Hi guys, Joey here.
I just wanted to give everyone a heads up that i will be soon posting
a new video series on how to build an acrylic aquarium.
Start to finnish. everything needed to know. From where to get the acrylic,
how much you can expect to pay for the acrylic
how to cut it
how to design the aquarium
preparing the edges of the acrylic
putting the tank together
welding the tank together
finishing touches(rounding corners, and flame polishing)
plumbing the tank
Designing building and installing filtration.
each step will show exactly how to do everything. In video format.
Using common and easy to use tools. Nothing fancy.
Once you see this series, you will know everything you need to know to build an acrylic aquarium, and will see just
how easy it really is.
Also included will be a few added bonuses for my viewers. i dont want to give them away yet.....
This video series will be posted soon. I have set the date to have the first video out, as this friday.
I will be posting all videos right here for you to see.
Anyways, just a heads up.
All videos will first be uploaded to my YouTube channel here: www.youtube.com/uarujoey
Subscribe if you can!
Thanks for looking.
Hello
O very cool looking foward to seeing your post!
Keep us posted.
Trevor
I watched your video on acrylic vs. glass.
I have a question about acrylic and scratches. How do you avoid them? I agree they can be buffed out, but I would prefer to avoid them than repair them. Are they special tools and/or tricks you use?
Quote from: RossW on May 30, 2011, 12:17:55 PM
I watched your video on acrylic vs. glass.
I have a question about acrylic and scratches. How do you avoid them? I agree they can be buffed out, but I would prefer to avoid them than repair them. Are they special tools and/or tricks you use?
How do you avoid them?
When cleaning the tank, try to avoid using a magnet to clean the viewing panels. Dirst and sand tend to get in between the acrylic and magnet.
I use a "glass" algae cleaner, the type that is on a pole, And i replace the abrasive sponge with a soft cloth.
I sometimes simply do it by hand with a cloth.
To clean the out side, i just use water and soft paper towel.
You can also get a protective wipe for the outside of the acrylic as well. Its called "Novus 1" it cleans, shines and protects the outside.
Other than that, i simply be careful when im working on the tank. Acrylic doesn't scratch that easy anyways.
Even if you did scratch the inside, You'd only notice that you even scratched it when is empty and dry. When full of water, its hard to see any scratches.
Tend to avoid big powerful plecos as well.
Very interested to watch the build thread!
Ross was asking about the scratches as in a SW tank the scratches are much more noticable and they tend to fill with coraline algae and such and become an eye swore very quickly.
Novus has a whole line of compounds for removing scratches from glass. I believe there are three, 1-2-3 for removing heavy scratches, fine scratches and a polish.
I've no exprience in FW.
In SW, the algae that encrusts on the glass can get pretty darn hard to remove... what's the secret for acrylic? A cloth will not likely take coraline algae off the glass... though I never tried... so maybe it will.. haha.
It sounds like acrylic is hands-down the best choice.. other than it's tendency to scratch, or that glass resists scratching significantly more... and once it's scratched... can these compounds be used under-water with the fish/corals/inverts in the tank?
Some pretty compelling arguments for acrylic though... and cool video series.
you can use various grits of sand paper to remove scratches underwater... but its always best to drain the tank down to the scratch.
There are also Acrylic Algae Scrapers made for acrylic tanks, as well as pads for it.
Something I just noticed, acrylic appears to be susceptible to warpage as seen here.
http://ovas.ca/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=2399 (http://ovas.ca/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=2399)
Quote from: JD on May 30, 2011, 04:57:47 PM
Something I just noticed, acrylic appears to be susceptible to warpage as seen here.
http://ovas.ca/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=2399 (http://ovas.ca/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=2399)
I know someone who just replaced their 100gallon tank due to a warped front.
Absolutely. Acrylic will bend and warp if the proper thickness is not used. But it doesn't simply warp on its own. Most warping and bowing is due to the owners of not using the correct thickness.
When using thin acrylic lids like the one in that link, at a thickness like that, it will tend to bend downwards. A simple fix is flipping the lid over. This is exactly what i do. I use 6mm acrylic on one of my tanks for lids, and simply flip them over once a week. But they are also made out of extruded, and not cell cast.
On this build, im using 12mm(1/2") lids... theres no chance of them bowing.
Well there maybe a lot less hobby tanks from acrylic, but there are still thousands and thousands of them... Like all things in life, it's a game of compromise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYhfV7SvoRs
Thanks Joey very well done video with great audio. Often I ovoid people's posts regarding videos because of the quality. Look forward to the the next installments. Thanks for sharing your know how here. Personally I've been thinking of designing a new sump and using acrylic.
