I have been planning a 135 gal for a while now but I began to wonder if building my own tank would save money and even let me get a bigger tank. After some time searching the internet I came across this article. I think an acrylic tank would be suitable for my needs since it will be in a area where it may get bumped (I have removed acrylic scratches before, it isn't that hard) and weight may also come into play (just the empty tank).
I think that a 72x24x24 tank with 1/2" polycarbonate will server my purposes. I figure that 3 of these sheets will give me enough to build the tank and even have enough leftover for a wet/dry and sump as well as overflow boxes. I am also going to get a 10 pound box of scrap to practice on.
Does anyone know how safe this tank will be when finished if done properly? I am planning on a "180 Wide" (72x24x24) Oscar tank with sand substrate and many rocks. If possible I would like to use 3/4" or even 1" polycarbonate for the bottom and 3/4" for the sides. Does anyone know where I can order this stuff? I am still trying to track down a local place to buy polycarbonate of this thickness.
I am hoping this will turn out to be a safe, cheap project. I have a decent router/mini-table as well as framing squares, speed squares, circular saws, etc. so if I only have to buy the poly and the solvent, I may well be able to have a nice tank for well under $1 per gallon. Is there anything I'm missing? Why are acrylic tanks so expensive to buy premade?
I think that a 72x24x24 tank with 1/2" polycarbonate will server my purposes. I figure that 3 of these sheets will give me enough to build the tank and even have enough leftover for a wet/dry and sump as well as overflow boxes. I am also going to get a 10 pound box of scrap to practice on.
Does anyone know how safe this tank will be when finished if done properly? I am planning on a "180 Wide" (72x24x24) Oscar tank with sand substrate and many rocks. If possible I would like to use 3/4" or even 1" polycarbonate for the bottom and 3/4" for the sides. Does anyone know where I can order this stuff? I am still trying to track down a local place to buy polycarbonate of this thickness.
I am hoping this will turn out to be a safe, cheap project. I have a decent router/mini-table as well as framing squares, speed squares, circular saws, etc. so if I only have to buy the poly and the solvent, I may well be able to have a nice tank for well under $1 per gallon. Is there anything I'm missing? Why are acrylic tanks so expensive to buy premade?