Thinking of building an aquarium....questions

Okay, I am in the process of designing a small aquarium. This aquarium will not be for display, but rather as a small indoor holding aquarium. The dimensions will be 36 inches long X 24 inches wide X 16 inches high. In reality, the water will only be about 12 inches deep, holding approximately 42 gallons.

3 of the sides will be made of wood, as will the bottom, using a water proof paint. The front, a 36 inch side will be glass. Here are my questions:

1)For the front piece of glass, (36 inches X 16 inches) will 1/4 inch thick glass suffice, or do I need to go thicker?

2)What kind of paint should I use for the wood? I know that there is some type of water proof paint that is blue, anyone know the name?

Thanks,
Clay

You're right, it is kind of pricey. Here are a few other questions.


1) Anyone know if aquariums are pre-made at any dimensions near this (36inX24inX16in High). The breeder aquarium seems to be a little too narrow. I could go slightly larger and higher.

2) Anyone know if there are cheap places to buy glass that would fit these dimensions (Hopefully at least 1/4 inch thick)?

3) If I went with a glass bottom, would 1/4 inch thick glass suffice?

Thanks