Recent To Build Acrylic Aquariums News Items
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| How to Build Custom Acrylic Aquariums. Building a customized acrylic aquarium from scratch takes steady hands and patience, but with no need for major tools, you can do it yourself |
| Building your own Acrylic tank is a rewarding, cost saving, and enjoyable project. If you have basic carpentry & power tool skills you should have no trouble building your own ... |
| How to Build a Large Acrylic Aquarium. Getting a small tank for your fish may not be too big of an investment, but once you start moving up among the larger tank sizes, you'll see ... |
| MAKING YOUR OWN ACRYLIC AQUARIUM ... above is what has worked for the Author and other aquarium builders, but building your ... |
| If you have been thinking about building an acrylic aquarium, but thought that acrylics were to hard to work with, here is the perfect project for you. |
| Preparing your individual sheets: Here’s the router with the straight-cut flush bit installed. I used this for all my edge prep and to "flush-cut" the finished product. |
| From building do-it-yourself glass or acrylic aquariums, to cabinets, skimmers, sumps and more, these DIY equipment and other aquarium related item projects will show you how to ... |
| Step-by-step process, with lots of photos, showing how to make an acrylic aquarium ... Clear Cell Cast acrylic is the type most suitable for aquarium building. |
Resolved Question: What's the best life support system for a small aquarium?
I'm building a small acrylic aquarium (about 16 gallons). I want the aquarium to be as maintenance-free as is practical. What's the best, most reliable, low-profile, automatic filtering system I can get for this tank? Does there exist a filter unit that also integrates the water heater and aerator?(freshwater)
moreResolved Question: saltwater tank help about what light i need?
ok iv had my saltwater tank for about 8 months and everythang is going good i was thankin about do more then just fish so i was seeing what light do i need for soft coral i looked at this light but idk if it would work ok / 36 Inch Coralife Aqualight Dual T5 Lamp High Output Fixture / i now that there one that has 4 bulbs and its good for coral but i didnt know if 2 bulb is ok to well help if u can thanks o this is the detels about the light to Description
Main Features
36 Inch Coralife Aqualight Dual T5 Lamp High Output Fixture
Coralife Aqualight High Output T5 Fixtures. They provide significantly more light than conventional fluorescent systems. High Output T5 lighting is an excellent choice for saltwater, reef, or freshwater tropical aquariums.
•Low Profile Allows Aquarium to be Focal Point
•Adjustable Mounting Legs
•Includes 10,0000K Daylight and Actinic Blue Lamps
•Single Power Cord, Built In On/Off Switch
•Acrylic Splash Guard
•Available in 24”, 30”, 36” and 48” Length
moreResolved Question: How to you attach plywood to acrylic?
I am building an aquarium with plywood sides and bottom with an acrylic front. I need something to hold the acrylic to the plywood thats aquarium safe and strong so it will hold a lot of pressure. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!Its about a 50 gallon tank...not sure of the measurements offhand
moreResolved Question: Is my 72 gallon bow front aquarium tempered glass?
I got a 72 gallon bow front aquarium off craigslist, it is scratched but i will buy a glass scratch remover. and i want to install a over flow/ sump returns but there are a few set backs... i know the tank was built on May, 1998 as the stand has a stamp that said so and the stand went together with the tank. It is a 4' Long, 22" high, 18" deep bow front aquarium, it is glass not acrylic.I asked the lady is she knew the manufacturer she bought it from, but she said it was loo long ago and couldn't remember. There is a sicker on the bottom of the tank that says this...
"THIS BOTTOM IS TEMPERED GLASS FOR STRENGTH AND RELIABILITY DO NOT DRILL"
Now i know the bottom is tempered, but are the sides? Well i need to know if the back is tempered glass, because i want to drill it and add a overflow, and two returns. When i hit the glass with my hand, the bottom and the back sound different. The tempered glass is a deeper sound, and the back "not sure" glass is a higher sound.
Also the glass looks just shy of about 1/4" thick, can i still drill it with a diamond drill bit?
Thanks in advance.UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE!!!
