LF - Acrylic tank builder

nanoreefer · #1 02-02-2021, 07:59 AM

I am also looking to get back into the hobby again and sick of glass tanks and wondering on the prices in Canada on acrylic to DIY a tank or costs of building a large one in the 200-350 gallon range.

GreenSpottedPuffer · #2 02-03-2021, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nanoreefer

I am also looking to get back into the hobby again and sick of glass tanks and wondering on the prices in Canada on acrylic to DIY a tank or costs of building a large one in the 200-350 gallon range.

I'm not sure on exact sheet price since there is no way I am going to DIY a tank this large but I think it's roughly $400-500 a sheet for 3/4" at retail price. For smaller pieces that I priced out, plasticworks was the best price. Depends on dimensions but for a 200 my guess is 2 sheets, 3 sheets for 350. That 350 might need 1" acrylic depending on height.

I would build a few small tanks before DIYing a 350G

Out of curiosity, what makes you sick of glass tanks?

If I had the choice (ground floor spot for my tank) I would not go acrylic. I am just willing to accept the scratches so I can go a little larger in my current place.

Edit: I did a bunch of research on DIY acrylic tanks. I would read the threads on other forums. A lot of good advice on what type of acrylic to use as well as solvents. There were even some tank builders who used certain solvents that were not good for larger tanks. The prediction was that the tank could give after a few years

Then there is the issue of hazing...It's all a very specific skill. I have built a few glass tanks but that is really easy in comparison.

Ritteri · #3 02-03-2021, 02:12 AM

Your close on pricing. My 3/4 acrylic wasnt that much more expensive than my 1/2. Although the 1/2 was 60"x96" and the 3/4 was 48"x96"

You may find my conversations on the wetweb with Mr. Fenner regarding my tankbuild, he is or was a very nice person to deal with as I think he's passed on.

I would only build tanks in that two part.

Any lightly scratched acrylic tank is still clearer than glass.

GreenSpottedPuffer · #4 02-25-2021, 08:35 PM

So looks like I am back at square one.

I had the tank built by a local acrylic manufacturer but I do not trust the tank. They made it out of a material, Chemcast GP which is blacklisted by reputable aquarium builders. Apparently several, or many, tanks had failures in the past with this material. The edges were also not all that well done. The solvent work was perfect but the details are just not there for something so expensive.

Working on getting a refund.

I don't want to call them out on here since they are not an actual tank builder. Hmmm, or maybe I have already named them earlier.

Any ideas?

no_bs · #5 02-26-2021, 01:27 AM

As I have found out in life GSP, If I want things done correct, I'll do it myself. Have yet to find a good acrylic builder in the lower mainland, so I do my own! If you have the skills and abilities GSP, do it yourself. Acrylic is easy to work with!

GreenSpottedPuffer · #6 02-26-2021, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by no_bs

As I have found out in life GSP, If I want things done correct, I'll do it myself. Have yet to find a good acrylic builder in the lower mainland, so I do my own! If you have the skills and abilities GSP, do it yourself. Acrylic is easy to work with!

I would but honestly, I am a little tired of DIY after a year of DIY home reno projects. I have the tools and maybe most of the skill, don't know. I'm a little scared of DIY when it comes to 200G of water.

We'll see.

no_bs · #7 02-26-2021, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer

I would but honestly, I am a little tired of DIY after a year of DIY home reno projects. I have the tools and maybe most of the skill, don't know. I'm a little scared of DIY when it comes to 200G of water.

We'll see.

200g no prob, you got that!