wtb acrylic sump

[quagmire]

Looking for an acrylic sump.
Prefer an open sump without baffles.
Will consider baffled sump as well.
Let me know what you have, thanks.

First choice 22L x 20W x 15H
--------------21 x 20 x 15-16
--------------20 x 20 x 16
Last choice 20 x 18 x 16

John

[jmg416]

What size tank is this for? I have one at home I never used, but I'm not sure of the size, I just know it's rated to 50 gallons.

[quagmire]

What size tank is this for? I have one at home I never used, but I'm not sure of the size, I just know it's rated to 50 gallons.

jmg416 I'm more concerned with the physical dimensions of the sump rather than the sump rating. The sump needs to be close to the dimensions listed above. Whip out your tape measure and see what you've got.

[jmg416]

Mine is too small too. Sorry.

[quagmire]

Bump

Can meet at NERAC

[quagmire]

^^^

[bfitz06]

Contact customking on manhattan reefs he may have one or he can build you one

[quagmire]

Thanks B. Unfortunately he's temporarily out of business. Think he is moving.
Don't think he will be up and running for another month or so.

[Bilk]

Take a look at Elite Aquatics (http://www.elite-aquatics.net). I purchased a ready made sump from them. First class build quality. You may find what you need from them. They can even modify one of the off the shelf models if need be, or build to your specs and dimensions.

[quagmire]

A bit too expensive and fancy for my needs. Really just need an open box, nothing too pretty. Has to match one of the dimensions above and hold water. Thanks for looking

[Bilk]

A bit too expensive and fancy for my needs. Really just need an open box, nothing too pretty. Has to match one of the dimensions above and hold water. Thanks for looking

Well if that's the case, with very little skill, you can make that yourself using 1/4" acrylic sheets. One way would be to order the sheets pre-cut to your dimensions and us Weld-On to bond the sheets. Or, if you have the tools and capability, buy a 4x8 sheet at HD and make it.

There are a few online sources for acrylic cut to size.

Here's one I made. It's next to the EA sump. I used a table saw to cut the sheet to size. If you have a saw, a fine tooth finish blade works well.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/bilk22/Reef%20Tank/Reef%20Tank/IMG_1355.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/bilk22/Reef%20Tank/Reef%20Tank/IMG_1448.jpg

[quagmire]

I'm almost at that point Bilk. I've used stuff off the shelf at HD for many small projects. Wasn't sure if it's the appropriate material for building a sump though. I remember discussing this with another member a couple years ago and got the impression that the stuff sold at HD is not the right material to use to construct a tank. I'm assuming he meant sumps as well. Hopefully he will chime in. If i can get the approval from enough reefers to use the HD grade acrylic i may end up building it myself.

[Vinny Kreyling]

John,
I made my old sump, essentially a 90 gallon tank but I went to an acrylic place & had them cut the pieces for me.
I used 1/4" but needed to brace the top for bowing.
If I was to do it again I would use a minimum of 3/16" material.

[Bilk]

I'm almost at that point Bilk. I've used stuff off the shelf at HD for many small projects. Wasn't sure if it's the appropriate material for building a sump though. I remember discussing this with another member a couple years ago and got the impression that the stuff sold at HD is not the right material to use to construct a tank. I'm assuming he meant sumps as well. Hopefully he will chime in. If i can get the approval from enough reefers to use the HD grade acrylic i may end up building it myself.The sump chamber I posted above is made of cast acrylic purchased at HD. Cast acrylic is cast acrylic for our purposes. The size you're looking at will obviously need to be made by someone as I don't think those dimensions are an off the shelf item. If you do end up making it, I would suggest some bracing on the top and maybe some thin strips on the bottom around the inside perimeter. These will offer some extra support. 20x20 would need some additional support to keep it from bowing.

I hate working with acrylic because it makes such a mess when cut with power tools. But it's not difficult. Just set the blade so it's not much more than 1/4" higher than the material to avoid heat buildup that could cause the cut to fuse together again. It's also easier if you buy smaller sheets to start with rather than a 4x8 unless you have a large run out table or some roller supports. How far out in Suffolk are you?

[Usernam Invalid]

Is there a local store that sells acrylic sheets beside HD or lowes I'm looking to build a new sump

[Vinny Kreyling]

I got mine in Westbury through the phone book.

[quagmire]

The sump chamber I posted above is made of cast acrylic purchased at HD. Cast acrylic is cast acrylic for our purposes. The size you're looking at will obviously need to be made by someone as I don't think those dimensions are an off the shelf item. If you do end up making it, I would suggest some bracing on the top and maybe some thin strips on the bottom around the inside perimeter. These will offer some extra support. 20x20 would need some additional support to keep it from bowing.

I hate working with acrylic because it makes such a mess when cut with power tools. But it's not difficult. Just set the blade so it's not much more than 1/4" higher than the material to avoid heat buildup that could cause the cut to fuse together again. It's also easier if you buy smaller sheets to start with rather than a 4x8 unless you have a large run out table or some roller supports. How far out in Suffolk are you?


I'm leaning towards ordering pre cuts.
Going to look into prices.
Nice job on your project btw.
I'm in wading river
Thanks for your help

[quagmire]

John,
I made my old sump, essentially a 90 gallon tank but I went to an acrylic place & had them cut the pieces for me.
I used 1/4" but needed to brace the top for bowing.
If I was to do it again I would use a minimum of 3/16" material.


Thanks for the tip Vinny. Pre cuts looks like the way to go.