DIY Acrylic/wood hybrid Tank

J

Jairstone

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Apr 16, 2004
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Sitting around in my think tank here I was pondering upon an idea. I would like a little feed back to see if someone can think of what I am missing...

I would like to make a large tank (80 - 100gal). The price of acrylic is kinda salty. Could I use three 2x6 weather-treated boards biscuited, edgeglued, and planed for my back and two sides, and two 2x12 weather-treated boards same way for my bottom, Then line the whole thing with 1/8 acrylic siliconed and pressed on to the wood structure with a 1/2" acrylic front and 3/8" acrylic top with three equal sized cutouts? Tanks size roughly 50x24x18.

I would draw a picture, but alas I am all fins.....

I want a drain at the bottom rear left under the UGF with an overflow in the rear right. ten gallon sump at the bottom. I would like a small waterfall on the left side made of silicone, PVC Rain gutter and Lava Rocks. I would place the whole setup in a custom made stand that would house the whole thing and hold the lights and utilities.

I am a carpenter but I enjoy my fish. I am not a very good plumber, (follow the directions but I don't get it, kind of thing....) and I could use any suggestions you may have...

Thanks

Stone
 
Do a search for DIY plywood tanks. Acrylic + silicone + wood = not good
If your a carpenter you should have no trouble in making the tank. Real simple a wood box with a window cut out that is a glass siliconed to the wood. You'll need an epoxy to seal/water proof the tank. If you need some sites I can look for what I have when I get home.
N8
 
I built a 95g (48x24x19) acrylic tank out of a 8x4 sheet of 3/8" cell cast acrylic for about $200. I ordered the acrylic from http://www.delviesplastics.com/ACRYLIC SHEET.htm.

Also, I don't think you need to use 1/2" acrylic for the front. 3/8" cell-cast acrylic would be thick enough for a tank only 18" high, but like n8 said, acrylic and silicone don't bond too well. So it's probably a mute point.


The rest of your plans for the tank seems like too much work. Why not just use plywood instead?
 
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hey N8, The new tank is doing great. It's been in use for about a month now. I didn't even have to cycle it since I use it with a water-bridge with my other tanks. I did buy a few more canister filters though.
 
good to hear its doing well. I think I'm gonna bite the bullet and get my acrylic. I just got a small raise at work and I think I have enough saved up, I want to jump on the price that I can get it at before it goes up.
 
silicone doesn't bond acrylic well but if you used acryllic glue to make a acryllic "tank" with a thicker front and top but thinner sides back and bottom then built a supportive wooden "box" around it to add support it might work. probably want to reinforce the corners though with a square or triangle of acrylic glued in the corners. the acryllic would basically act like a pond liner with a window. i
 
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