150gal Acrylic Tank Project

[bassman24]

Hey everyone! So, I will be starting my 150gal project soon and I ran into some discouraging input with the acrylic supplier in my area. First of all he said "You need 6 months of practice seaming acrylic before starting a job like this or it WILL leak". Also he said cell-cast or not it will eventually leak no matter what! That sounds crazy to me. I have never seamed acrylic but I plan on practicing before I start on the main tank. Also, he said 3/8 thickness is not sufficient for a 150gal. The dimensions will be 84" length x 24.25" width x 17.25" height. According to: http://www.cichlidforum.com/articles/diy_acrylic_aquarium.php
3/8 thickness will be sufficient.
I am confident that I can do this on my own but, I would like to hear from some of you experienced builders before I start. Any input is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[mackattack702]

I used to cut acrylic and glass all the time at my last job. I've built storage boxes out of it windshields but never an aquarium. I also never seemed it either. I would just go to the hardware store and pick up there scraps and test it out. I also looked at the link you posted that guy looks to know what hes doing so if 3/8 worked for him I'm sure its fine. Let us know if it turns out good id like to try it in the future.

 

[bassman24]

I used to cut acrylic and glass all the time at my last job. I've built storage boxes out of it windshields but never an aquarium. I also never seemed it either. I would just go to the hardware store and pick up there scraps and test it out. I also looked at the link you posted that guy looks to know what hes doing so if 3/8 worked for him I'm sure its fine. Let us know if it turns out good id like to try it in the future.

Yeah, I'm gonna practice with some scraps before I start. I'll take pics of the process. It's not gonna be hard, I just don't enjoy the thought of 150 gallons of water in my living room. Know what I mean? So, I must be careful.

 

[CHOMPERS]

For the cost of a 150g and building one yourself, you are better off just buying one.

3/8" does not give a safety margin in a 150g whether it is acrylic or glass.

 

[amehel0]

i hate to disagree with u chompers but ive built(for myself) 4x2x18's out of 1/4"

although id rather do it out of 3/8" and i will when i get another 4 of theese.

now because your going in 7' length althought the end panels would be fine the sides wont. because your using acrylic imo, get 1/2" you get more glue contact area, more safety as well.

but chompers is right it will cost less to buy one.

 

[CHOMPERS]

Dissagreement is a good thing. It lets us hone our ideas and thoughts. The thing to keep in mind is that he doesn't want to flood his living room. Or at least he doesn't want to face the wife when he does He is building a 150g tank that is 84" long. To do so with minimal materials does not give him the safety margin that he needs. I agree that a garage tank can be minimal, but not for the living room. (Hell hath no fury...)

 

[bassman24]

I will look around for some good deals on acrylic tanks if I find one I guess I can save on the stand my making that. Hell hath no fury is right......