Is it worth DIY-ing a sump from a spare tank?

[ervine]

Hi guys,

Got a spare tank that's just right for my new sump but it doesn't come with any paritions inside.

How difficult/possible is it to DIY my own partitions? I've done it before but with spare acrylic lying around, was hoping to use glass instead but I'm afraid if I screw up the measurements the glass won't fit.

Any advice on where I can get glass cut to size for me as well as how best to go about siliconing the insides?

Thanks!

Ervine

[aftermath]

Glass partition will be better compare to acrylic but cutting of glass are more difficult then arcylic cos u have to be very accurate. ur arcylic is best to be at least 5mm thick for partition. if not, after awhile the the silicone and acrylic will give way

for acrylic cutting is easy and safe, jus get a acrylic cutter(looks like a pen knife) and a filing tool from those $1 shop.

see here:

http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=44500

[ervine]

but the problem is acrylic (unless like >8mm) will bow under pressure?

I know if I can get acrylic then it's easy to machine, but glass I can't possibly shave off like a few mm at a time right?

[aftermath]

yes u can, u need to get a filing drill from hardware shop. jus tell them its for filing glass. also u need a drill gun too.

for cutting, u need a glass cut pen and a few plywood to support it while breaking it.

cheers

[ervine]

what's the filing dril for?

[nakazoru]

Check the price of the sump you wanted from the tank maker. Sometimes it is cheaper to get them to make as it may be cheaper to DIY.

The raw material you buy and rework sometimes is not worth it.

[ervine]

yeah that's what I thought too.. just the transportation of the tank from maker to home will be a problem...

[nicholas_yeo]

guys, why bother to cut your own acrylic?

Just measure to size and send your order to dama.com.sg.. (not selling for them but I bought a few from them and they have good price / service so far)

it is cheap and they will cut it to your required size.... save the trouble

If u want stronger... u can get thicker version (as they for sizes) or polycarbonate sheet... they looks like acrylic but much stronger...

On the other hand, glass maker now make cheap sump to your spec as well... could be well under $80/- depend on your design / size..