Lam's 180 build

[itche_scratche]

I got permission to upgrade my tank from 120 to 180 gallon for the holiday season.
Here is my current 120 gal.

 

[itche_scratche]

Time to go order some acrylic and cut them up.
This is where i fot my acrylic.

 

[TaylorPilot]

I like Laird also, what brand of acrylic are you going to use?

 

[itche_scratche]

I ordered 2 1/2" sheet of Plexiglass G acrylic sheet.
I also have them cut to size for me also.
I will have the pics of the cut tomorrow.

 

[itche_scratche]

Here is acrylic after cut to size and transport home.

 

[itche_scratche]

I spent Saturday to work on the top brace.

 

[JasReef]

Very nice! I am excited to see this come together.

 

[itche_scratche]

I decided to work on the frag tank today to refresh my skill :)

 

[itche_scratche]

6hours later

 

[itche_scratche]

Got the frag tank all done

 

[klesel]

Love building stuff with acrylic sky the limit what you can do . nice build

 

[itche_scratche]

Time to start welding the display tank.
I'm a little nervous.
Taking a deep breath, here we go.

 

[steiger33]

Looking good. I have always wanted to try my hand at acrylic but just to nervous.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Great new build!

 

[ws6kid]

Wish I had the nerve to build a tank. Looks awesome!

 

[Pepcrylic]

I noticed on your frag tank pic you were prepping your edge with a hacksaw blade. Is that the same method you are going to use on the 180?

 

[Bryce Peterson]

When you post a tank build, you really mean it! Love it and can't wait to see more.

 

[itche_scratche]

No, my display was laser cut by the place i purchased the acrylic. I would recommend you to have them to cut it for you. Its very smooth and perfect 90. It will make your diy a lot easier, nicer bonding edge, and most of all piece of mind. My frag tank are from the left over acrylic. I cutted it with circular saw. It not that bad. But not good enough for display tank. Since its a frag tank that sit in my back room, i dint really care that much about the look.

 

[Pepcrylic]

I prep my edges with a router.
Just curious about the heat that the laser would cause to the edge? Wouldnt that change the molecular structure of the acrylic?

 

[itche_scratche]

They called a laser cut but actually not a laser. It a CNC high pitch circular saw. The edge come out as good or better than the router.
When i ordered the cut, i asked them to prep the edge for bond ready. That way i dont have to prep the bonding edge.