Make your own tank?

[wolvesheart]

Has anyone ever made thier own tank. Way back in the '70's plexiglass was very popular and I remember helping my dad create tables and such. Is it cost effective to try and make your own tank out of glass or acrylic?

 

[sonny]

Although it is not very difficult to build a tank, it is not really cost-effective unless you happen have the materials on hand already. One problem is that it is very difficult to find information on the correct thickness of glass or plexi to use. Generally, if your tank is taller than 16 inches, you need thicker glass. I read once that you can build tanks that are less than 16 inches deep with 1/4 inch glass with no problems, but with a really long tank, that won't work without bracing. I have built sumps from plexiglass, but it is tough to get a really smooth edge without an expensive plastic cutting saw blade. Gluing is pretty easy. You'll find that thick glass is hard to find, and very expensive. It's usually cheaper to buy a tank, unless you're looking for something really unusual in shape or size. At one of the big chain pet stores here you can buy a 125 gallon tank for less than $300. I think that's an All-glass tank. They're banking on you also buying the stand, canopy, filter, and everything else from them.
Sonny

 

[wolvesheart]

Thanks, I was thinking of making a tank that went into a corner, at a right angle about 36" on each side. I know I can have a custom tank made but wondered if I could do it myself. I can get the glass but I would hate to come home one day to a wet floor.

 

[maestro]

my cousin made a tank like that and he didnt have any problems he just never had the time to keep a saltwater tank
hope everything works out well

 

[sonny]

They now make really cool corner tanks that have a bow-front to them. The bigger one is 92 gallons, and the smaller one is 46 gallons. They are a little pricey, but they look incredible. The bow-front would be out of the capabilities of any hobby aquarium builder. Lighting a corner tank would be very easy with just one metal halide light. Use a 10,000k or 12,000k lamp and that's all you'd need.
Good luck...
Sonny