Log in

View Full Version : looking for DIY acrylic tank help



jolson10450
07-24-2011, 08:20 PM
I am looking to either buy or make my own acrylic frag tank to fit my needs. the optimum size i want is 24" x 12" x 6" but i have a feeling that is a rare size and no one will have it so i was wondering exactly what it takes to make my own. I want to make a small internal filter area for a heater and a pump for flow possibly but it is not necessary.

what i want to know is:

What size acrylic should i use for that tank size? could i get away with using 1/4" since it is only 6-8" deep?

what weld-on do you recommend? i have heard weld-on 4 is the best to use but not sure.

how do you apply the weld-on? do i just brush it on the edge and clamp them together or something?

any help is appreciated!!

Badfish
07-26-2011, 08:09 AM
I made my own sump out of acrylic it was really easy to do, I wrote a DIY for it here it is BadFish's DIY Vol.2: Don't Be a Chump, Build Your Own Sump
(http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/diy-projects-plans/badfishs-diy-vol-2-dont-chump-build-your-own-sump-17098/)
Its for a sump but the basic build for a tank should help you out.

I used Weld-on #16 and it worked great, its a little thicker than #4 so its easier to work with.

1/4" should be fine, I used .220 thick acrylic from menarda on my sump. But if you want to make sure you can always add a top brace.

Hope this helps! let me know if you have any questions

jolson10450
07-30-2011, 01:37 PM
thanks for the advice! but i ended up ordering a 24 x 12 x 7" tank from greatlakes and it was only $33, works for me because i would of spent more than that in acrylic and a frustrating time building it lol