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Where to buy Acrylic Tubes?

Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: DIY
Forum Description: Do it Yourself
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9816
Printed Date: July 09 2026 at 12:43am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Where to buy Acrylic Tubes?
Posted By: Lyscer
Subject: Where to buy Acrylic Tubes?
Date Posted: January 04 2006 at 9:06am
Anyone locally sell acrylic tubes?



Replies:
Posted By: jfinch
Date Posted: January 04 2006 at 9:28am
Yes, all the acrylic suppliers sell tube.  Check Regional Supply or Delvies.

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Jon

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6y_EzjI_ljbIwf2n5uNzTw" rel="nofollow - What I've been doing...



Posted By: Burton Marine
Date Posted: January 05 2006 at 2:27am
Bigger tube is expensive- especially cast acrylic tube.  That's one reason Euroreefs are more expensive than ASMs.  I bought some from Regional Supply so I know they have it. 


Posted By: Lyscer
Date Posted: January 05 2006 at 7:12am
so can I use acyrlic tubing or do I need the cast acrylic? what is the difference?


Posted By: jfinch
Date Posted: January 05 2006 at 8:27am
Cast acrylic is better for "in water" use, but I've built all my skimmers out of extruded acrylic and I haven't had any swelling issues.  You'll pay close to 5-7 times as much money for cast tube over extruded.

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Jon

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6y_EzjI_ljbIwf2n5uNzTw" rel="nofollow - What I've been doing...



Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: January 05 2006 at 8:28am

A word of advice:

Use this message board to discuss what you are planning to build and we can tell you the best way we have found to do it. For example, I understand that clear PVC tubing is cheaper than acrylic. Several people here have already closely examined DIY skimmers and built them, if that is what you are planning. Often the price of a used skimmer here makes building one a waste of time and money.

These are just some thoughtful comments so that you don't go and "re-invent the wheel".



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Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks:
www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244
Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member


Posted By: jfinch
Date Posted: January 05 2006 at 8:38am
I don't think you'll find clear PVC to be cheaper then acrylic.  When I was looking at using it for my kalk reactor, 4" clear PVC was substantially more expensive then extruded acrylic.  Maybe I was looking in the wrong places.  Where are you getting clear PVC?

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Jon

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6y_EzjI_ljbIwf2n5uNzTw" rel="nofollow - What I've been doing...



Posted By: Lyscer
Date Posted: January 05 2006 at 8:42am
I'm actually looking to modify my current skimmer that I have. You have to remove the whole air/water chamber to empty the collection cup and I want to put a coupling on the tube so that I can just pull the collection cup off and dump it but I want to build a whole new top just incase my idea doesn't work so then I can just put the original piece back on and no worries. Does that make sense? I know what I want to say but I'm not sure how clear that is.


Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: January 05 2006 at 8:52am

Originally posted by Lyscer Lyscer wrote:

but I'm not sure how clear that is.
Speaking of clear, I thought it was Jon that had mentioned clear PVC, but unfortunately I got it backwards about the cost.

What about a PVC or ABS coupler or other part to do what you want? Does it absolutely need to be transparent in the modification you are considering?



-------------
Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks:
www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244
Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member


Posted By: Lyscer
Date Posted: January 05 2006 at 9:31am
it doesn't need to be transparent but it would be a nice luxery. I have had some problems with the skimmer not foaming and by viewing the bubbles in the chamber I am able to tune it. what if I were to just cut the tube in half and put a pvc coupler in there and if it doesn't work glue it back together..... what do you think?


Posted By: jfinch
Date Posted: January 05 2006 at 9:58am

what if I were to just cut the tube in half and put a pvc coupler in there and if it doesn't work glue it back together..... what do you think?

I think it might be cheaper to just build a whole new skimmer 

What diameter?  Anything over about 2" will be special order I think.



-------------
Jon

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6y_EzjI_ljbIwf2n5uNzTw" rel="nofollow - What I've been doing...




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