I built a 380G tank using this method about 15 years ago. I used 1/4" acrylic on the sides, back and bottom and used 1/2" for the viewing window. The tank measured 96"x30"x30". I used silicone along all of the seams. The tank lasted for about 3 years before I noticed a hole had developed on the bottom of the tank where I had attempted to install a drain and then did a poor patching job. I have heard that silicone works poorly with acrylics but I didnt have any problems with this build or on the sumps I have built since then using acrylics and silicone.
New (??) Plywood tank idea
- Thread starter jp80911
- Start date
At $4 per sq foot you are talking $320 plus shipping from glass cages for that 1/8" acrylic. When you can get 2 gallons of Sweetwater epoxy paint that will cover the inside area of your tank 6 times for right at $200.
Dont take the chance unless you can get the abs or acrylic for $2 per sq foot to your door, then I would not even do it.
I understand that we do this to save a little coin, but cheap will only spell disaster.
The 8x2x2 I am building is only costing me $350 for the tank. Now I am putting alot into the finish of it, and am shelling out some good coin for all the necessities. Out the door I will come in right at $700 including stand, pumps, heaters, decor, all the little niceties.
Go with sweetwater epoxy http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/3048/Epoxy-Paint-1-Gallon/ you wont be disappointed
Dont take the chance unless you can get the abs or acrylic for $2 per sq foot to your door, then I would not even do it.
I understand that we do this to save a little coin, but cheap will only spell disaster.
The 8x2x2 I am building is only costing me $350 for the tank. Now I am putting alot into the finish of it, and am shelling out some good coin for all the necessities. Out the door I will come in right at $700 including stand, pumps, heaters, decor, all the little niceties.
Go with sweetwater epoxy http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/3048/Epoxy-Paint-1-Gallon/ you wont be disappointed
Ditched the dimentions off my IPhone, but it is 94.??" x 23.??" 3/8" thick. The tank is 24" high. The glass goes to just a nice silicone bead from the top of the tank. If you dont go over 24" then 3/8" will be good.
1/2" is plenty. I have 1/2" pn my 315 and the viewing window is 28.5" tall. The price on my glass was $210.00 for 1/2", I priced out 3/4" for S and Gs and it was $800!
jp80911;4149392; said:
I checked them out too, killer is the shipping.
Check out a local LFS. That is where I got mine pretty cheap.
$120 for 94.5 x 23.5 3/8" Polished edges and delivered.
