How to build an Acrylic fish tank?
Question:need answer now please.
Answers:
Here is a link to a good how to page. As you can see they give a list of possible materials.
http://www.austinglass.com.au/aquariums.
I'd pre-assemble all the panels with spacers and strong tape and then add sealant. Remove the spacers after the sealer sets a bit and fill the gap with sealer.
a few thoughts on the sealant, it needs as much surface contact with the panels as you can provide, so do cove it between the panels. it is difficult to "clean up" so one thing you can do is mask off a line close to the joint and remove the tape before the sealant cures. you would strike down the coving of the sealant to the masking and carefully pull the tape as soon as you are done "working" the joint.
Don't forget that the supporting stand needs to be constructed for the weight and the floor below should be looked at and additional support[s] added if the tank is very large.
ive done this mysef...but found out that its much simpler to buy one..you realy wont save any money in the long run..and my god if you have a leak..whew...caused flash backs there...had to put mine together 3 times before i got it sealed right...and use the wrong sealent and poof all the fish you put in die..
If you really want to build it, buy the plastic (Lexan is a brand name for clear acrylic product), cut it to proper size, polish the edges (they must fit flush and tight) and use an acrylic cement to glue it all together. This is NOT a recommended process for an inexperienced person. If you don't get the joints perfect, it will leak.
It will be far easier and less expensive to just buy one ready made.
Great idea, but without perfect execution and the right materials you will inevitably water your living room carpet or kill every fish you attempt to make this their home. You are much better off buying one because you wont save much money at all and you will retain your sanity for when you try to reinvent the wheel. Been there, done this, after 3 tries and about 2 dozen dead fish I bought one and had no problems. If it does leak for some reason, you can always return it to wal-mart, they take everything badk wether you bought it there or not.
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