I found a site online and it said you could check if glass is tempered with an LCD screen. Tempered glass will make the screen appear to have lines, regular glass wont. well the bottom had lines, the front bow front had lines, and the back and sides did not have any lines, a nice gray screen. that's it. So this is getting ma a little more exited. What do you think.
moreResolved Question: Estimated gallons for custom tank? 24x20x18?
I want to build a aquarium / fish tank and I'm thinking about 24 long, 20 wide, and 18 high. It would be euro braced for the front and sides, I want to put a false wall in it like a nano cube. Whats the estimated gallon size? Would 1/4 inch acrylic work?
moreResolved Question: Bio Balls, Green Plastic Toy Soldiers, or Plastic Bath Scrubbies for Wet Dry Filter Media?
I just bought a used 75G acrylic tank with a built in wet/dry system, but it didn't come with anything but the tank! I know wet/dry provides great filtration. I am doing a planted freshwater tank and I also know I should add a mechanical filter to pull out debris and decaying plant material, polish, etc,... but what do I put in all those mysterious chambers in this wet/dry system? I assume some sort of sponge material should go someplace, then I need what? Bio balls? I heard green plastic toy soldiers work well, but I think that must be just a charming aquaria myth. The man I bought the tank from said he just used plastic bath scrubbies from the dollar store. I am no stranger to aquaria. I have had tanks for over 30 years. But this is my first time at bat with wet/dry and it is on a tank with some crazy compartments on the back and it came with no instructions. Once I buy a pump and watch it go I'm sure I will figure it out. But I am wondering what media works best for you? And if you have any leads on instructions for a 75 g with a built in w/d filter, please hit me up. I have looked. I came up with squat. Thank you for your time.
moreResolved Question: How much cheaper is it to build aquarium rather than buying it?
Hi, I have 2 questions about building tanks and I hope people can help me out. Thanks :)
So I want to build an aquarium by myself I just want to know how much it will cost for a tank like this (I live in Melbourne, Australia). It will be 2.4 meters long (8 feet) about 90 centimeters wide and about 80 centimeters tall. It will be made of Acrylic (1/2 inch thick) and it will be a fresh water tank. So how much will a tank like this cost to build yourself?
I don't know much about building tanks. I thought you just have to screw the bottom piece of the aquarium to the table (that will hold the aquarium) then put glue on all 4 sides and stick the acrylic on the sides then glue the acrylic together. Is there any other processes other than these to building a tank? If there is can you please tell me about it, please try and keep the steps as simple as possbile as I am not an expert in this area.
Thanks for answering both of the questions every1 :)I will only have 3 sides acrylic the back side will be what ever material they use for the back that is not transparent (which will make things a lot cheaper).How much would it cost for the long sheet that is at the front (2.4 meters long)?What about eBay? Do you think they have good prices? If not where can I get the cheapest aquariums? It doesn't matter if its a website or a shop as long as I can get these products inside melbourne.
moreResolved Question: How much cheaper is it to build aquarium rather than buying it?
So I want to know how much is it cheaper to build an aquarium yourself (DIY) rather than buying it fully built. Like is it for example 3 quarters of the price, etc. Also I am talking about a very large tank, about 150 Gallons. And its acrylic. Thanks :)I don't know much about building tanks, I want all 4 sides to be acrylic, it will be 3/8 inch thick. I thought you would just have to screw the bottom piece to the table then put glue on all 4 sides and stick the glass on the sides then glue the glass together. Is there any other processes other than these?
moreResolved Question: DIY 150 Gallon Aquarium, help!?
