Cheap 140 gallon tank

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
X

X24

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 19, 2007
2,592
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Nebraska
Well since i am going to need/want an upgrade in my tank this next summer, i just came up with an idea for a plywood tank with some nice dimensions.

My idea is to buy a very cheap 55 gallon tank, and take out either the front or back panel of it to use as a view window. Then build a plywood tank with it.

I would use 3/4" plywood along with screws and waterproof "amazing goop" to hold the plywood together. Then i'd just cut a couple holes and install bulk heads and silicon the glass in.

i could build a 50" x 36" x 18" tank for pretty cheap i'm thinking.
 
Youd be a lot better off using a thicker piece of glass than the pannel from a 55 gallon. The pressure is going to be pushing the limits of it's strength, even with bracing. You won't have much lee-way in case a fish bumps against the glass.
 
I think it would be fine personally and have actually be thinking about doing it myself... I would just keep the height of the glass in mind when designing the tank (keep some depth below the bottom of the glass) ... finding a 55 that is 36" deep isn't going to be the cheapo tank that you'd want to take apart for a build like this unless you've done it before (I would assume anyway)

X24 just keep in mind that you want to keep the glass within it's boundrys and if you think you'll have some sort of tank buster fish in there ... you need to consider the abuse that they can put on tank glass that was designed for fish that would only fit into 55 gallons ;)
 
why don't you use both the front and back panel and double the length of it and build in a middle support piece and two viewing windows. 100" x 36x18!!!

now we are talking a 280gl!!! :headbang2
 
i don't have room for the length, but if i do this i'm going to be expecting to keep this under $250 finished, otherwise its not any cheaper then just getting a decent sized full glass tank.....do you think thats do-able?
 
I think you could probubly find a used tank deal that would equil what you'd have in this in materials...let alone your time and effort.
 
hmm maybe instead i'll just look for a cheap tank then. i've found a 90 for $30 but parents wouldn't let me get it, and i just about had a 150 with a cracked rear panel in it that was easily fixable for pretty cheap but again parents....

i can probably work out a deal if i get rid of 2 tanks and get 1 in exchange or something.
 
So...if the folks blocked the other tank deals what made you think that an even larger one....home made no less... would be acceptable?

I realize I'm a poor example because I'd say get whatever you want but.....

I would much rather have a kid of mine BUY a professionally built aquarium and put it in MY house that could be damaged...than I would a well intentioned but still home made jury rigged tank.

Hey if you own the place and want to do it....go for it
 
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