Building An Acrylic Tank

lvdimino · Apr 28, 2016

I want to take on project of building my own acrylic tank. I have never worked with acrylic before but I am fairly handy with tools and building. example...framed out a basement, wired my own electric, minor repairs and installs with pvc, copper, iron pipe etc....

I want to build a 100 gallon L shape tank
24 high, 18 deep 12mm acrylic.

Am I crazy for wanting or thinking I can do this?

Saybng · Apr 28, 2016

You can do it..dry fit, make jigs to help you hold them together, and take your time..I personally have never done it but I know a few that have and it turned out great. good luck...and your not crazy.

Lowell Lemon · Apr 28, 2016

lvdimino said:
I want to take on project of building my own acrylic tank. I have never worked with acrylic before but I am fairly handy with tools and building. example...framed out a basement, wired my own electric, minor repairs and installs with pvc, copper, iron pipe etc....

I want to build a 100 gallon L shape tank
24 high, 18 deep 12mm acrylic.

Am I crazy for wanting or thinking I can do this?

Remember to use only cell cast acrylic sheet and remove all saw cuts with a carbide router bit for plastics. If you want to save time have someone CNC cut all your parts so all you have to do is assemble. Take time to read Turbo Floyds thread on acrylic and you will get some great advice. I have built thousands of tanks in acrylic over 30 years and with proper planing you can have a great build. There are many tips and tricks to pay attention to like the solvent mix, foam tape, and pin method for bubble free joints. You can do it.

CoralCollectors805 · Apr 28, 2016

Use a table saw with at least 90 teeth to get clean cuts, then use a router to get perfect smooth edges before you bond. I always leave extra on the edges the router off. Use a rounding bit on the sides then graze with a blow torch... Just a few tips

Lowell Lemon · Apr 28, 2016

Saw blades alone cost $100.00 plus for a triple chip plastic grind with carbide teeth and close to a 0 degree hook angle. Again FTM Plastics for the blade. Some people could cut the parts for you on a CNC for less than the cost of the blade...