Should I build my tank?

Velcro · Nov 23, 2017

i want a 72x24x16” shallow acrylic SPS tank. I’ve had quotes ranging from $1500-2400. Best quote so far was from advanced acrylics for $1500 shipped, non-drilled. Non-drilled is my preference as I will use a ghost style bean animal and have drilled thick acrylic before for this application.

I’m considering building my own tank. Here’s the catch: I’d have to order the acrylic cut to size since I don’t really have a table saw for this type of thing, especially this large of panels. It seems that i can order cut pieces of 3/4” cast from the web for under 1k. This is even with “routed edges” for gluing at an extra cost.

Should i be considering this or should I just pay the extra $500 and have the peace of mind of a legit company doing this? Should I be able to find material much cheaper than a grand?

ReefJake123 · Nov 23, 2017

Personally I think it's awesome to build your own tank but if you don't have experience with it or the right equipment to do this I would say just buy a tank chances are there won't be any leaks or cracks if so they will refund

Mandelstam · Nov 23, 2017

Have you built acrylic tanks before? Seems like a big expensive project to make your first expensive lessons on. If you haven't done it before maybe start with smaller tanks/projects before and work up to it.

cilyjr · Nov 23, 2017

I have built a few tanks and have the tool. Recently I was going to build a medium sized frag tank to take to coral swaps. I went to my local plastics store and got my numbers but when I looked around I found Advanced Acrylics could make me what i wanted for about the same price and I didn't need to spend hours prepping, gluing, finally building...

I would guess that when ordering precut there will a tolerance that may or may not be an issue when assembling.

I would just buy it made to save me the headache factor. My time is definitely worth $500