plexiglass?

[gregg]

sooo ive been trying to get around to building my own tank ........
at 1st i was going to do a plywood tank but ive kinda steered away from it so as the title states would Plexiglas be suitable for like a 4 foot long 30 inch wide 2' high tank? and what about the bowing or could i some how make a brace or use another 4 by 30 inch wide hood outta the Plexiglas ? any help would be appreciated thank you

 

[dawnmarie]

You'll want to make sure to use only cell cast acrylic in your build.
Here is a good thickness calculator http://www.sdplastics.com/aquaria1.html

 

[gregg]

You'll want to make sure to use only cell cast acrylic in your build.
Here is a good thickness calculator http://www.sdplastics.com/aquaria1.html

they make custom aquariums i want to bulid 1 myself plus that was acrylic isnt that diff then plexiglas?

 

[gregg]

has any one ever attempted a full Plexiglas tank?

 

[longv]

plexiglass/acrylic are the same thing

 

[boldtogether]

Plexiglass and acrylic are the same thing. I believe the varying factors with acrylic are of course thickness and density(cell cast vs. extruded) Cell cast is far superior in clarity/optics and vastly more expensive. Cell cast wont chip or crack as easily as extruded will during machining(drilling, cutting, etc.)
Spending the extra$$ on cell cast for a tank construction is worth it especially if its for a view window. If your just builing a sump, extruded.

 

[gregg]

well what if i used plexiglass for everything but the display would i have problems with gluing them?

 

[gregg]

and thickness? of each sheet?

 

[bubbles123]

You need to use the cell cast because extruded won't survive the water pressure.

Here's a thread to an incredible DIY acrylic build. http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=307773