I have a 20 gallon long, and I have some 1/4 inch polycarbonate. Could I use the carbonate for a divider in the tank? I want to divide the tank longways so I can make a built in filter back there and maybe a refugium. I'm going to try setting it up saltwater next year when I am at college if it all works out. Anyways have any thoughts? Thanks.
20L DIY built in ilter?
- Thread starter born2lovefish
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I am assuming the tank is glass...
To be honest I don't think a quarter inch is thick enough... Any clear plastic is flexible if it is thin, I would try atleast 1/2" or a piece of glass would be best, otherwise I think the poly carbonate sheet would bend and break the silicon seals thereby ruing your filter or refugium...
To be honest I don't think a quarter inch is thick enough... Any clear plastic is flexible if it is thin, I would try atleast 1/2" or a piece of glass would be best, otherwise I think the poly carbonate sheet would bend and break the silicon seals thereby ruing your filter or refugium...
If you keep the pressure equal on both sides it should work. If you use sand in the refugium, that could be the biggest pressure point, but, if you divide that space and silicone dividers from glass to polycarbonate, that should re-enforce it enough to work.
Clean glass well and use silicone on both sides of polycarbonate.
I build a couple of these about 15 yrs ago and they never gave me a problem. Still going strong (I gave them to friends and they moved them to Canada too).
Good Luck,
Dr Joe
Clean glass well and use silicone on both sides of polycarbonate.
I build a couple of these about 15 yrs ago and they never gave me a problem. Still going strong (I gave them to friends and they moved them to Canada too).
Good Luck,
Dr Joe
Thanks. I plan to add divides behind it. Have a couple chambers back there for filter media and then my a refugium or something. The polycarbonate I have is pretty strong. I believe it is bullet proof. I even thought about putting two pieces of it together so it would make it 1/2 inch. That way I can put a background in between them or just paint the inner side of one so I can still drill through it for an overflow.
Ever see a program called MYTH-BUSTERS...they test the bullet-proof theory--All I need to say is ...Don't stand behind it. 
You'll have to seal all the way around the edges if you put 2 pieces together so you don't start an algae farm in between.
Quarter inch is fine for what your doing especially if you attach the filter dividers to both the glass & tank divider.
DIY forever,
Dr Joe
You'll have to seal all the way around the edges if you put 2 pieces together so you don't start an algae farm in between.
Quarter inch is fine for what your doing especially if you attach the filter dividers to both the glass & tank divider.
DIY forever,
Dr Joe
Yep, I have seen that show, just not that episode... I might just go with the 1/4 inch and who cares if you can see the filter behind through the glass.... Well, I might make the filter going the other way, that way you will only see a little of it. Then I can still have a background, which will probably just be a painted black one. Oh, do I have to buy special aquarium sealant or can I just go buy some clear silcone from lowes...?
For me, seeing the filter would be interesting, but not the wife.
You need one that doesn't have a mold & mildew preventitive . GE silicone 1 (one) is what most people use (me included). Don't use any that are for bathroom and kitchen.
Try Krylon fusion spray paint for plastic and let it dry for a couple of days before using it.
Take construction pics, I don't think anyones done it on this forum before.
Good luck and if I can be of any help, let me know.
Dr Joe
You need one that doesn't have a mold & mildew preventitive . GE silicone 1 (one) is what most people use (me included). Don't use any that are for bathroom and kitchen.
Try Krylon fusion spray paint for plastic and let it dry for a couple of days before using it.
Take construction pics, I don't think anyones done it on this forum before.
Good luck and if I can be of any help, let me know.
Dr Joe
Hey thanks! Does that GE silicone come in clear or only white? I was at lowes tonight, and all I found was every color except clear...Go figure. I hate to pay $8 a tube from a aquarium store, if I can get by with a $4 tube.... Oh, I checked out egg crate tonight too. Too bad I have to by that by the sheet...I am going to go to menards and ask them if they have any damaged ones.... I picked up a track light on clearance at lowes tonight for $1. I'm going to wire it up to a cord and use it for the refugium, that is, if I end up putting one in. Thanks again for the help. I'm sure I will have another question soon...I will take pictures when I build it so others can have the idea. Thanks!
Yes, it comes in clear and lowes should have it, Ours does and so does Home Depot. About $4 a tube is right.
Look for a compact florescent bulb (those curly ones) in a 5600 degree range (sun light) it will give off less heat.
Yea.. that egg crate is kinda expensive... see if you have a salvage places in your town, the kind that strips out business' & commercial properties.
Later,
Dr Joe
Look for a compact florescent bulb (those curly ones) in a 5600 degree range (sun light) it will give off less heat.
Yea.. that egg crate is kinda expensive... see if you have a salvage places in your town, the kind that strips out business' & commercial properties.
Later,
Dr Joe
Thanks. DO you know anything about diy lighting? I'm just wondering if I can buy some bulbs at lowes or medards that would work for a saltwater tank? I have a couple of those curly ones like you said. I was just not sure the were the right type light, as far as the color spectrum goes. THanks.