thickness of acrylic for sump

salty420

salty420

this fish was coming on to me
Mar 8, 2007
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Sugar Grove, IL
i am looking into sump/refugiums for my new(used) 75g and may go with acrylic. i have heard mixed opinions on what the "safe" thickness of acrylic for the sump is. if i went the acrylic route the dimensions would 36x14x16. i certainly don't want the thing to bow or anything but am on a budget so if i can get away with 1/4" that'd be nice. some ppl say yes, they have 1/4" and it's fine. some ppl say no way it has to be at least 3/8". what do YOU think??
 
My 20g sump has 1/4" acrylic, and there have been no problems w/ it. I also have a 20 g fuge w/ 1/4" acrylic, and no problems.
 
the sump i made is 1/4 and it holds somewhere around 35-45 gallons not sure but it holds up very well, i water tested it filled to brim not running depth, and it held for 3 weeks b4 i emptied it and had no ill effects from the water pressure (bowing or flexing) so i think 1/4 will be fine IMO. anyone else?
 
Salty you know what my opinion is on this subject. But I guess what I would do is look at acrylic tank manufacturers and see what thickness of acrylic they use on a comparable acrylic tank for the number of gallons and base your decision on that. If you do go with 1/4 inch that top bracing I was talking about will be even more imperative IMO.
 
I have to agree the 1/4" is adequate for that size.
 
When in doubt, add bracing, gussets, or any other means to ensure strength.

What type of sealant for the corners?

You can use the acrylic cement, that welds the acrylic, then silicon the corners also.

I picked up a pile of 1/8 acrylite (free). I will most likely frame it well, maybe even with wood or just use the bottom cabinet for holding it together. Maybe even run 1" stiffeners on the longer sides for strength.
 
the bracing is key i have a brace that holds the entire top of my sump together, but you can use strips, or some othr kind of bracing, but it is definitely necessary to keep it from blowing out
 
thanks so much everyone for the replies! it makes me feel a lot more comfortable going with 1/4", tho it sounds like even with baffles as support you do need bracing as well..? that's no problem, adding braces doesn't seem like to big a deal... i will check to see what type of sealant/cement is used in the sump that i am looking at and let you all know so you can tell me if it's any good :) thanks again!
 
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