Planning a new acrylic tank from scratch.

[IndicaINA]

Hello guys, I'm thinking of building a new Acrylic tank. so there are a few questions about the materials needed and on the build itself.

So i have a couple of questions regarding the acrylic sheet, I know that it is best to use cell cast type but how do I know that the acrylic sheet that I will get from my supplier is indeed cell cast and not some cheap thick plastic. Do you acquire some kind of certificate from the purchase or is there an indicator for example a Logo, watermark or anything at all to help tell the difference?
Any specific brand names that you guys have worked with with excellent result, or are they all just the same?

I don't mind spending some of my hard earned money if I get what I pay for. The world is full of lies and half truth's, especially in a third world country.

And the second question is about the welding agent. I understand that it works by melting and bonding the sheets together. so I went to ace hardware to get the stuff, but they don't have a clue of what i'm trying to find (weld on 4). does this welding agent have a chemical name so I can purchase it at a Chemical supplier?

Any input and suggestions would be great. thank you for your time.

 

[hawkeye405]

The Cell Cast acrylic is wrapped with paper that has Cell Cast written all over it. The extruded acrylic comes wrapped in a blue plastic and is cheap stuff. The difference between the two is the noticed when you work with it. The Cell Cast machines very well where as the extruded tends to melt even when cutting on a table saw or drilling.

The Weld-On 4 can be purchased at the same place you buy the acrylic sheet.

 

[IndicaINA]

The Cell Cast acrylic is wrapped with paper that has Cell Cast written all over it. The extruded acrylic comes wrapped in a blue plastic and is cheap stuff. The difference between the two is the noticed when you work with it. The Cell Cast machines very well where as the extruded tends to melt even when cutting on a table saw or drilling.

The Weld-On 4 can be purchased at the same place you buy the acrylic sheet.

Thank you for the information, aside from the wrapping is there anything else? how about branded cell cast?

 

[hawkeye405]

There really is nothing else that I'm aware of. You have to trust your supplier. There is only around a $30 difference between Cast and Extruded.

 

[hawkeye405]

I would also drill any holes for plunbing before welding it all together. Also, keep the paper on until the welding is complete. Just peel it away from the edges about and inch. This will protect the acrylic from scratches and solvents.

 

[cantrell00]

The active ingredient in Weld On is DiChloroMethane.

 

[cantrell00]

Also...

I would experiment with several smaller projects before taking on something large.

Mistakes are extremely expensive.

 

[IndicaINA]

I would also drill any holes for plunbing before welding it all together. Also, keep the paper on until the welding is complete. Just peel it away from the edges about and inch. This will protect the acrylic from scratches and solvents.

Okay thanks for the tip.

The active ingredient in Weld On is DiChloroMethane.

thanks mate, i will look into that later.

Also...

I would experiment with several smaller projects before taking on something large.

Mistakes are extremely expensive.

I have thought about that, i will do a smaller experiment with the scraps. i can't afford a mistake, big $ is on the line.

Uarujoey's channel on youtube will be my guide on my first acrylic tank, it is easy to understand and its thorough. very recommended for people who's looking to build their first acrylic tank.

Another question regarding acrylic tanks. i am planning on building a tank with these specs, Length 125 cm, Width 75 cm, and height 100 cm.
i used an online acrylic tank calculator and the results told me to get a 1.1" acrylic tank with the top on. is that an accurate calculation?

should i get a thicker sheet for the bottom or is 1.1" all around good enough.

Thank you for the replies, and keep it going.

 

[hawkeye405]

I use a few straight pins in the joint to be welded. I then use weld-on 16 which I squeeze into the joint. I then pull the straight pins out and allow the two pieces to bond together. Weld-on 16 is thicker than Weld-on 4. I also use electrical tape to hold all the acrylic together so the bonding agent can work. It takes a lot of practise to get good results. You need to use a router with a straight bit on all the edges to be bonded. I do rough cuts first and then route the edges smooth and square. This results in a clear seam without bubbles.

 

[cantrell00]

Joey's methods of joining are certainly easier to do but I wouldn't rely on butt joints in an aquarium.

For a sump, etc- sure.

Google "pin and shim" method of welding acrylic.

Much more reliable than panel to panel butt joining IMO.