump tops, and 1 sheet was used for overflows & to machine parts of my DIY protein skimmer. The product does float but it can be held in place with the right ballast or securing points. PVC glue works great on this stuff and in some cases like my overflows I glued it directly to PVC pipe. Here is picture of my DIY skimmer and the tops on one of the sump tanks.

Knology · Sep 27, 2018

That looks great. It's nice to see some more pictures of this stuff used in reefing. Google doesn't pan out to many practical examples.

Ahogue21 · Sep 27, 2018

This will work perfect for a control panel....and may make an ato tank as well as i need somthing a little custom for the space i have....may go pick up a sheet tomorrow to play with

jjflounder1 · Sep 28, 2018

Thinking about it I've been looking for a custom size mixing tank ....

don_chuwish · Sep 29, 2018

Wherever there are glued butt joints I would want to add an extra bracing strip for more glue surface. Setting the edge into a dado is another option. Or both.

Ahogue21 · Oct 1, 2018

Holder for my power bricks stuff is easy to work with and just using plumbers pvc primer and glue plenty strong for this application

Knology · Oct 1, 2018

This stuff is kinda awesome. I have so many ideas for when I get a routing table and router. I only wish it was a bit cheaper and had a grey or black option.

Has anyone found it cheaper than Home Depot @ $70?

Ron Reefman · Oct 2, 2018

It is pretty flexible if the sides get tall and the water level starts to add weight.

I used it for a tray to wrap around inside the stand in case the sump ever leaked, had an overflow or even for when I spill water around the sump. It keeps the wood stand absolutely dry and I added a bulkhead at the back near the bottom for a drain line that runs out of the house!

This is my current smaller set up.

20180723_084247 by Ron Lindensmith, on Flickr

This is my older 120g system and you can see the drain bulkhead at the back lower right, just above the front wall. I also drilled small holes in the box and filled them with 3M 5200 Marine adhesive before I put screws in for some additional strength. The box is glued together with PVC cement as well.

P8270002 by Ron Lindensmith, on Flickr

BTW, if you are interested, there is more in my build tread (link in my signature below).
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Ahogue21 · Oct 2, 2018

Another work in progress an electronics board for my new tank

kabal2 · Sep 29, 2020

wow this and old thread but any updates on this projects?
TIA
Gabe

AlexG · Sep 29, 2020

All of my uses of this PVC board worked out great while my system was operating. Once I get established at my new home I will be resurrecting a lot of the parts I made from this PVC sheeting. I now the smaller boards are still available but I have not seen the 4'x8' sheets recently so I am not sure if they are still available.

Knology · Sep 29, 2020

HD still sells them. Stock is a bit hit or miss though.

naterealbig · Oct 21, 2020

AlexG said:
I bought 4 sheets of this product for my tank build. 1 sheet for a tank bottom, 1-2 sheets for sump tops, and 1 sheet was used for overflows & to machine parts of my DIY protein skimmer. The product does float but it can be held in place with the right ballast or securing points. PVC glue works great on this stuff and in some cases like my overflows I glued it directly to PVC pipe. Here is picture of my DIY skimmer and the tops on one of the sump tanks.

Did you use this as a bare bottom substrate? I thought about using this product exactly for this reason, but thought that it would get damaged by rock, tank scrapers, ect. What were your long-term results with this application?