Quote from: dan2x38 on June 02, 2011, 11:26:25 AM
Thanks Joey very well done video with great audio. Often I ovoid people's posts regarding videos because of the quality. Look forward to the the next installments. Thanks for sharing your know how here. Personally I've been thinking of designing a new sump and using acrylic.
No problem Dan.
I have a few different designs for sumps on my channel, so feel free to use what ever you want.
nice vid... what kind of acrylic? Cast or Extrude or what?
DIdn't catch it in the video what was recommended... srry prob there but I am lexdysic, i mean dyslexic.
122mm Cell Cast
I think Pat's finger got stuck on the 2 key.
I heard 12 mm.
In one of his other video's he mentioned that cell cast was something like 4x stronger.
Quote from: redbelly on June 02, 2011, 01:23:32 PM
122mm Cell Cast
Quote from: RossW on June 02, 2011, 01:53:05 PM
I think Pat's finger got stuck on the 2 key.
I heard 12 mm.
In one of his other video's he mentioned that cell cast was something like 4x stronger.
Thats right. 12mm cell cast in this build.
Cell cast is the denser and stronger material over extruded. If i had to desrbie the difference between the two, i would say that cell cast is "harder" then extruded.
Extruded can also be used though. I have used it to build sumps. As long as the water level is not higher than 8-12", and using at least 6mm, its fine. Just needs to be braced properly.
The only reason I want (considering) to build a sump is to get certain dimensions to maximize the space used under my stand. If I am going to use up the stand for a sump might as well use as much as I can. I would also make it in two parts so I could take one half off line if needed. Have my shimmer/return chambers in one section and fuge in the second. Cool thing with acrylic much easier to work with than glass and less messy. Way more configurable for DIY.
Quote from: dan2x38 on June 02, 2011, 11:26:20 PM
Cool thing with acrylic much easier to work with than glass and less messy. Way more configurable for DIY.
Exactly! Most tools used on wood, are also used on acrylic. Most times its simply changing the type of blade.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da78xmuwTHo
Waiting with bated breath to see you cut out the top. That will be way stronger than strips. How much different in price do you think it would be?
Quote from: dan2x38 on June 05, 2011, 12:26:13 PM
Waiting with bated breath to see you cut out the top. That will be way stronger than strips. How much different in price do you think it would be?
From the costs he said in another video, I presume that the top ONLY of the tank is $140.
Brace's instead of full top would be
2x 27 x 4
2x 47 x 4
Around $50 in acrylic. So $100 difference lets say.
Total acrylic cost for a tank this size I presume to be:
1x 48 x 36
2x 48 x 20
2x 36 x 20
1x 35 x 47
41.76sqft of acrylic x $12/sqft
$500 roughly for this tank. ONLY counting Acrylic.
Just a rough guess.
Also have to include any tools you need and don't already have. I bet some of the tools you wouldn't use again or often so pretty much be a tank cost build cost. Cutting out that top will be a task no matter how you look at it.
Quote from: dan2x38 on June 05, 2011, 04:46:03 PM
Also have to include any tools you need and don't already have. I bet some of the tools you wouldn't use again or often so pretty much be a tank cost build cost. Cutting out that top will be a task no matter how you look at it.
A simple plunge router would make it pretty easy.
this is some interersting stuff I am following this, and can't wait for it to come together Love it!!
Thanks for the share
Quote from: JetJumper on June 05, 2011, 01:06:10 PM
From the costs he said in another video, I presume that the top ONLY of the tank is $140.
Brace's instead of full top would be
2x 27 x 4
2x 47 x 4
Around $50 in acrylic. So $100 difference lets say.
Total acrylic cost for a tank this size I presume to be:
1x 48 x 36
2x 48 x 20
2x 36 x 20
1x 35 x 47
41.76sqft of acrylic x $12/sqft
$500 roughly for this tank. ONLY counting Acrylic.
Just a rough guess.
Thats a very good guess. In fact, spot on, if that were the Sq/ft i was using.
(there is 144 square inches to a square foot.... multiply all dimensions in inches, then divide by 144)
48x20x2 = 13.33 sq/ft
48x36 = 12 sq/ft
47x35 = 11.42 sq/ft
35x20x2 = 9.72 sq/ft
Total = 46.47 sq/ft
Acrylic providers usually round up though. So actually make it 47 sq/ft.
47 sq/ft of 12mm cell cast X $11(amount i actually pay) = $517.....
I asked for quotes on this same tank from the biggest acrylic manufactures in both canada and the states. They would build the same tank for triple the cost it is to make it your self. That doesnt include shipping, taxes, ect....
