View Full Version : lexan ?
jaydsl
03-10-2009, 05:33 AM
if i can get lexan cheep , can i build my sump with it ?
brizzo
03-10-2009, 06:01 AM
I would avoid it, it's a lot more flexible than acrylic. Extruded acrylic should be cheaper than lexan...
Lexan is fine if sufficient thickness, it is stronger than acrylic...
Lexan is just GE's brand name for polycarbonate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycarbonate)
brizzo
03-10-2009, 06:34 AM
Lexan is fine if sufficient thickness, it is stronger than acrylic...
Lexan is just GE's brand name for polycarbonate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycarbonate)
Sorry when I said it is more flexible, I meant to say it's alot softer than acrylic. Tooling/routing/cutting lexan is very tough for someone who has never machined plastics...
Ever seen what happens to lexan if you try to router off too much? :razz:
try GE Plastics in Coquitlam. Not worth using polycarb for a sump because it will bow.
I have a CPR overflow and CPR refugium. Professionally manufactured and they're both bowed. Lucky for me, the CPR refugium is supported by a shelf. If not for the shelf, it would've broken for sure.
if you've never played with polycarb, you'll need to learn how to glue. you will also need a table saw with an 80 teeth carbide blade. glue costs 18$ per liter with a 90 day shelf life.
depending on the size of the you may need 3/8" thickness. 33 gal sump - approx 15 sq feet at 5$ per sq ft = 75$ + 18$ + 20$ (glue applicator) = 110$ for the sump. cheaper and safer to buy a used 33gal and have glass partitions added in.
hope it helps.
Sorry when I said it is more flexible, I meant to say it's alot softer than acrylic. Tooling/routing/cutting lexan is very tough for someone who has never machined plastics...
Ever seen what happens to lexan if you try to router off too much? :razz:
yes...
&
I did know what you meant...:)
jaydsl
03-11-2009, 01:15 AM
i see the cost to just getting a old tank , and the lexan i can probably get it cheeper then plexi i will see maybe the guy i know can just get me some plexi realy cheep :)
thanks guys
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