DIY tank

[FishPassion]

I am thinking of building a 60-80 gallon tall corner tank to fit in a corner in my living room. I am not sure which is easier glass or acrylic and could certainly use any advice or links that anybody may have. The look I am trying to achieve is a tall tank maybe 4 feet with two large bubble bars across the backs to give an effect of bubble walls and stock it with with some of my gouramies and other compatible fish of various depths. I hope I am not getting in over my head here but would appreciate any advice I can get in hopes of avoiding disaster.
Thank you in advance for any input you may have.

[Nelson]

Good Morning FP...hope all is well with you.  I don't have any experience with acrylic tanks vs glass but I do with reparing acrylic.  Should you decide to build out of acrylic, on a recommendation I went to Canus Plastics and picked up a bottle of acrylic cement that is absolutely incredible.  It seems to weld as opposed to simply glueing two pieces together.  I can almost guarrantee that an acrylic tank bonded with this stuff will NEVER leak!! The chemical, plus another bottle that incorporates a hypordermic applicator, costs less than $5.00!!  Of course they also stock all thicknesses and color of plastic/acrylic you could ever need, and will custom cut according to your specs.  

Finally, they have a fairly large area that contains a large assortment of scrap plastic that is available for free - picked up several useful pieces myself.

http://www.canusplastics.com/main.html

Hope this helps...Good luck, Nelson

[LowKey]

I am thinking of building a 60-80 gallon tall corner tank to fit in a corner in my living room. I am not sure which is easier glass or acrylic and could certainly use any advice or links that anybody may have. The look I am trying to achieve is a tall tank maybe 4 feet with two large bubble bars across the backs to give an effect of bubble walls and stock it with with some of my gouramies and other compatible fish of various depths. I hope I am not getting in over my head here but would appreciate any advice I can get in hopes of avoiding disaster.
Thank you in advance for any input you may have.

If you can find the size you're looking for in glass.  Take it.

Acrylic is great for custom tanks, drilling, and the clarity is unmatched.   The downside is the price, scratches, and availability in the area.

A 4 foot tall tank = crazy water pressure.  Consult with an engineer to see if it's feasible.  Don't forget floor support.  Your project is doable I'm sure, but you're venturing into the unknown.  Therefore I would advise you to be meticulous with respect to selecting individuals to provide you with information.  And the cost will be high so brace yourself.  

Put what you wanna do on paper. than youll really know if youre in over your head.  :wink:  pm me if you need an example of planning diagrams to work with.

[az]

hey, i am building 2 tanks 48" & 36" out of acrylic sometime this wk....will let you know how it goes and what i learned.

3/8" is 7.70/sqft....i am using 1/4"...which is arnd 5.50/sqft.

[gvv]

Where did you got it - 1/4"? What glue are you using?

[gvv]

Where did you got it - 1/4"?

[FishPassion]

Thanks for your input guys let me know how your tank goes Az. Lowkey I called around for pricing and I was sitting down lol. This little project may become very costly. Does any one know of a 45 gallon glass or acrylic barrel in perfect condition kicking around?

[az]

got it from canus on lisgar bet bank/oconnor...ask mike, he will get u the stuffs u need, its cheaper to buy when the size u need is in production....but if its custom...then u diy.