DIY Acrylic Sump

[stoney1118]

I have some acrylic bonding/fabrication experience, I am ready to order the material for the sump I have designed. Im looking for any input based on past experiences with acrylic sump or tank fabrication. Any pointers or information will be greatly appreciated! The sump dimensions are 60"x30"x30" if that helps! Thanks!

 

[grouper therapy]

Big sump! How thick of acrylic are you going with?

 

[jbdreefs]

I believe they recommend 1/2" for anything taller than 24".... but... I used 1/4" for my sump which is 16" tall (taller than the 12" recommendation I found) and everything is fine months later.

I'm sure you have done your homework, but I found some videos on you tube that were very helpful and very detailed. Here's a link to the first one.
http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=FYhfV7SvoRs">http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=FYhfV7SvoRs</a>

I don't know if you are making the cuts or not, but it's worth it to have the plant/store/whatever make the cuts. Edge prep should not be hurried through. I found it tough to take the time necessary to prep the edges for welding.

If you are making the cuts yourself, try to do it while moveing the table fence as few times as necessary. This will ensure uniform dimensions.

Good luck!

 

[stoney1118]

Ive planned to use 3/4" for the exterior panels and bottom, and prob 3/8" for the internals, and euro brace. what do you think?

Edit:

JBDreefs;754185 wrote: I believe they recommend 1/2" for anything taller than 24".... but... I used 1/4" for my sump which is 16" tall (taller than the 12" recommendation I found) and everything is fine months later.

I'm sure you have done your homework, but I found some videos on you tube that were very helpful and very detailed. Here's a link to the first one.
http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=FYhfV7SvoRs">http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=FYhfV7SvoRs</a>

I don't know if you are making the cuts or not, but it's worth it to have the plant/store/whatever make the cuts. Edge prep should not be hurried through. I found it tough to take the time necessary to prep the edges for welding.

If you are making the cuts yourself, try to do it while moveing the table fence as few times as necessary. This will ensure uniform dimensions.

Good luck![/QUOTE]
Thanks for the information! all the peices will be cut to my dimensions by the acrylic provider, so they should be very precise. If not, I have access to a plethora of CNC machines and table top milling machines! I have learned in my research to allow for thermal expansion when bonding the baffles!

 

[jbdreefs]

I think that's plenty.

 

[grouper therapy]

stoney1118;754189 wrote: Ive planned to use 3/4" for the exterior panels and bottom, and prob 3/8" for the internals, and euro brace. what do you think?

Edit:
Thanks for the information! all the peices will be cut to my dimensions by the acrylic provider, so they should be very precise. If not, I have access to a plethora of CNC machines and table top milling machines! I have learned in my research to allow for thermal expansion when bonding the baffles!

Sounds like you are on it. A nice flat surface and a spiral router bit and you are golden!

 

[stoney1118]

Awesome, thanks again for the input guys!