Question for Acrylic builders out there

[KorD]

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.

 

[Company101]

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.

 

[KorD]

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?

 

[Company101]

I don't believe so. You could euro brace it. 1" trim seems extreme.

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

 

[Company101]

There area one very informative videos online. As to how to weld. Just be super careful with smooth square edges.

 

[hjkesler]

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.

May this site help you :
Calculate Aquarium Glass Thickness - Custom tanks are great investments | Aquarium Tools

 

[TJ's Reef]

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

 

[KorD]

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..

 

[TJ's Reef]

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

 

[KorD]

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

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 :)

 

[Company101]

I need a acrylic shop where I live.

 

[KorD]

I need a acrylic shop where I live.

Have you tried this place? Just call and ask if they sell scraps... never hurts to ask :)
www.standardglass.com/services.html


How far is this place from you?

http://www.triadplastic.com/topic1/index.html

 

[Company101]

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

 

[KorD]

Not a problem... just used the google and also knew the area a little from working down there :)

 

[Company101]

I have been using Google. But I ain't too bright. Must have not typed the right thing. Lol.

 

[KorD]

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:

 

[Company101]

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.

 

[Company101]

how did that cutting go????