Example: think of a tank you want, and ask for a quote... then calculate what it would cost to do it yourself.
NOW, if i were to acrylic strips for a brace, instead of a full top(which i cover and show examples, and how to's of each in the series)
It would be the following:
Strips:
2x 27 x 4 = 1.5sq/ft
2x 47 x 4 = 2.6sq/ft
total= 3.1 sq/ft... cost = $34.10...
Full brace:
$125.66
Difference in strength... not much if both are done correctly. My ray tank has strips in fact...
Difference in looks... personal taste. I want a full top, cause i think they look good.
Big difference is the price. BUT, the piece you cut out of the full top for an access point/lid also serves as your lid. The peice cut out, becomes your lid(i'll end up showing you how)
With strips..... you have to also buy lids, or make them.... which is what i did on my ray tank, and in the end, basically cost me the same to do strips, and add tops, as it did for a full top...
If you want an open top, with no lids, do the strips. If you can get cheap glass, or have a way of keeping lids cheap... do strips. If not, do the full top.
Either way, doesnt make a huge difference.
Quote from: dan2x38 on June 05, 2011, 04:46:03 PM
Also have to include any tools you need and don't already have. I bet some of the tools you wouldn't use again or often so pretty much be a tank cost build cost. Cutting out that top will be a task no matter how you look at it.
Ahhh.. good idea. You also need the tools.
My method doesnt need ANY power tools ever.
Why? if you get the acrylic provider to cut the acrylic to the dimensions you need(free right now anyway) then you dont have to have tools to cut it. For a brace, if you use strips, they cut them too... So no power tools needed for the tank at all.. when it comes to cutting.
What about edge prep? I'll show you how to do that too... chances are, you already have everything you need. If you dont, less than $5...
other then that, those are the two main areas that would need power tools.
I built my 284gallon with the only power tool being a drill.... so i could drill holes for the plumbing. but that was it.
I'll be using power tools in this video though... showing how to use them with, or without.. Mainly without. Except that top... im using a power tool on that. Plus i'll be doing a couple of other features to the tank that need a power tool.... but it can be done by hand as well.
In the end.... no tools required if you dont have them.
Quote from: DonaldMcL on June 05, 2011, 05:29:58 PM
A simple plunge router would make it pretty easy.
Exactly... doesnt have to be a plunge router either. A normal router works... so does a few types of saws...
Quote from: Darth on June 05, 2011, 05:46:35 PM
this is some interersting stuff I am following this, and can't wait for it to come together Love it!!
Thanks for the share
Thanks for watching!
Quote from: DonaldMcL on June 05, 2011, 05:29:58 PM
A simple plunge router would make it pretty easy.
But if you don't then an additional cost. Guess you could rent any tools you needed. Another issue for me at least is the space and place to build anything... :( I' an apartment dweller. Even my small projects are a pain - the wife hates it and bitches for weeks after any project is done. That you can't put a cost on... LOL
Quote from: dan2x38 on June 05, 2011, 10:34:25 PM
But if you don't then an additional cost. Guess you could rent any tools you needed. Another issue for me at least is the space and place to build anything... :( I' an apartment dweller. Even my small projects are a pain - the wife hates it and bitches for weeks after any project is done. That you can't put a cost on... LOL
You don't need to have a router, or any other tools really. Theres more then one way to skin a cat. I'll show you what i mean in the series. To cut the large access holes out of the top brace, i used a router... BUT, i could have done it with a Jig Saw. To do that, id drill a big enough hole into one of the corners to be cut with a powerdrill... then slip the saw blade in and cut the hole out.
You can skip that step if you use strips of acrylic for the brace instead though... then you don't need any power tools at all.
I will be putting together almost the entire build in my living room, so space is also an issue here.
Building an acrylic tank only takes a couple hours at most. Get the acrylic cut for you... prepare the edges in less then an hour... and cement it together in 25mins or less.... You could have it done before she would ever know!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMyGtuekZb4
New video saturday...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rsUbzVwaUo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSIVa_TzN8w
Is the Weld On 4 just methylene chloride?
Quote from: dan2x38 on June 11, 2011, 01:52:43 PM
Is the Weld On 4 just methylene chloride?
That is its main ingredient yes. Pure methylene chloride can also be used but it would cure much faster. I suggest against it, unless you've used it many times before.
Yes I've used it but only for small applications and a small tank I built - very small just under 4 gal. LOL
Quote from: dan2x38 on June 11, 2011, 05:48:01 PM
Yes I've used it but only for small applications and a small tank I built - very small just under 4 gal. LOL
A build is still a build.... any experience is better then none. :)
only one more video after this and the tank is complete.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRIhyV1gwaw
Hey Joey I'm totally going to make a tank using this method. I was very nervous about using the "pin method". Looks like there is way to much error that way. Now your method seems so much easier. I think I'm going to start with a small tank first and go from there.