So I am building a Acrylic 150 gallon aquarium, it will be fresh water and the measurements are 260 centimeters by 80 centimeters by 50 centimeters. In inches it is 102 inches by 31 inches by 19 inches. I don't know how many sides will be glass and how many sides will not be. If it is possible I will have all 4 sides glass, except for the bottom and top :D. So what I need help with is very simple step by step instructions, I need it to be simple because I am not an expert in this area. I also need the a list of the material needed. If some one can do these 2 things for me I would highly appreciate it, also how much do you think this aquarium will cost, this excludes the rental of the equipment, the things that I want the price of are the glass, the bottom/top/sides that are not glass. Thanks for all the help every one :)
moreResolved Question: non toxic acrylic grout sealer?
i made a home project that will be submerged in water. to strengthen it i covered it in grout. now there is a product called Shields-all .. i dont know if its water safe . i tried using aquarium silicone + water mix. but it didnt work out too well.. the silicone was too solid for me to spread
http://www.lizard-landscapes.com/How-to-build-a-Castle.html
click that link to see what i have built. if you fast forward to where he uses the shields all you'll see that it has to be water-like....
now my question is .. what can i use besides shields all (if i can even use it) to seal my castle. its going in water so it needs to be non toxic and acrylic !
moreResolved Question: Anyone know some specifics that can be found online for dimensions of building fish tanks? A calculator maybe?
I keep finding the "volume" calculators online but not the one I had bookmarked a while back. I am trying to find out some simple stuff (I am ok with math, but NOT with measuring and figuring out something while building. I am trying to make some very custom size aquariums and want to find a calculator online that I can put in 10x10x10 for example, and have it show me what exact sizes to cut the acrylic to build that tank. For example: Two pieces will need to be minus the thckness of the acrylic, and the front and back will need to be plus the thickness. I want to find a place online talking in more detail about this or that has a caculator that I can input my stuff and get exacts.... Anyone help me out???
moreResolved Question: Where is the best place online to buy Acrylic to build aquariums?
I am wanting to get into building very small nano / pico aquariums (2 gallons and under) and I am trying to find a nice place online to purchase acrylic from. I may do the occasional 10 or 20 gallon tank and need a place that has an option to purchase larger sizes. I would really like a place that I could order a piece of acrylic from and have them cut the sizes I need for free so I only have to assemble it. I have found a few plastics mfg's online but most seem to charge way too much for the acrylic, and extra for cutting. Does anyone know of a really dependable place online that will sell any size big or small and cut for free at the best prices ?? Someone help me out here.
moreVoting Question: if i build my own acrylic aquarium how would i bend it to make a cylinder and would i need special tools?
i looked on the web and it said that you can build your own aquarium but how would i bend it to make the shape but if it is to pains taken then i will have to go with the normal rectangle.
moreResolved Question: DIY Glass Aquarium - Ugly Silicone Seams?
Hey, I am planning on building my second aquarium to replace our first. Only there is a problem. I wish my aquarium to no longer have edging to hide the ugly mess the silicone makes at the corners.
I have already made some research and have found no other alternative other than making an acrylic/plexiglass tank which are known for their leak and scratch problems.
Could someone suggest what I could use to create a glass aquarium with neat, clear edging like those with acrylic aquariums?
moreResolved Question: How to clean that white build up on a acrylic aquarium?
moreResolved Question: What materials other than glass and acrylic can be used for an aquarium?
I want to upgrade my RES's tank, and was considering building something myself. What material's are safe to use? I was hoping to use plexiglass on the front, and something cheaper for the other three sides and the bottom. Thanks!
moreResolved Question: I would like to build a 400 us gallon aquarium made from acrylic. The dimensions are roughly 96 inches?
by 32 inches by 30 inches. How thick should the acrylic be?
moreResolved Question: Looking for a 100% non toxic acrylic sealer?
im building a castle for an aquarium, the castle is made out of styrofoam, and im grouting it with non sanded polyblend grout. i need to seal it and since its going underwater, i need a 100% non toxic acrylic sealer. i was looking at a video on lizard-landscapes.com and he uses a product called Shields-all.. but to ship it is too expensive.. im wondering if there is another sealer that works just as well. im also thinking of mixing aquarium sealer and water .. let me know if you have any specific sealants that will do what i need i've checked Rona, and home depot.. theres only 1 lowe's in my area so i havent checked there yet
moreResolved Question: Looking for a 100% non toxic acrylic sealer?
im building a castle for an aquarium, the castle is made out of styrofoam, and im grouting it with non sanded polyblend grout. i need to seal it and since its going underwater, i need a 100% non toxic acrylic sealer. i was looking at a video on lizard-landscapes.com and he uses a product called Shields-all.. but to ship it is too expensive.. im wondering if there is another sealer that works just as well. im also thinking of mixing aquarium sealer and water .. let me know if you have any specific sealants that will do what i need i've checked Rona, and home depot.. theres only 1 lowe's in my area so i havent checked there yet
moreVoting Question: can you use Polycarbonate sheets to build a aquarium?
i was wondering if building a aquarium out of Polycarbonate instead of acrylic or would it be a bad idea.
moreResolved Question: On building an Aquarium.?
just need some re-assurance on how i am planning to build my budget fishtank.
i am planning to make it into a triangle shape to fit into a corner, i will have it protrude from the corner 34" and have a 48" face, where the corner would have been will be cut out to 10" from the corner to accomidate for filter and other lines. this will leave an overall trapezoid shape. It will look like this \/ \/ \/ from above.
______48"_______
\........................ /
..\...................../
24"\................/
.......\.........../
.........\____/
14.1"
that is the BASIC shape, note the angles are all bad though. i will be building the back sides and bottom out of wood, tar them, and then place a layer of thin acrylic or plexiglass on every surface sealed with aquarium safe silicone. for the front i will be using a two foot tall 46" wide 1/2 inch thick piece of glass siliconed to the inside of two 2" lips creating a strong brace. i will try to scan the design so you can get a better look at it.
so i would like thoughts on where it may be weak how i could improve it and other things.
moreResolved Question: Clear, drink-safe sealant for acrylic?
I'm going to be building a model of a cup I designed out of stacked, lasercut acrylic pieces (I'm taking a SolidWorks model, slicing it horizontally, and building the cup from those slices). Ideally, this cup will be actually useable, which would require that the acrylic be somehow sealed in a way that is both watertight and non-toxic.
I have had experience with using acrylic solvent to create strong bonds between pieces, and I think that I could make it watertight if I'm careful- but are there any toxic chemicals still present after the stuff dries?
The other way I've thought of is to use aquarium-grade silicon, since that is reasonably clear and is both watertight and nontoxic- but it's also very thick, and a thinner formula would be far better suited for my purposes.
Has anyone used one of these methods before? Does anyone know of any sealants that fit my needs?
Thanks for any help you can give.
moreResolved Question: where can i find liquid acrylic in istanbul ?
I want to build custom shaped acrylic aquariums. I don't want to use preformed acrylic plates. I want to build it, pour it on my own. In most of the forums, cell cast liquid plexi/acrylic is advised. Where can i find those substances in İstanbul Turkey ? Are there any online tutorials about the craft ? Mold making, pouring tips... Are there any substances needed such as hardener, catalyst.. ? What are the brands ? Where to find in İstanbul ? May substances used in acrylic casting art the used also in aquarium glass building ? EnviroTex,Weld-On ?
moreResolved Question: where can i find liquid acrylic in istanbul ?
I want to build custom shaped acrylic aquariums. I don't want to use preformed acrylic plates. I want to build it, pour it on my own. In most of the forums, cell cast liquid plexi/acrylic is advised. Where can i find those substances in İstanbul Turkey ? Are there any online tutorials about the craft ? Mold making, pouring tips... Are there any substances needed such as hardener, catalyst.. ? What are the brands ? Where to find in İstanbul ? May substances used in acrylic casting art the used also in aquarium glass building ? EnviroTex,Weld-On ?
moreResolved Question: i want a custom made fish aquarium to be installed in my home.?
I want the width to be about 8ft, Hieght about 8 ft, and length about 30 ft. Basically this aquaruim will be from floor to cieling reaching out about the length of my whole wall. this tank will be about 3,000 gallons, and be built into the wall and cieling/floor to give a built in look. What the question is, i dont know should i hire this proffessional company called "Acrylic tank manufacturers" to do the job or should i hire my cousin? My cousin is a drafter and works for a company skilled in custom furniture. He has made fish aquariums around 200 gallons, but has never attempted a project this large before. Acrylic tank manufacturers will charge me around 50,000. My cousin will charge me around 35,000. What would be the best choice?
moreResolved Question: Where can I buy glass to build an aquarium?
I have seen the prices of custom size aquariums and thought it might be cheaper to do it myself. Does anyone know where I can get the glass or acrylic to construct a fish tank? Can I just get it at Home Depot or something?I thought just about all glass (as long as the thickness and supports are right) can withstand water.
moreResolved Question: How much sealant would I require for a 150 gallon tank?
I'm in the process of purchasing materials to build my own fish tank. I'm building it out of Plexiglass/Acrylic (same thing) and after I use the Weld-on #4 I want to go over it with aquarium grade silicone. However, I'm at a loss as to how much I should purchase. I know it's always better to have more then not enough but I don't want to spend a ton of money on something that's going to sit when I'm finished.
Does anyone have a rough estimate as to how much I should be using?
Tank Specs:
5'x2'x2'
150 Gallons
moreResolved Question: im building a wetdry sump filter and i need to know what type of sealant to use on my acrylic sump? Plz help?
building a wetdry filter for my saltwater reef aquarium and i need to know what ype of a sealant i can use that is fish and reef safe. I have an existing acrylic setup but i need to fill a few gaps between the deviders and the bottomif you can help it wold be greatly appreciated i need to fix this asap.
moreResolved Question: Can my floor support my aquarium?
I live in a first floor maisonette built in 1904. I'd like to set up a 330 litre aquarium with 60 litre sump. I'm putting it in the corner of my living room. My house adjoins the house next door, between there is a walkway, probably for horses back in the day. so, it is my assumption that this corner of my living room is directly over the top of a load bearing brick wall, but I cant be certain.
The weight of the system will be approximately 1200lbs. This is an estimate based on 800lbs of sea water, a heavy 36x24x24inch glass tank which i estimate to weigh 150lbs. To it, I will add 40kg of live rock.There will be a sump made of acrylic which I have not finished designing yet. This will all sit on a relatively light weight custom built cabinet. The weight will be distributed over 36x27 rectangular base of 70x70mm timber.
Does this sound doable to you?true about the water beds, but the weight is also distributed over a much wider area. Mine will be distributed on 36 x 27 inch rectangle of 70mm timber with one crossbar. perhaps I should put a slab of 1.8mm mdf on the bottom as well to try and further distribute?not on the ground floor, im on the first floor, in the UK thats the upstairs one :)i do know this isnt the best place for structural advice, but its cheaper than paying someone to come out and look :)thanks axeman... I did the numbers and seriously overestimated the weight of the system to be 1500lbs. Distributed on 36x27inches comes to 6.75 sqare feet, divide them and i get only 222. so it sounds like i'm safe. being over a load bearing wall, i think i have nothing to fear here. thanks!
moreResolved Question: Can my floor support my aquarium?
I live in a first floor maisonette. I'd like to set up a 330 litre aquarium with 60 litre sump. I'm putting it in the corner of my living room. My house adjoins the house next door, between there is a walkway. so, it is my assumption that this corner of my living room is directly over the top of a load bearing brick wall, but I cant be certain.
The weight of the system will be approximately 1200lbs. This is an estimate based on 800lbs of sea water, a heavy 36x24x24inch glass tank which i estimate to weigh 150lbs. To it, I will add 40kg of live rock.There will be a sump made of acrylic which I have not finished designing yet. This will all sit on a relatively light weight custom built cabinet. The weight will be distributed over 36x27 rectangular base of 70x70mm timber.
Does this sound doable to you?thanks for the prompt answers, regarding the house, its a cottage built in 1904 so not exactly modern building which is my only concern, but between the adjoining cottage, theres a walkway probably made for horses or whatnot, so i belive this corner of the house extends 2 feet over that walkway. I can only assume that the wall beside the walkway is made to support the house above meaning that this aquarium *should* be squarely placed atop that brick wall... if i've measured things right :)
moreResolved Question: would it be possible to build an aquarium into a house...?
i know it would be expensive if it would be done, but would it be possible to build an aquarium into a house, making it one with the wall like one tank in the living room then it stretches out through a 1 story house?
of course reenforced glass*Acrylic glass?
moreResolved Question: 8ft x 2 ft x 2 ft is 1/2 inch thick acrylic safe for a fish tank?
I want to build an aquarium using 1/2 inch acrylic is it safe for the size? Will a custom built cover collapse it?I will have a 3 inch one piece top with cross pieces every 18 inches, holding onto the sides along with the base , it most likely full to the top or a fourth of an inch away from it because of the spill overs. It will be held together by WeldOn 4 Solvent cement, I will have the bottom of the tank resting on a smooth 1 inch thick board, with a 2 by 4 every 18 inches, the top will be made of wood 1/4 inch oak. 6 inches high with a top.
moreResolved Question: Building Aquarium Top???
Hello i had a couple simple questions about aquarium building, i just wanted to build a top to a 20 gallon high aquarium, i want to use acrylic/plexi glass for the top.
First off what thickness would be the best and will not crack when i cut it??
Second does anyone know where you can get the clear plastic hinges that are on most glass aquarium tops??
Please help!! i will defaintly apprecaite it greatly!!
Thanks
moreResolved Question: Can somone help me find a small aquarium?
I have a 12 gallon nano-cube which was a reef tank with no fish until recently I bought a mantis shrimp.So now I need to find an aquarium so I can get him out of my reef tank. I am looking for a somewhat thick 4-7 gallon, acrylic, and with built in filtration. Give me you opinions about what I should get. Also I would like it to be somewhat nice looking for it is going on my desk. Please do not flame me for having a mantis I don't find them to be pests as other aquarium hobbyist feel, that is not what this post is about.
moreResolved Question: acrylic aquariums?
are these really a good investment? thinking of building an aquarium in the wall, acrylic seems really affordable compared to glass........any suggestions?
moreResolved Question: Multi-question about aquarium weight / house structure?
I live in a house built in the late 80's. Ive always lived in a 1 level house with my aquarium set up. We are renting. I have a 55 gal. acrylic with stand. The water weight alone will be 458 lbs. plus the stand, sand, tank and equipt.
1) Will the weight damage the carpet (put a piece of wood under?)
2) Location in the house is above a garage next to wall support. Will the floor supports hold it.
moreResolved Question: I have a large aquarium and I may want to change the design of it.?
My aquarium is 220 gallon acrylic with built in filtration panels that the water flows over and in to the filter. The panels are tall so a lot of floating particles float around in the tank because they are to heavy to float up and go over the top of the panels. My filter is more than adequate size for the tank but those panels are making it hard to work with. I have a Fluval FX5 filter for tanks up to 400 gallons.
MY QUESTION IS, CAN I REMOVE THE PANELS WITHOUT HARMING THE INTEGRETY OF MY TANK ??? The tank is rectangular, 8 feet long by 30 inches deep by 20 inches tall. The panels are attached in the back corners of the tank diagonally. and go from the bottom of the tank almost to the top. They are cut like combs to stop larger things from going into the filter. and they are only about an inch and a half from the top of the tank.
Any advice would be helpful.
moreResolved Question: How do I go about constructing my own wall hung aquarium?
I'd like to build it using acrylic. It would be fairly small, approx. one & a half feet long & about one foot high, perhaps only a couple of inches wide, fresh water, using smaller fish only & not too many. Hope this all makes sense. Thank you in advance for any help you may provide.
moreResolved Question: What is the best source for a decent acrylic tank for my water turtles?
I've looked everywhere on the internet but I keep getting things for fish. I need an aquarium that is more wide than it is deep or tall. I've heard from the people at PetCo that going to a reptile expo is a good idea but I don't know where one is going to be happening. My mom was going to build a pond but she didn't want to spend $1000+ on it. They're in a kiddie pool for now but I just wish they could have more space to swim. I'm willing to save up for a good, big one it's just that I don't know WHERE to get one.
moreResolved Question: what do i use to glue acrylic to acrylic for building a fish tank?
just wondering what to use for building my own aquarium out of acyrlic. will the #3 stuff i read about be waterproof and hold the pressure or should i also use silicone?
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