pic of acrylic tank being built

[Mackman]

Hello all.

I have been working on my tank the last few days and thought i would post a pic as to where i am on the project, I will tell you it has been more difficult then i first thought, you have to be so precise and the acrylic is dang heavy for me to move alone now that alot of the tank is together.
I will post more pics now that i am nearing completed
ohhh dimentions are 60long 22 wide and 22 tall, overflows are 7x7
I soon hope to have it on the stand i built with water running in the whole system, totally built by myself!

Cya :)

Mack

[harmonic]

Looks great! Those dimensions will make for a nice profile I think. Couple things I'd like to ask, if you don't mind...

The tank being 22" tall, what thickness acrylic did you use?

When you were researching/questioning or purchasing the acrylic, were you recommended to use "cell-cast" acrylic, or did nobody mention it at all?

Are you using regular, non-glare, or scratch resistant acrylic?

I've been working with acrylic too, and have finished several successful but small projects. (You sure are right about the precision involved!) I have plans to build a semi-large FOWLR tank of 96"long, 22"high, and 13"wide. As this is the same height as yours, any thickness and cementing requirements should be the same. Just wondering what went into your decisions on choosing the acrylic itself, so I can have something to compare to. It's hard to find anyone with any real experience in working with acrylic. Thanks!

[phistio]

looks like it's comming along great!!!

also. don't know of your plans, but i would recommend going with at least 1/2" thick x 4" wide euro bracing all the way around the top...one piece. the euro bracing gives the tank a nice open top, yet the strength and durability of a joist center braced tank. it's easier to maintenance, and easier to fit larger size rocks in the tank.

best of luck!!! :D if you have any technical questions, i recommend you ask steve frosti (a.k.a. the "acrylicman.") he has a supperior knowledge of custom acrylic making, and is always willing to help those venturing the craft.

steve can be reached at: http://www.displaycollectables.com

[Mackman]

I built it out of 3/8 inch acrylic, i was planning on using more 3/8 stock for a 2 1/2 inch trim around the top for added strength.
The acrylic is cast plexiglas i think made by atopina.
I am using black for the back and overflows.
I did not look into scratch resistant acrylic (i didnt know theres a difference).
But let me know and i will look into for my next project.

Mack

[tangwang]

I agree with phistio. I have alot of experience with acrylic sumps and tanks, and I have found it much more durable if a complete sheet of acrylic is used for the top, with cutouts for access. The cutouts can be made with a Jigsaw, or sable saw, with blades made specifically for acrylic. Even with a brace that goes around the whole perimeter, you are still likely to get some bowing of the long sides, with a tank of this size. With a one-piece top, that likeliness of bowing drops to almost nothing. I know this post is a little late, but may be good for future reference.

[perfekshun]

What is better to use for making a fish tank acrylic, glass, or plexiglass? What would the approximate cost to build one 3 x 1 1/2 x 2? What is the skill level required?

[elvictre]

I would love to know how to do this. I am planning a 8 to 10 foot wide tank with a height of 3 feet and a depth of 2 to 3 feet. I am scared to crap to do something like this and have it burst. I was looking at tanks from glasscages but I don't like they way they look and acrylic tank guys want a ton of dough. I would love to know how to build a tank this big.

[george1098]

how may i ask did you join your edges? meth chloride or something ells?

[evoracer]

What is better to use for making a fish tank acrylic, glass, or plexiglass? What would the approximate cost to build one 3 x 1 1/2 x 2? What is the skill level required?

Plexyglass is Acrylic. And I feel that Acrylic is better then glass. The skill level--Well, you will have salt water in your house, so the skill level I would call HIGH, as precision and experience are both keys to success. But it really isn't that hard with the right equipment and some instruction.