New build help

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bigdaddyphelps

Feeder Fish
Apr 26, 2017
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So new member here. I have been lurking around MFK for years and just cannot say how much I appreciate everyone here, the wealth of information, and the inspiration!

So I am planning on building my first acrylic aquarium for a corner of my basement. The dimensions are 7 feet long by 4 feet wide by 30 inches tall. It will be view able from two sides. I have two questions for everyone. First who does everyone recommended in the states for cell cast acrylic. I live in Utah and know I will need to get it shipped here. I am not worried so much about the cost as I am getting good acrylic cut accurately to size. Second would .75 thick acrylic be thick enough or should I go with 1 inch. It will be eurobraced. Oh and it will be a full blown reef tank. I had to shut down my 300 gallon reef a few years back and I am really excited to get back in the hobby again.

Thanks again everyone!!!
 
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I only recommend 3 acrylic types but i am very conservative when it comes to building acrylic aquariums. I only use the best. Others use a larger list.

Spartech polycast. The absolute best. This is what cockpit windshields are made out off. Expensive but super tight tolerances and highest quality. This is the only brand that is imperial measurements. Meaning 3/4" is really .75" other brands 3/4" is actually .708" keep that in mind

Arkema brand plexiglas g. This stuff is great, close number 2 to polycast. Arkema owns the plexiglas trademark.

Arkema brand PMACS. Generic plexiglas g. Comes in a plain paper backing no words.

Others will recommend evonik acrylite. But since cyro sold/merged with evonik production left the USA (Maine) and went to Asia. Builders reported problems with the colored cell cast bonding. Many won't use the clear anymore either.

That all i can recommend. others have lower standards and will use other products not mentioned.

30" pretty tall i would use 1" could get away with 3/4" but i wouldnt trust it to hold forever. Especially since its really .708 not true 3/4

Most important question is what method are you planning to use and which solvents? Are you experienced building?

I have plenty of suggestions
 
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https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/acrylic-fabrication-q-a.224773/

That's probably the best Acrylic tank building resource on the web. Floyd R Turbo is the author and amazing tank builder. Other than James Steele's "Acrylics" over on reefcentral. Out of the people that are willing to share industry secrets he is by far the most knowledgable. You need to read that front to end before you build. Its' mostly in the prep. properly finishing your edges, using correct solvents, having true cuts.

Mods: if links aren't allowed to other forums I apologize. I can send in a pm but OP doesn't have enough posts yet. I'm trying to help.

For acrylic try these distributors there may be one locally:

Port plastics
regal plastics
laird plastics
curbell plastics
 
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