Acrylic Box for ATS

[bfoleyiii]

I am leaning twords building an ATS to run on my 90 rather than running some phosban/biopellet reactor(s) and was wondering if using the .093 stuff from HD would support the weight of the 1" PVC and the mesh ok or should I use the .220.

I am looking at an open bottom box about 11" tall x 11" wide x 3" deep that would basicly sit over the end of my sump at 20g. The open bottom would drain directly into the sump with the box pretty much only there to support the PVC and act as splash proection ensuring all the water makes it down into the sump without any spray.

Anyone have any ideas on what I could use to attach the top PVC to the pump line that would be like a union, but not quite as large in diameter. I don't want to put too much weigh or have to extend the top piece of PVC too far off the box as I am expecting that this will just sit on the edge of my sump as I'm not entirely sure how I would clamp it down as I do need to be able to manuver the box weekly to clean the mesh.

Thanks

[kkiel02]

So you are running the ATS off the return to the display? Im just trying to get a picture of it in my head.

[hobogato]

I would use the 1/4" thick acrylic. also, the acrylic that you would get at allied plastics or regal seems to be easier to cut cleanly and assemble (not to mention cheaper) than the stuff at the hardware store. you may also want to add euro bracing for added support.

[bfoleyiii]

I would run it off its own pump (or I would have to upgrade my current return).

Thanks for the quick response, I was thinking about the euro bracing and guess a couple of strips extra isnt a big deal to add cost wise. But I am sure this will be like any other trip to the LFS or project that only cost $20.

Does allied or regal only seel full and half sheets or will they have smaller cuts available?

[txav8r]

They will sell any size you need. Regal also has a scrap pile that you can pick through. Allied does as well but it tends to be exclusive to repeat customers like the resident hobo...