Type of Glass for Custom Tank

[benj420]

I'm one of those kind of guys that likes to do things himself. I would like to make my own custom aquarium to fit a non standard space I have. Does anyone have any experience building their own tank? Does tempered glass offer any additional strength, or just safety? Is there a way to figure out how thick of glass you should use? How about bottom support?
Are there books? Websites? Gurus?
I'm not opposed to Acrylic if that's possible.

 

[gregzbobo]

How big of a tank is it? Acrylic is easier to work with, normal woodworking tools can machine it usually, and it is more transparent than glass, but glass is cheaper for smaller tanks. Tempered glass is good for bottoms, and probably ok for the sides, but you can't cut tempered glass. You have to cut it to the size/shap you want first, then get it tempered. The bottom of the tank should be thicker than the walls, especially on larger tanks.

 

[slick]

I would use acrlyic if I was you. I know it scratches easily but like said it is easy to work with and weighs less than glass.