Sheet Acrylic

FastFish720 · 08-07-2003, 02:51 PM

Does anyone know a place other than Home Depot that sells acrylic by a sheet and is willing to cut it? I'm making a sump with these dimensions:46x18x10. All of those numbers can be adjusted down, but not up. This sump would be about 38 gallons or something. What thickness acrylic should I use? 1/4"?

By chances does anyone have any sitting around that they'd be willing to cut and sell to me? I need 2:46x18 and 4:10x18

Crevalle · 08-07-2003, 02:56 PM

I think Greg Shields would recommend going up to 3/8" if it's over 14" in height. Since yours is only 10", I'd say wait for Greg to respond. That's quite a bit of water, and the pressure may be too much for 1/4".

FastFish720 · 08-07-2003, 03:04 PM

Well I found a place that quoted me for 80 bucks for everything cut. So it can't be too much for 3/8 and it just might be worth it anyways. The 18" is not final either.

David Grigor · 08-07-2003, 03:19 PM

I made a sump out of 1/4" that was 48"L X 16"H X 20" W. It has held up just fine since Summer of 2000. You do have to reinforce the top. However, if it isn't too much more 3/8" would be good peace of mind.

geshields · 08-07-2003, 05:35 PM

So far everyone is correct.

16" or 18" is possibly fine with 1/4" so long as the top is reinforced by euro-bracing. It depends on the water level you plan on running. 6-8" of constant pressure (water level) on 1/4" is not bad.

3/8" would be about $40 more per sheet than 1/4" and is definitely harder to work with if you don't know what you are doing or don't have the proper tools.

14" height is max with no euro-bracing.

HTH,
Greg

FastFish720 · 08-07-2003, 10:27 PM

Well I was thinking about changing to 14" so I get better hand space in there. GPH would be about 550+ should I go with 1/4?

geshields · 08-07-2003, 10:42 PM

GPH won't matter. Only height will. 1/4" will be fine for 14"

Greg