acrylic cylinders

[eric2524]

Does anyone know where I can get/order acrylic cylinders? I would be looking at making it into a round aquarium, it would have to be atleast 3 feet across.

[ManInTheJar]

maybe this will help. be prepared to spend!! http://www.blanson.com/products.htm :smokin:

[adiver]

Total Plastic I know they have a web site I dont have the address at home, But I do know they carry them.

[Acrylics]

lookin at prolly $800-1000 per linear foot, so ya know.

www.reynoldspolymer.com

James

[eric2524]

Really why so much? Where do they manufacture or sell these??? I still can not find any wider than 6".

[Acrylics]

'cuz there's only one company (Reynolds) in the US that makes anything over 27.625" dia, and they basically charge what they wish.
I've always kept up to 18" dia in stock but even that goes for ~$200/ft.
Reynolds makes their's in Colorado, you can buy direct from them or from any plastic distributor such as GEPolymershapes or Laird but you will be getting Reynolds material.
After 36" OD, you go to 44.5" OD($1000/ft) then 72"OD($2k/ft) then 96"OD($4k/ft)

James

[gixxerrder1371]

Holy toleedo


Would be nice if a large cyclindrical tank could be done cheeply.


Gixx.

[MarkS]

Originally posted by gixxerrder1371
Holy toleedo


Would be nice if a large cyclindrical tank could be done cheeply.


Gixx.

It can, but you'll need to be able to thermoform a large sheet of acrylic.

[Acrylics]

Originally posted by MarkS
It can, but you'll need to be able to thermoform a large sheet of acrylic. And then cast together. However, every formed cyclinder tank I have seen, without exception, has failed within just a few short years (2-5) after being built.
I can't say whether it's the residual stress of being formed or what, but what almost invariably happens is the seams start crazing badly and eventually fail, or the bottom joint where the cylinder meets the bottom fails.

Happy shopping :)

James

[dattack]

So are the Rk2 skimmers made from acrylic sheets are they actually molded cylinders?

[gixxerrder1371]

I wouldnt trust thermoforming a large sheet of acrylic into a cylinder . . . Its seems that just as ACRYLICS said eventually the stress would be too much..

Gixx.

[MarkS]

Originally posted by dattack
So are the Rk2 skimmers made from acrylic sheets are they actually molded cylinders?

Yes.

[eric2524]

Does anyone know anthing about thermal molding? Is it possiable to melt acrylic or a clear substance and mold it into a cylinder?

[eric2524]

I did get a reply from a manufacture and here are the results. Just like frags, the product price is nice but shipping is a bit$%.


Blanson supply large numbers of tubes to the USA but for pharmaceutical or hyperbaric chamber manufacture. We have 10 or more off-cuts, 44 inches in diameter, 20 to 24 inches high plus 2 off 32 inch diameter, 72 inches high.

44" Outside diameter (40" internal diameter) offcuts polished price US$ 500 each ex works

32" Outside diameter (30" internal diameter) tube polished price US$ 2000 each ex works

Seafreight e.g. to Florida for 2 tubes would be US$ 1900.

[tdog44632]

www.aquartaquariums.com has cylinders for sale. Look on their specials page, they have some discounted. FWIW

Tony

[H20ENG]

FYI,
The RK2 skimmers are thermoformed sheets. Ours was not solvent welded, but hot air welded with pvc rod. Maybe the rod was welded on after the glue joint?

[eric2524]

Originally posted by tdog44632
www.aquartaquariums.com has cylinders for sale. Look on their specials page, they have some discounted. FWIW

Tony

These are more expensive than getting one custom made (500.00) and shipped from over seas (1900.00).

Those things are over 3000.00

Who would have thought that such a simple, clean design would cost so much!!!