building 180 gal.

[mdo135]

I want to build a 180 gal. aquarium this sumer. I have a few questions.

1. Glass or Acrylic?

2. average cost?

3. Would it be cheaper to just buy an aquarium?

4. What about a plywood aquarium, with just one side glass (an idea I found on the net) is this a good idea?

5. how thick should the glass be? (long style aquarium not tall)

any advice and/or pics would be great! thanks

[cvermeulen]

Google and read. Spend some hours, then make a plan.

My 185 (W.I.P.) is plywood and glass... and there is no real average cost. Some people will say $1/gal.... but I think that's way out to lunch. Mine has cost about $1200 so far if I had to take a shot in the dark. All the small things add up. Just glass and plywood came out to about $400... but that's hardly everything I needed to buy.

[DasArab]

Why build a 180 when you could pick one up cheap and already build for the same money and less hassel?

[Mystix212]

Ebay. You can pick 180's up for 200 bucks. Sometimes you come across a deal thats about $300-500 but includes Eheim filter, stand, the works.

If you are wanting to build, make it 6x2x2 and have 10-12ml glass. Acrylic is much lighter but cost is far greater. But you have the money. Go it.