Custom Acrylic Sump
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: DIY
Forum Description: Do it Yourself
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42474
Printed Date: June 21 2026 at 8:41pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Custom Acrylic Sump
Posted By: smacky
Subject: Custom Acrylic Sump
Date Posted: July 25 2010 at 6:29pm
There isn't a whole lot of room in the stand under my 46 gallon bowfront and I want to be able to get as much volume in the sump as I can. I made a model of my idea on SketchUp and wanted to know what everyone thought of it. It's essentially 32x11x20, with a smaller box sticking out of the back. Like this: Here's the view from the side.  And from the top.  The box that sticks out will have a shelf for the return pump to sit on and I will put a couple of baffles in it to have the water move like this.  What does everybody think of this? Will 3/16" acrylic be strong enough? Where is a good source of cut acrylic or a place that does custom acrylic work? |
Replies:
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: July 25 2010 at 6:51pm
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If it was me and I didn't want to run a carbon reactor I would get rid of the small box in back and just put baffles up for each section, intake, sock skimmer ,refugium with algae scrubber( I have an ecobac reactor instead) and a compartment for your return pump. Make it simple but functionable. ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: tcfab
Date Posted: July 25 2010 at 7:10pm
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You will want to use alot thicker then 3/16" it will bow badly. Are you planning on doing a eurobrace on top? I would say you need 3/8" thick with eurobrace or I would quite possibly use 1/2 with a 20" tall no eurobrace. You can get your acrylic from either Regional supply or Delvies Plastics ------------- Need custom acrylic work? give me a call, www.Elite-Aquatics.net (801)645-6386 |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: July 25 2010 at 7:16pm
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Tyler builds stuff better than any factory can!!! If it was me I would have him build it. His prices are very reasonable too. ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: smacky
Date Posted: July 25 2010 at 7:18pm
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It's 20" tall and 11" front to back. Where can I get 3/8 inch acrylic? Somebody's signature says something about custom acrylic work, does anybody remember who that is?
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Posted By: tcfab
Date Posted: July 25 2010 at 7:18pm
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me? ------------- Need custom acrylic work? give me a call, www.Elite-Aquatics.net (801)645-6386 |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: July 25 2010 at 7:19pm
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Tcfab!! See my above post ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: smacky
Date Posted: July 25 2010 at 7:19pm
| Right, call me Mr. Observant. I'll call you tomorrow. |
Posted By: laynframe
Date Posted: August 07 2010 at 9:56am
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I saw your sump tcfab built you, and its really nice your going to love it! ------------- The time we enjoy wasting isn't wasted time!!!! |
Posted By: smacky
Date Posted: August 07 2010 at 10:00am
| We ended up getting rid of the extra box on the back and going with a regular rectangle. I'm picking it up tomorrow and can't wait. |
Posted By: tcfab
Date Posted: August 07 2010 at 6:48pm
  ------------- Need custom acrylic work? give me a call, www.Elite-Aquatics.net (801)645-6386 |
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: August 07 2010 at 6:57pm
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Everything Tyler makes is awesome! He is for sure a real craftsmen! I don't mean sears either!! Love the probe holders ------------- Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!! |
Posted By: laynframe
Date Posted: August 08 2010 at 8:39pm
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So what do you think of your sump? ------------- The time we enjoy wasting isn't wasted time!!!! |
Posted By: smacky
Date Posted: August 09 2010 at 12:01am
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I just got home and put the skimmer in the sump and the sump in the stand. The stand is small, and we had to make the sump pretty narrow, but it all fits and looks great. I couldn't be happier. I take that back, I'd be happier with a bigger tank, but this works too. I can't wait to plumb it. |