Quick ? before I start a DIY project

I'm going to build a DIY refug to fit my BC 29 and had a few questions before I buy the supplies. It's going to have a 16" square base and 12" height. I was going to build it out of cut pieces of acrylic. So, first question, would a waterproof silicone based adhesive be enough to glue all the sides together, basically like any smaller glass aquarium is built? Or would I need to use some kind of corner brackets on the outside?

 

Edit

 

Silicone does not adhere to acrylic like it does glass. People can get away with using silicone on acrylic in a sump made from a pre-existing aquarium because the silicone adheres to the glass and forms a wedge to keep the acrylic in place, you would have to use weld-on # 4 on the joints for acrylic. At that size, 1/8 acrylic might bow, but anything larger should be fine without bracing, if you're concerned about it, you could use a euro-style bracing along the top seam.

Melevsreef.com - Welcome! has some awesome info for custom acrylic work.

 

Thanks for the info. I was planning on using .202" thick, i think that's the actual size, acrylic. Didn't want to take the chance with something weak.

 

You definitely need Weld-On for this project. Not exactly easy to come by, at least in my area. It's an industrial product, so Home Depot, Lowes and the other hardware stores don't carry it.

It also takes a bit of practice to do it right. I built 2 overflows before I ended up just buying one, and overflows are easier since they're not as big as a tank.

 

I've never been able to find it locally, this is where I order it from Weld-On, Adhesive, Plexiglass, Plastic, Glue, Adhesive, Novus, Plastic Polish, Brillianize, Solvent Applicators

 

I got it from a place called TAPPlastics, online.