Plastics question

[Ben1]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum, I figured a faster answer may come here.

Whats the difference between lexan, Plexiglass, and acrylic sheeting?

I am building a new sump and want to buy the right material, I already have some weld on 4, 16 needle applicators and a router with the proper bits. Just was looking at these materials and dont know the difference :?:

 

[Len]

Plexiglass is one of many trade/brand names for acrylic. Lexan is a different type of polymer (it's polycarbonate). It's more durable but scratches very easily, making it questionable for tank building. I'm not sure how to join/glue Lexan either. Most lexan products (actually, all the ones I know) are preformed. This might be the real reason why it isn't used for aquariums.

 

[Ben1]

Gotcha thanks Len, I am going to order up some plexi then. I just spent a bunch of time reading up on the pin method of glueing and hope I am not just wasting money on the material. Will be fun to mess around though!

 

[iseeweed]

Are you building the entire sump, or just adding chambers in a glass tank??

 

[Ben1]

The entire sump. I think it looks like a fun project, and can get some expierence working with acrylics this way. I wont start till next week but I am unhappy with my 20 Long I glued baffles in that I am currently using as a sump.

 

[iseeweed]

The entire sump. I think it looks like a fun project, and can get some expierence working with acrylics this way. I wont start till next week but I am unhappy with my 20 Long I glued baffles in that I am currently using as a sump.

Yeh, my 20 long with baffles works, but I would love a nice custom sump with a built in refugium! Good luck with the project-I'm sure I will need some pointers if I try

 

[iseeweed]

Where are you getting your acrylic? When I put baffles in my sump, I got the materials at home depot, and it was very expensive. Is there a good source for inexpensive acrylic?

 

[Ben1]

I am going to home depot today to see what they have but if its not compairable I need to order from usplastics.com whre it is $40 for a 24" x 48" x 1/4" sheet

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/varian ... 5Fid=44363

I already have weld on 4 and 16 so should be good on solvent I just need to go to home depot to get some squares to use so figured I would check out their sheets why I am there. First today I have to run to one of my LFS' but thats an hour drive. So I wont be home til 3 today then have to run to HD, then when I get home I gotta mow the freakin lawn. At some point I gotta run to the mall and buy my ex father in law a Eagles hat since I am taking him to the eagles carnival tomorrow to get some autographs. I got a busy day and I just woke up at 11 lol.

I'll post pictures of my work if it comes out decent, if not I;ll try again. I would like to be able to work my way into making some of my own gear from simple things like photo boxs and sumps to skimmers and who knows what else. I have a toy store so would be able to make some of my own displays for things this way also.

 

[Anonymous]

also make sure you're getting cast, not extruded sheet. There's a difference and performance (and unfortunately price as well)

check to see if there's a TAP plastics in Philly. You might be able to pick some up cheaper than paying shipping.

B

 

[Ben1]

Yeah I have to see if there is a local Tap plastics. I went to HD but didnt buy anything. The sold crystalite acrylic sheeting but the largest thickness was .220 and I am not sure I I wanted 1/4" or a bit thicker yet. Hopefully I end up making something funtional and leak free lol.

 

[Ben1]

Well what Ive learned so far is I suck at cutting things, and suck at glueing things.....

After refitting some of the pieces, and bonding a piece on the wrong way it still isnt all to bad. I am going to bond the bottom piece on tonight. Then maybe the top tomorrow and Ill water test it on sunday but it will be a miricle if it doesnt leak in like 10 places lol.

We will see.

 

[Anonymous]

Weldon 16 can fill gaps.

 

[Anonymous]

Weldon 16 can fill gaps.

But it can't perform miracles :lol:

 

[Anonymous]

Weldon 16 can fill gaps.

But it can't perform miracles :lol:

Indeed! I can walk again because of Weldon 16!

 

[Ben1]

Well here is what I ended up with. I messed up the eurobracing, I thought with the edge guide on the router I'd be able to just glide around the outside and make the corners neat but I ended up cutting into them instead....anyhow as long as it doesnt leak it will be functional. If it does leak I do have some weld on 16 on hand lol. I am going to add an inflow chamber like melev does and possibly a fuge section if I can fit it so I can get rid of my 15 h I am using as a fuge now.

When safe for me to water test it? I glued the bottom last night and top today?

Hey its my first try at this so, not bad for a 1st try right?

 

[Ben1]

BTW full it hold 31 gal and running level it holds 20 gal.

 

[Ben1]

I may be the only one reading this thread but to give my self a pat on the back, I filled it today and no leaks!!! Woo Hoo! No bowing or anything either, it is sitting filled to the brim right now, now I am going to add some probe brackets to it and the inflow chamber and then when time permits replace my old sump.

8)

 

[Anonymous]

sweet.

I use a flush cut bit on the router with a guide. Always clamp the guide on the side you want to keep! The guide will prevent the router from biting in.

B

 

[Anonymous]

Looks good!

 

[Ben1]

Thanks! I am happy with it. Now I am going to try to make some displays for my toy store. Should be fun.