Help with new tank build

[Zach8131]

Hey everyone, this is my first post on monsterfishkeepers...

I have built my own tanks before and have both freshwater & saltwater tanks. However, my Pacu are getting way too big for my current tank, so I am springing to build a 400 gallon tank. I am planning on it being 72" x 48" x 48" (but can go UP to 120" L)

It may be larger depending on how much it costs. I have a budget of around $500 for just the construction of the tank..... but my problem is what thickness acrylic or plexiglass should I get (or any other recommended materials), and what website would be good for me to buy it from?

 

[Crispy]

it's best to find your viewing panel(s) close to home. shipping large pieces costs a fortune. is this a plywood build? or all glass/plexi?

 

[wheatgerm]

48 tall your looking at a 1 inch thick price of cell cast acrylic and a 4x8 sheet will cost around $1300.. Your best bet is to go about 30 tall then you can get away with half inch glass. And with the dimensions you posted (72x48x48) I got about a 720 gallon tank?

 

[Pharaoh]

Not to be a downer, but you will not be able to build this tank for $500. Realistically, the glass/acrylic will cost more than that.

You would need 1" thick glass or 1.5" thick acrylic. I would do some pricing before getting too far into it.

 

[imusuallyuseless]

Your best bet is to go about 30 tall then you can get away with half inch glass. And with the dimensions you posted (72x48x48) I got about a 720 gallon tank?

W/a budget like that you should probably go longer and more shallow. Search craigslist in your area for thick glass. Sometimes you can find table tops for a decent price. These would work well for a plywood build if that's what you're after.