Acrylic Question

[sjreefer]

I'm having a dilema while contemplating the sump for my system. I want to custom build my sump out of 1/2 inch acrylic but the cost to purchase just the acrylic is astronomical. Every where i call in town and all the places i have looked online are through the roof.

The best price i can find on a 2' x 2' sheet is 77$ for 1/2 inch acrylic. Is this a good price? It beats everything else i have found locally, but i'm wondering how that stacks up to what everyone else pays.

THanks for the help,

[Indymann99]

After calculating the cost for material, weld on, and tools... (and adding for mistakes)... I decided just to purchase.

Many use glass tanks and silicone in glass baffles cut by local glass shop. This is by far the cheapest method.

hit the DIY forum for lots of designs. Also google Meelev reef

[sjreefer]

I have always made my sumps out of glass and glued in the baffles with silicone, but its for a coldwater system and glass sweats like crazy at room temperature i wouldn't believe it unless i saw it myself.

[Indymann99]

After calculating the cost for material, weld on, and tools... (and adding for mistakes)... I decided just to purchase.

Many use glass tanks and silicone in glass baffles cut by local glass shop. This is by far the cheapest method.

hit the DIY forum for lots of designs. Also google Meelev reef

[sjreefer]

bump for some prices on acrylic

[mcoomer]

Hmmmmmm...that sounds like the Tap Plastics price for the 2 X 2 sheets. I ran into the same problem with a new sump. If you're going with acrylic it's probably cheaper to just buy one. That's pretty much what I found.

Mike

[sjreefer]

Yup, thats exactly where i got the price from, is that one of the best prices out there?

[Mikeeal]

You should try some local shops, usually they'll have stuff laying around, (partial sheets, scraps) and'll cut you a dealio. <<< Get it, "cut" you a deal........

Half the time I need glass cut now they just do it for free and tell me to come back when I need a big job done, lol.

[troylee]

Why such thick acrylic, to hold the temp??? You could use 3/8th and save some money if you wanted...normally a 4x8 sheet of half inch will run ya anywhere from 250$ to 400$ depending on the distr. I don't know your plans but I could help you out more if you have some demensions or ideas.....

[sjreefer]

troy lee - It has to be 1/2 inch because its kept at 55 degrees F and it helps keep condensation from forming on the acrylic