Any Tips?

[PredatoryFishMagazine]

I'm planning on building a tank 144" x 48" x 36" sometime in the next few months. I've never built a tank before, so if anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it.

[M|L]

you've never built a tank before and you're jumping to make such a large tank???? sorry for being so pessimistic but you're on the way to have a -MAJOR- flooded floor.:(

our member Lajudoka has experience in DIY acrylic aquariums, I'm sure he can assist you.

[piranha45]

I think just buying the glass/acrylic will cost you as much as buying a pre-made tank from a regular aquarium seller-- they get their materials much cheaper.

[PredatoryFishMagazine]

I would just buy one that's custom made to that size, but the problem is it wouldn't fit through my door. I pretty much have to have it put together inside the house. If there's anyone who lives near me and knows what they're doing, I'd be willing to pay for some extra help on this project.

[rayman45]

umm

look for a glass or palstic dealer

there are plenty around me

thay come and build in your house

[M|L]

You need some specialized tools to build this big tank... I tried making a 30"x6"x12" acrylic sump and it was not an easy task lol. :eek:

It involves much more than simple taking a few pieces of cut acrylic and slap them together...

oh, and I paid $40 for the acrylics (and $10 for the welding cement), I could've bought a 20g tank for $20 at a fish store.

[guesswho2005]

I'm planning on building a tank 144" x 48" x 36" sometime in the next few months. I've never built a tank before, so if anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it.


I'm building a 158' L x 96" deep x 60" tall. Look around and you will find a number of plywwod fiberglassed lined tanks that will work. Mine is going behind the wall with a 144" L x 48" w x 2" thick Acrylic front. Most acrlic tanks your size will require a pice at least 1" thick. Acrylic will bow out at lenghts over 60" I would use at least 1" to 1.5" min. Just a tip use cross supports every 24" to ensure proper reenforcements. My opion if your going to go all acrylic I would build a standard 6X2X2 tank first to learn. Acrylic bonding cement is not very forgiving and if you mix it wrong your manipulation time will be reduced and you may not be able to get the seems to fit right. I would also have the manufacture cut and grind all edges cost more but cutting is an art too.

[M|L]

Thickness of the acrylic (or glass) depends on the height, not the length.

[rayman45]

werd

[Dark Helion]

Provided the base is very flat and stable, and the top has adequate bracing, yes, height is the limiting factor, not so the length.

[Mystix212]

length is unlimited. Height may not be much more 3.5 feet if the glass is not more than 1". Or is that fine?

[Mystix212]

Forgot to add, bracing is very important. A 4-6" peice every 24"-30" will suffice.

[Tongue33]

I'm planning on building a tank 144" x 48" x 36" sometime in the next few months. I've never built a tank before, so if anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it.

This thread ought to help :)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38313

[Mystix212]

Caught my eye!