Plexe Glass Sump

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savage21

Guest
This may be my lucky day :D . I just got a sheet pf plexe Glass 4X8 1/2 thick for free :happy: . Can i build a sump/ refugium out of it :notsure:. If that is the case I am worried if the glue will hold up. I know there is a special kind of glue :notsure: what the name of it is and can i cut the sheet with a skill saw? from earlier post you see I'm setting up a 135 gal. tank. I can get a tank cheap but there is nothing like building your oun. It makes you look smarter :D or everyone on this board will make me look samrt
Any suggetion will help
 
pyro

pyro

Active Member
workign with acrylic is a skill. I've never tried it myself, but if you search for it on google, you'll turn up several sites telling you the tools you'll need and basic directions.
Good Luck!
 
squidd

squidd

Active Member
I'm not a fan of building with acrylic...
Tools and material is expensive, "cuts" and edges need to be "perfect", glue is "specialized", hard to find and costly, and if you don't get it right the first time you SOL...
I like glass for the "opposite" of every reason stated above...
But, if you need help with the layout...give a shout...
 
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savage21

Guest
Squidd,
It was free:happy: and would like to give it a shot . what else can i use it for :help:
 
squidd

squidd

Active Member
You could make a nice "table top" out of it...:D J/K...
You can build a tank if you choose...Just that you will need a table saw or router table to make straight smooth cuts, they will have to be "perfectly" sized and you will need to find a supplier for the adhesives...
Probably not a good "starter project" unless you have a few practice projects under your belt ..Like a napkin holder or HOB overflow or something less "critical"...
At which point we wouldn't be having the "How do I cut this, Where do I find the "stuff"?? ...conversation....
Hang onto it...the stuff is expensive...do a few "simple" build ups and then maybe down the road you will have the confidence, skills and tools to tackle something like a tank...
 
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savage21

Guest
I have all the tools to do the job and pretty handy at wood working. come to think about it i can get a glass tank for 20 or 30 bucks and make one instead of investing 8 to 10 hours = 500.00 of my time
. what type of glue do i use to do that glass to plexe glass :notsure:
 
squidd

squidd

Active Member
Are you thinking of just adding the baffles to a glass tank...??
100% silicone works great on Glass to Glass...and will do O.K. on Glass to Acrylic "IF" the Acrylic is "thick/stiff" enough NOT to bow or flex...If it moves at all it will pull loose...
Again if you are looking at "L"s "U"s or boxes out of Acrylic you will need the specialized Acrylic adhesives to go Acrylic to Acrylic...
 
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savage21

Guest
Glass to Acrylic is what i'm thinking how thick should it be :notsure: should i need to start another post for my lighting for a 135 gal 72x24x35 from what im look at lights will be anywhere from 500-1000 seams like alot
 
squidd

squidd

Active Member

Originally posted by savage21
Glass to Acrylic is what i'm thinking how thick should it be :notsure:
It's going to depend a bit on how big or long the piece is but for most fuge type baffles 1/4" should give sufficient stregnth...
You just don't want something that will flex or bow when the water pushes against it...
.... for my lighting for a 135 gal 72x24x35 from what im look at lights will be anywhere from 500-1000 seams like alot

It is a lot...
But that's the way it is...
Now if your "electrically" handy and can get your hands on an electrical supply book, you should be able to save a bit on transformers and recepticals...Then shop on line for good pricing on GOOD bulbs...
 
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savage21

Guest
Squidd
i see a place that sells light you put together it's northcoastmarines something can you E-mail me on some ideas off that :help: my plan is to get the tank stand and lights at the end of Dec.
stratos283@comcast.net
 
skysurfrsb

skysurfrsb

New Member
I've worked with acrylic a few times. some helpfull hints,cuts do have to be acurate & square. there is alot of types of gule for acrylic. For example a #4 is thin like water and drys real fast. a# 16 is kind of thick like model cement. I like #16 by the way if you can, use a plywood blade & put it on the saw backwards. cuting to fast can crack the acrylic.
pros & cons with both mats. Glass sticks well with silacone. glass is hard to cut and drill. Acrylic, cuts easy and drills easy. cuts need to be presice. hopes this helps a little
p.s. 1/2" is strong and expensive
 
oscardeuce

oscardeuce

Active Member
Here is what I used.
http://cgi.----.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...856416295&rd=1
As was pointed out your cuts need to be perfecly strainght as the glue is a solvent ant works by melting the acylic together. If there is no contact, no joint will forrm, and the unit will leak.
You can back it up with silicone if you want. A sump is a good project, maybe make a 1ftX1ft box out of it for practice.
 
skysurfrsb

skysurfrsb

New Member
FYI Oscardeuce I just bought a 5 oz. tube of the same tube of glue that you gave the e-bay link too. for $3.15 at S&W plastics here in ca. So I think if people look around they can get it cheaper plus no shipping
 
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savage21

Guest
I WILL MAKE ONE OUT OF GLASS how big should it be for a 135 gal. i will put plexe glass divders in it .
 
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