Saltwater & Reef

Wwidener · 01-14-2018, 03:01 AM

I'm considering building my next sump/tank. I see 1/2" acrylic at Home Depot and online at places like One Source LLC and wonder if this clear acrylic (plexiglass) is the same kind as used in aquariums. Is it?

**Sniperhank** · 01-14-2018, 02:04 PM

I am not sure. I know I used glass that I had cut there when I built my first one

agrasyuk · 01-14-2018, 02:22 PM

Home Depot carries two types of clear plastic sheeting - acrylic and polycarbonate.never worked with poly, I'm pretty sure the acrylic in HD is extruded. Aquariums are usually built from cast sheets not extruded. But I wouldn't hesitate using HD acrylic for something like a sump. Since it's usually hidden and does not have to look very presentable the flexible sheeting can be sufficiently reinforced with something.

coralbandit · 01-14-2018, 02:27 PM

I believe what HD lowes sells is not the same or of 'good enough' quality.
The acrylic[not plexi glass] sumps are made from 'cast acrylic' I believe.
I would use an aquarium from the DPG and make or buy the add ons . Silicone does not adhere to acrylic or plexi glass so you need to buy the proper adhesive if use acrylic.
I have made many sumps and they are easy..
Acrylic to acrylic is Weldon #4 or #16
Go glass and just use GE #1 silicone.
If you can cut glass just get an extra [20g for $20] tank at DPG and harvest the pieces.. That is the absolute cheapest way to build quality.

Wwidener · 01-14-2018, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coralbandit

I believe what HD lowes sells is not the same or of 'good enough' quality.
The acrylic[not plexi glass] sumps are made from 'cast acrylic' I believe.
I would use an aquarium from the DPG and make or buy the add ons . Silicone does not adhere to acrylic or plexi glass so you need to buy the proper adhesive if use acrylic.
I have made many sumps and they are easy..
Acrylic to acrylic is Weldon #4 or #16
Go glass and just use GE #1 silicone.
If you can cut glass just get an extra [20g for $20] tank at DPG and harvest the pieces.. That is the absolute cheapest way to build quality.

DPG = Dollar per Gallon??