Have you ever had a problem with any of your tanks by using this method? I can't imagine if your making sure the glue is going all the way to the opposite edge.
Quote from: Mike536 on June 14, 2011, 09:02:20 PM
Hey Joey I'm totally going to make a tank using this method. I was very nervous about using the "pin method". Looks like there is way to much error that way. Now your method seems so much easier. I think I'm going to start with a small tank first and go from there.
Have you ever had a problem with any of your tanks by using this method? I can't imagine if your making sure the glue is going all the way to the opposite edge.
The only real error you can get is when you prepare the edges. If you create a smooth edge, the rest is easy. Ask for some free scrap pieces, or maybe even buy some cheap scrap to practice on..
I remember when i cemented my first edge....... i thought... "That's it??"
Cementing is simple. But success with cementing lies in a properly prepared edge.
The method i used works very well with 12mm acrylic or less. With thicker, you may have to use the pins to make sure the cement gets all the way threw.
It's huge! Your videos are simply awesome... So many "trade secrets" revealed making the aquarium hobby and DIY available to more and more people.
Grats and thanks!
Quote from: Hookup on June 14, 2011, 10:23:24 PM
It's huge! Your videos are simply awesome... So many "trade secrets" revealed making the aquarium hobby and DIY available to more and more people.
Grats and thanks!
Glad your enjoying my videos!
I could have went a lot bigger with this build given the amount of acrylic provided... But i don't need another "Big" tank at the moment, or the room really. I also wanted to have enough acrylic left over in order to build something "special".. which i already did..... you'll see that soon enough though... clue: another aquarium... yet, not conventional at all.
Quote from: uarujoey on June 14, 2011, 09:33:46 PM
The only real error you can get is when you prepare the edges. If you create a smooth edge, the rest is easy. Ask for some free scrap pieces, or maybe even buy some cheap scrap to practice on..
I remember when i cemented my first edge....... i thought... "That's it??"
Cementing is simple. But success with cementing lies in a properly prepared edge.
I guess the same goes for anything. I'm a welder and 90% of my job is prep. The welding is simple. If I do this I'm going to weld up a stand. Strong enough that a truck could drive over it. lol
Last video on Friday...
Boo. I wanted to see it tonight. I ordered a couple sheets of 6 mm tonight. That should be ok for a 40 ish gallon tank right?
Quote from: Mike536 on June 16, 2011, 09:27:38 PM
Boo. I wanted to see it tonight. I ordered a couple sheets of 6 mm tonight. That should be ok for a 40 ish gallon tank right?
Depends on height, and bracing...
Also, if its cell cast or not....
What are your plans for the tank in terms of dimensions? Also, did you order Cell Cast? Where did you order?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caJQsEJ5QBc
Ya it's cell cast. I ordered from EM Plastic. Gee's you doing this videos is going to give them great business. I'll probably be ordering alot of stuff from them through work.
I don't know about the deminsions get. I don't want it too tall Because it's going to be custom i'm totally open to sugestions. I'm a welder so I'm going to be making a stand so standardization is not an issue.
Quote from: Mike536 on June 17, 2011, 12:56:35 PM
Ya it's cell cast. I ordered from EM Plastic. Gee's you doing this videos is going to give them great business. I'll probably be ordering alot of stuff from them through work.
I don't know about the deminsions get. I don't want it too tall Because it's going to be custom i'm totally open to sugestions. I'm a welder so I'm going to be making a stand so standardization is not an issue.
Hmmm.... 6mm cell cast.. Generally, I wouldn't go over 12" tall....But you could go 14" tall as a max, if water level is actually at 12-13", and the top is properly braced.
If you ordered two sheets, you could build several tanks.
Joey hats off to you and thanks for sharing. I rarely watch an entire YouTube anything but watched all this series. Learned much from them pretty cool.
Quote from: dan2x38 on June 18, 2011, 12:15:24 AM
Joey hats off to you and thanks for sharing. I rarely watch an entire YouTube anything but watched all this series. Learned much from them pretty cool.
Thanks for watching Dan. Glad you enjoyed the videos.
Hey Joey. Like a lot of other people said I watched your full series. Just awesome. Before I only use to watch you tube to see stupid people hurt themselves but now I'm all about watching this type of video. Can't wait to see more!! On a side note do you tube give you anything for your awesome videos?
