Hey folks. Stepping back into the world of freshwater and thinking about building my own custom tank. I'm researching the methodology behind shaping and forming acrylic but I always come here first for my aquarium q&a's. I'll attach some layout plans once I get past the research stage but here's the baseline:
At least 72" long before shaping, one solid piece bent twice to form the bottom and both the front and back walls. This I'm hoping I can heat, bend and finally sand to level both front and back of the tank.
Two sheets cut to size to produce the sidewalls. Sanded to shape post attachment.
If conducive, (still pie in the sky) shaping the tank into a "C" shape with a curve at the center apex to give an "in the tank" experience.
Undecided on whether or not to build filtration into the system. I have a 60 gallon acrylic with a built in sump fed from an overflow, and I like the design but I'm not sure if I want to limit tank space.
Considering attaching a planter in the tank, raised from the base in a window box garden style. Frees up the bottom of the tank for sifters and presents a new realm of plant rearing.
And now for the questions. Please feel free to link me back to others answers and info, even from this site. There's tons of info, I tend to miss much.
I'm aiming the tank to be between 100-120gallons, how thick does the acrylic need to be to withstand the weight?
I'm reading that 275F is hot enough to bend and mold acrylic. Is there a tool past a heat gun that will allow me to do a 72" line all at once?
How long after shaping does it need to cool?
What's the best epoxy/adhesive/mold to attach pieces (of acrylic) to this thing?
That's all for now. I'm picking up some smaller sheets at the end of the weekend to begin playing with, perhaps building a sump out of them before attempting the large tank. Any info is appreciated.
Thanks much and swim on!
At least 72" long before shaping, one solid piece bent twice to form the bottom and both the front and back walls. This I'm hoping I can heat, bend and finally sand to level both front and back of the tank.
Two sheets cut to size to produce the sidewalls. Sanded to shape post attachment.
If conducive, (still pie in the sky) shaping the tank into a "C" shape with a curve at the center apex to give an "in the tank" experience.
Undecided on whether or not to build filtration into the system. I have a 60 gallon acrylic with a built in sump fed from an overflow, and I like the design but I'm not sure if I want to limit tank space.
Considering attaching a planter in the tank, raised from the base in a window box garden style. Frees up the bottom of the tank for sifters and presents a new realm of plant rearing.
And now for the questions. Please feel free to link me back to others answers and info, even from this site. There's tons of info, I tend to miss much.
I'm aiming the tank to be between 100-120gallons, how thick does the acrylic need to be to withstand the weight?
I'm reading that 275F is hot enough to bend and mold acrylic. Is there a tool past a heat gun that will allow me to do a 72" line all at once?
How long after shaping does it need to cool?
What's the best epoxy/adhesive/mold to attach pieces (of acrylic) to this thing?
That's all for now. I'm picking up some smaller sheets at the end of the weekend to begin playing with, perhaps building a sump out of them before attempting the large tank. Any info is appreciated.
Thanks much and swim on!
