tank build ideas (plexi)

[newshound]

Hello all
I have come straight to the experts on this!
I have been keeping loaches for years and finally bought a house to have several big tanks in the basement.
Space is not an issue... $$$ is.

I recently bought plexiglass for next to nothing to finally start my build
1 sheet of 1/2inch 4x8 feet
2 sheets of 1/2inch 22" x 8'.
2 sheets of 1/4 inch 4x8 feet
2 sheets of 1/4 inch 2x4 feet
it doesn't say on the paper covering the plexi if it is cell cast and they don't know at the restore i bought it from.
the good news is that loaches don't need deep tanks
I want to make the tank have a good sized foot print
up to 4x8ft but only up to 20inches high
can i use the 1/4 on the bottom safely?
I am very skilled using tools etc...
I have checked out many large acrylic builds on this site and have been blown away time and again!!!!!!
thx again

 

[CLDarnell]

Hello and welcome to MFK!

1/4" thick will be OK for the bottom...but, you will have to support it from the beginning. Even without water, if you try to lift a 4' X 8' 1/4" panel, it's going to bow really bad and possibly weaken your seams and joints.

Maybe start by finishing a 3/4" 4x8 sheet of plywood, setting your 1/4" panel on that, then build the tank.

It's going to take some creativity and imagination, but it sounds like a fun build

Oh, you really need to see if it is cell cast.

Good luck and post updates!

Again, welcome to MFK!

 

[newshound]

thx 4 the reply
I was planning on doing extra supports at the corners and middle in the middle of the long spans at the seams.
I really don't know if it is cell cast or not.
It does have a sticker on it stating the size and thickness.
It also has:
-color code 0100ne or OIOONE
-number 99693

I tried to google those codes and numbers with no luck.
Anyone know anything about plexi?
IE how to tell if it is cell cast...