Cheers,
Mike
Quote from: Mike536 on June 18, 2011, 09:05:37 AM
Hey Joey. Like a lot of other people said I watched your full series. Just awesome. Before I only use to watch you tube to see stupid people hurt themselves but now I'm all about watching this type of video. Can't wait to see more!! On a side note do you tube give you anything for your awesome videos?
Cheers,
Mike
Thanks for watching. I very pleased that so many enjoyed it. I enjoyed making this style video, and will continue on with making many more just like it, to add to what i already have.
I am a YouTube Partner, so yes, i receive revenue for all of my videos.
Quote from: uarujoey on June 17, 2011, 09:19:12 PM
If you ordered two sheets, you could build several tanks.
That's what I'm hoping. I'm actually waiting to get a price quote back on the two sheets. Maybe I'll change it to 3/8" sheets. I'm guessing there's more options with that thickness. I know one of my buddies will want a sump built when he sees mine in process.
On a side note Joey what type of table saw blade should I get to make the cuts as good as possible. Ie to make it a little easier on the "scraping" process afterwards.
Quote from: Mike536 on June 19, 2011, 11:07:39 AM
That's what I'm hoping. I'm actually waiting to get a price quote back on the two sheets. Maybe I'll change it to 3/8" sheets. I'm guessing there's more options with that thickness. I know one of my buddies will want a sump built when he sees mine in process.
On a side note Joey what type of table saw blade should I get to make the cuts as good as possible. Ie to make it a little easier on the "scraping" process afterwards.
A Blade with little or no set. Teeth of equal height. At least 5 teeth per inch. Carbide tipped. Set the RPM as high as you can. Only allow the blade to be slightly higher then the acrylic to reduce chipping.
Quote from: uarujoey on June 19, 2011, 11:22:24 AM
A Blade with little or no set. Teeth of equal height. At least 5 teeth per inch. Carbide tipped. Set the RPM as high as you can. Only allow the blade to be slightly higher then the acrylic to reduce chipping.
For cutting would it be a good idea to use a strip of hardwood clamped on top where the blade will cut through? This technique is often used on expensive woods to prevent any splintering. Would this work with acrylic?
Mike - in town Cancus Plastics could make the cuts. Then if they chipped or cracked a sheet they'd have to replace it. Might be cheaper than buying an expensive carbide blade too?
Quote from: dan2x38 on June 19, 2011, 11:29:28 AM
For cutting would it be a good idea to use a strip of hardwood clamped on top where the blade will cut through? This technique is often used on expensive woods to prevent any splintering. Would this work with acrylic?
Mike - in town Cancus Plastics could make the cuts. Then if they chipped or cracked a sheet they'd have to replace it. Might be cheaper than buying an expensive carbide blade too?
If there are no vibrations, that helps with chipping. Not sure on putting a piece of hardwood clamped to it though. I know place a piece of styrofoam under it helps a lot if your using a hand saw though..
I agree, get who ever you get the acrylic from to cut it. If you go with EM, cuts are free if you mention my video..
I always get mine cut for me. I tend to avoid that risk. Although i do regularly cut on own acrylic, i tend to let them do the big jobs.
Good news. My acrylic came in today. I ordered weld on 16 and 4. Thing is the guy at canus plastic said they don't stock weld on 4. I asked him what they use being a plastic fab shop. And he said they just use methal hydrate. ( I think that's the name. It's at work) he said he was the exact same thing as Weldon 4. Hope he's right. I think I'm going to try a trough/frag tank for my buddy first.
Quote from: Mike536 on June 27, 2011, 07:17:10 PM
Good news. My acrylic came in today. I ordered weld on 16 and 4. Thing is the guy at canus plastic said they don't stock weld on 4. I asked him what they use being a plastic fab shop. And he said they just use methal hydrate. ( I think that's the name. It's at work) he said he was the exact same thing as Weldon 4. Hope he's right. I think I'm going to try a trough/frag tank for my buddy first.
methylene chloride is what he said they use....
methylene chloride is the main ingredient to weld-on 4. Weld-on 3 has a higher concentration of it, and is a much faster setting cement.
Be care with methylene chloride, as it will set fast. Check and then double check everything before you let it touch the acrylic.
SO, how much acrylic did you get?
I got 2 sheets of 3/8" depending on how this fab turns out I might try to make a skimmer to. I'm a machinist and have access to a milling machine. I can't wait to get started. Hopefully next week I'll start cutting acrylic.
Quote from: Mike536 on June 27, 2011, 08:04:53 PM
I got 2 sheets of 3/8" depending on how this fab turns out I might try to make a skimmer to. I'm a machinist and have access to a milling machine. I can't wait to get started. Hopefully next week I'll start cutting acrylic.
pictures please... 8)