want to build my own

[unforgiven]

I've always had the dream of building my own massive aquarium, I mean I bought a big one, but it's not the same as home made...you do it yourselfers know what I mean.

now here's the size I've thought of

100" x 42" x 20" 84,000 cu. in. so roughly 360 usg by my crappy maths.

I want to use Plexiglass because Glass is expensive, heavier, and substantially weaker.
but aside from that, I don't have a clue where to start.

like, what to use for the frame, (one would assume angle iron) the thickness of the plexiglass, or if a tank of those dimensions is possible. so any help would be appreciated...like a link to a good website, or anything along those lines

 

[Bol]

Try looking at this (but it won't work with a length of over 96").

edit: and come to think of it, you can't easily find Plexiglass around here in larger than "plywood sheet" size, which is roughly 48" x 96".

There seem to be other useful articles on this subject at garf.org. If you go to their website, choose "How To - pages" from the left menu, then look at the links in the "Aquarium Construction and Tips" section.

 

[spottedbovine]

hey I was gonna recomend the same site really helpful, also gonna make me a tank 4 the kitchen, good luck with your mission an remember post pics

 

[unforgiven]

wow thanks

i can lose the 4 inches...i like round numbers, but 96 is close enough.

I won't be starting this anytime soon, I just spent a little more than $2500 of a 250 gallon tank, so no $$$ for starting just yet, but I like to research in advance.

 

[Vip]

I dont understand that webpage it states not to go over 96" in length or over 30" height. My tank that i brought about 3 weeks ago or so is 120"x36"x30" with 25mm glass, and i have metal frame (only cause it looks better), there might not be any water in it but ive seen a couple of these tanks around cause its a lobster tank and you see them at like casino's and stuff. If you want to go bigger go for it, i say it works..
Ive even seen tanks bigger than mine

 

[TheeMon]

vip, mary me? (jk) but whered u get such a big tank? /cost?

 

[ste2k3]

you can go as big as you like, I think its just thatn site can't calculate anything over 8'. I'f you can calculate it yourself and get the correct thickness of glass, then you shouldn't have a problem but make sure you don't skimp of the glass or it will bow out over time. also brace it well.

ste

 

[coconutman39]

ok im confused..acrylic is like plexiglass?

 

[bunjiweb]

Where can i buy sheets of thick clear acrylic or plexi glass in england?

Ben

 

[benz_020]

your wrong and right

acrylic is plexiglass

ok........



VIP where did you get a tank that big? how much?

 

[rvm]

That site won't let you build a tank longer than 96", but it will let you do one that is 96" long and 1000" wide!!!!!
I'm off to build my 8312g tank now bye!!

 

[kev]

Isn't that called a lake??

VIP - Can you post a pic of that huge tank - Can't really vision it - I make it about 3 meteres long - Where you gonna put it??

Will you swim in it??

 

[DylFunk]

yeah as long as the height is under 30" and the length under 96" then by all means make it 10 miles wide. i added a few million inches of width and hey ive got myself a 12467500000000000000g tank.

 

[candy]

VIP - u can fit 2 1/2 of me in ur tank. can i come swim in it or have/going to put monsters in it.

i have just fwd the site to my dad.. maybe he will get the hint

 

[The-Wolf]

Where can i buy sheets of thick clear acrylic or plexi glass in england?

Ben

Try these ben
http/www.gcip.co.uk/EP/perspex.htm
http/www.k2a.co.uk/

or use this list
http/www.applegate.co.uk/products/psa/3312.htm