small custom tank question

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
G

Gilraen Took

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 31, 2008
9
0
0
grand junk CO
Well, the biggest reason I joined here was because I have heard how great the DIY section is :D And I had a question I am having a hard time finding answers for elsewhere. . .

I have been toying around with an idea for what to do with my reef tank, but it'd involve making the tank since no one sells the dimensions I want(24X24X12") I was wanting to make it to where it could be viewed from the front and the top. Would it be cheaper(as in cost to make saltwater safe, no other factors included) to make it out of plywood/glass or out of just glass? I don't know where to look for getting glass cut or getting sealants for the plywood, so that's why I am asking instead of just researching on my own. I've looked around a bit online, but considering how much search engines hate me it's somewhat of a losing deal doing it that way.

Thanks guys :)
 
something that small you can make from glass acrylic or ply/fiberglass...

the good thing about it being made from glass is that its only 12" tall and 12" tall mean you cam make it from 1/4" glass safely. and 1/4" glass is cheap!!!,

Making it from acrylic isnt for beginers but for salt its more translucent then glass and you get a over all better effect...

And if you want to make it from ply, then it would be equaly easy, but the only way to do it is with fiberglass resin and marine epoxy. also easy as pie on this scale... really with a tank this tiney i would buy a tank thats close and cut it down to sixe, glass cutting is really easy.
 
you would prolly get it cheaper orderig one from ur lfs
 
you should ask around. Red Sea will do custom sized tanks in the non-monstersized aquaria at nearly the same price as standard sized ones, in europe anyway. We also have a small business that makes non standard aquariums VERY cheaply and ships them nationally, if we have it I'm sure someone will be doing it o the other side of the pond!!!!
 
I won't go for glasscages. I've heard way too many horror stories to ever trust them. I'll try red sea and see if I can find something from them. Thanks :)
 
my glasscages aquarium is fine im definitely happy with it, not a show cage by any means crappy trim and not overly siliconed like lots say
 
actually 24x24x12 is a standard size. as long as your sure you can get it cheaper diy then go ahead but do remember that
a) ur lfs prolly dont make it whoch means that there is a wholesaler somewhere which means 1/2 price
b) whoever does make em gets price fer 3/4 price you you payfer
c) 1/4 inch is advisable thickness of glass no less but going more is def not necassery
 
Are you sure it is standard? I looked at all glass and perfecto's sites(the two big brands that are sold here) and I found ones that are 24" High, but not 12" high with the other dimensions still the same.

And if I find a wholesaler will I be able to get the tank at their price plus shipping or would I likely have to order a lot of tanks to make up for them only having to sell one?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom