Does any one know.....

[maddhatter72]

Hi guys  I've been thinking that it would be fun to build an aquarium.  I'd like to do glass because I'm not sure about the clearity of  acrylic.  

Does anyone know where i can get/order the plastic trim that is on the top and bottom of the tanks?   I've been trying to look for them on the internet but I don't even know what the name for the trim is (if it has one.)

I'm going to start buy making some small tanks for practice but eventually want to build a 135 gallon tank.

If anyone can help me find a shop that i can find the rubber trimming ... I'm ready to get started.

Also what is your opinion on the clearity of acrylic tanks.

[CichlidFan]

Re: Does any one know.....

I would look into making the trim myself as well. You could use wood grain contact paper with another piece of plastic or acrylic. I have used the wood grain contact paper on my black plastic trim and it does a very good job sticking to the plastic.

Just an idea

CF

[fishingaddict]

Re: Does any one know.....

i think acrylic is as clear as it gets.  usually the acrylic is clearer than glass, but i do think that you can find glass just as clear, but its some special kind i think.

[Hanson77]

Re: Does any one know.....

Have you weighed out the cost of both building materials + time and effort vs. just buying a 135.  If I were to build anthing it would be the stand.  I would just hate to know that I built a tank, tried to fill it with water only to find that it didn't hold for some reason or another and then have to rebuild it.  I'm just about as handy as they come when it comes to building things but I'm still a bit leary of building my own.

Just my two pennies worth.

[maddhatter72]

Re: Does any one know.....

Thanks guys

I never thought of that.. Thats a greeat idea.  Making the trim from the acrylic would increase the strength of the tanks as well and I could probably build them taller than I had planned.
For the first one I want to build an odd size.  Something like 30L x 6w x 18 h.  and fill it with guppies.

I know that acrylic is pretty clear.. I did not know that it was clearer than glass.  I was also worried about the scratches that it may get from repeated cleaning of the tank.  Houston water is pretty hard and the two small tanks that I bought had a lot of mineral deposits that I had to scrub like crazy and there still not perfectly clear glass.  I thought the acrylic would get a little dull.

My goal is to play a little. I'd rather build somthing than buy something but you are right building a 135 gallon tank cant be cheap.  I haven't priced it yet so it may become impracticle for a large tank.   I think I will still play with it to build small tanks.  i would be kind of cool to tell guest that you built the tank your fish were swimming in.

I am pretty handy.  I've done everything from help build a house, to repair an engine, paint a car, to chip level pc board repair.
I have never played with acrylic and your right the potentiol fo rthe tank to not hold water is definately there.  I've read that the bonding on acrylic joints is easier since its molecular and easy to repair.

I think it would be challanging and fun.  Hanson77 you sound like I guy I should start recruiting to help me when (iif ever) i do build a large tank :)


Give me more advice guys.    This is a great site.

Ps I am looking to buy  a large tank but they all seem to be out of my price range or someone beats me to it.

[Hanson77]

Re: Does any one know.....

I got your back when the time comes.  I understand where you are coming from dabbling in just about everything.  About our only difference is the computer side.  That's about the only thing that I haven't tried.  I do have a one up though....have you ever built anything out of fiberglass...LOL???  I thought about building a large fiberglass shell and putting a piece of acrylic on the front but didn't know the best way to attach the front.

Let me know when you need a helping hand.  That would be a fun one to work on.

As for the 135, there was one someone put up here earlier that was in the DFW area.  Don't know if you could go get it but the price was pretty cheap.

[maddhatter72]

Re: Does any one know.....

yeah I saw the one in dfw.. Its pretty nice but I don't think I'm up for the drive... It is however at the right price.

I'll let you know when/if I ever try something that large.  As for fiberglass... never tried it.   I will though.  I've got a body kit for my 280z that needs some tweeking.  

Thanks for the offer.

riaz

[Brownsnoutuk]

Re: Does any one know.....

+$100 gas and a long drive to get it.