Alternative tank materials?

[Blue Meg]

Does anyone use materials other than acrylic or glass for aquariums?

I know you need to balance strength, weight, hardness, flexibility and toxicity. But has anyone made a tank from another transparent polymer or a transparent mineral?

 

[Brew12]

Does anyone use materials other than acrylic or glass for aquariums?

I know you need to balance strength, weight, hardness, flexibility and toxicity. But has anyone made a tank from another transparent polymer or a transparent mineral?

You also need to balance cost, which I feel rules out many of the more exotic materials that may work better than acrylic.

 

[AlexG]

I used plywood to build my tanks and used glass for viewing panels. I have not really heard of other transparent materials being used before in aquarium construction.

 

[RamsReef]

You also need to balance cost, which I feel rules out many of the more exotic materials that may work better than acrylic.

Transparent aluminum?

 

[Blue Meg]

Transparent aluminum?

It only works for humpback whales. Mandarins will eat through that **** in a week.

 

[Erica-Renee]

Fiberglass, Concrete , I seen a tank once made of plywood with the inside skinned with FRP.. (Prob did not last long) . I think there are some plastics that could also be used.

ohh
You can build a Aquarium with Glass... I know right!!! Why did people not think about this before....

 

[AdamNC]

Transparent aluminum?

There’s only one guy that knows how to do that. I think he’s from Scotland or round abouts.

 

[Brew12]

There’s only one guy that knows how to do that. I think he’s from Scotland or round abouts.

I know it was referenced in Star Trek, but the product actually exists and is used in place of bullet proof glass. Its chemical name is aluminum oxynitride.

 

[mattgsa]

Alright new life goal. Make a Star Trec reef tank, using transparent aluminum;Vulcan