is plexiglass/lexan good for a sump?

[DannieH42]

I am thinking about building a sump for under my 125g. I am trying to go the economical route and was going to use rubbermaid containers, but I cannot find one the right size. The sump has to be less than 14.25" wide. I have read a lot of posts about using acrylic and how expensive it is. I know there are reasons you would want to use this for a tank, but are there any reasons not to use cheaper pexiglass or lexan for a sump?

[Bkndsdl]

I have a Tidepool sump I'll sell for $25............I just replaced it w/a sump refugium. It works great; has several slots for filters, carbon, etc. Even has a big biowheel....Here's a pic:



Lemme know if you're interested.

[Bkndsdl]

To answer your question, Plexiglass will get brittle and crack over time. Acrylic or Lexan won't.

[lwready]

Mike,

I gave myself a Tidepool for Christmas. (kicking myself now that I know the price of yours) Looking at your picture I'm trying to figure out how your skimmer is plumbed.

Currently I have my skimmer HOB and would like to place one in the sump instead.

Any suggestions.

Larry

[Bkndsdl]

Larry, my skimmer is just sitting in the sump; the pump is submersible.

What brand skimmer do you have? I had a BakPak look-alike on my 30g, and I had planned on setting it in the sump and getting a longer piece of hose to drop the pump to the bottom of the sump. It'll work, but it's a pain because it takes up so much room.

If you could raise the tidepool up, you might have enough room to hang your skimmer on the side of it.

[DannieH42]

call me @ 604-6573 and we will discuss the details.

[Scott]

I think the cheaper plexi is extruded which will not work. You have to use cast acrylic.