Type of aquarium builds

[Kribensis4me]

Glass: Have not done enough research to understand how it sits on a wood stand. Im used to the commercial aquariums that have the lip/trim around the bottom and top rim that the typical lids rest on. And both glass and acrylic need to be sealed. The Acrylic needs that liquid weld and glass needs cylicone under and along the glass pieces.

Acrylic: is a unreal HIGH price. I saw 2 places online that wanted like $600 just for one 96" long piece. And that just covers one wall of the 5 pieces.

Plywood: I fear about mold and leaks. Ive got myself convinced on liquid rubber because it can move with any slight settling with the tank or the ground the plywood aquarium is sitting on. Or Pond Liner that is just a thick giant plastic bag that is glued to the wood. But the pond liner can also move with any imperfections settling.

Any opinions on glass or plywood builds? Im going nuts on what build would be best. Im looking at a tank 82-96" x 22" x 24"

 

[Squirtle919]

I like glass more the anything, its pretty easy to build glass tanks once you get the jist of it but for the size your chasing I wouldnt try it glass. My boss at work can build 8x3x3 tanks out of glass in 10 minutes ^_^

plywood is most likely the best, I think its the easiest and cheapest method + if something does go wrong its a lot easier to fix. theres also a lot more guides around on plywood and more MFKers who have done them so you would be able to get a larger amount of help with the build imo.

no clue about acrylic no one is crazy about it here, everyone still loves glass!!

 

[Kribensis4me]

Thanks for the tips. I like the comment you made about your boss and his glass tank. The cost is more. And I think 90% of the time. Us, fish lovers look at the tank from the wide front view. Which makes me like the plywood idea. Sence that opening is the main part most ppl watch there fish through. But also, I like thinking about the fish. And im sure they would enjoy the added security of the solid sides and back. Less stress issues and ick build-up. Well thats my thinking when thinking about there lifestyle.

Ive seen some real nice pieces of wood aquarium furniture. But im no carpenter, so your comment about the boss' es tank. Just glueing together, still leaves me trying to wrap my brain around it all.

If I go the wood route. I think id like to make a round window. One on each end of the plywood tank. Just for the glow effect. And depending on its location. Work as a peephole effect. To get that long viewing effect our family's wont let us have. Because they wont let us turn the guest room into a huge aquarium

Thanks for that insight. Still smacking my head over it all. :banghead: LOL

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[Kribensis4me]

 

[Phixer]

Plywood if done right makes a good tank. Liquid rubber will degrade under UV lighting, fiberglass and epoxy make the best plywood tanks IMO. Polyurea also.

Glass, heavy and size limited. If scratched cannot remove. Cheaper than acrylic and easy to re-seal.

Acrylic the best option IMO, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Shop around you will find a wide variation in acrylic pricing. Just avoid the junk from China and Mexico, bad quality control and inconsistency.