DIY acrylic tank question

[sco999]

I was thinking of attempting to build my own acrylic tank, but some of the people I have talked to have said not to because it is very hard to get a good glue joint and it would be dangerous if I did it myself.
Should I attempt it or not?
any comments?

 

[thangbom]

um... i havnt tried to build a tank or anything myself.. but me personally.. i wouldnt trust myself building a tank bigger than a 30gal... i mean.. there is a lot of pressure in a aquarium.. and im not gonna risk having 30 gal or more water in my house on the floor because my dui tank exploded on me... phhtt u can fergot that.. i mean it cant be as easy as they make it sound like..(make strait and smoth cuts.. tape it together with electrical tape and squeese bottle glue between cracks) i mean.. that too simple for something like that....but hey im just some kid with a mouth and brain.. if u do happen to build this tank.. plss put up a detaild post on it so i may learn for your accomplishments and mistakes....

 

[dogstar]

I built my refugium and my main tank 180g. out of 5/8 thick, fuge 3/8 thick. Best to have the plastic supplier do the cuting of the main panels. What size tank do you want to build? I had them cut the scrap into small strips so I could practice cementing and it does take a lot of practice. Its a lot of work and takes alot of time if its a larger tank but if sucsessfull then its something to be proud of but if not then just dont tell.

 

[thangbom]

dats perdy cool.. but like i said befor.. i dont trust myself dat much ..... it would be really cool to make your own tank.. i mean.. illmake me a super tank with built in filter system ...

 

[acrylic51]

Like Dog stated working acrylic isn't that difficult and with alittle practice you can do it.....Depending on the size tank you will need to size your material thickness accordingly..... Don't skimp on thickness of material or you could get alot of bowing..... You might also want to consider eurobracing the top of the tank as well to prevent the tank from bowing as well....
Check out www.melevsreef dot com....He has some really good info on his site as far as working with acrylic and some really slick tips for gluing... I've tried them and they make life really simple....