Custom Acrylic Aquariums...Should we build it?

[Acrylics]

You should be able to find Plex-Glas or Acrylite GP up there, *maybe* Polycast as well. If you have problems, try Laird Plastics or Port Plastics in Seattle. I *know* Port carries both Polycast and Cyro material. Laird carries the Plexi-Glas and sometimes Polycast.
Michael has the pricing correct, and yes they are more expensive than most of the others but you do get what you pay for. Polycast is the most expensive but also the best and well worth it IMO. It's the only material I will use for tanks. Cyro is fine but the thickness tolerances are too loose for my taste and Plex doesn't make the sheet sizes & thicknesses I need. 90% of the material I use is 3/4"+ and Polycast tends to cater to that sector of the industry.

HTH,
James

 

[TriniStylez]

Do you guys know anything about Chemcraft Acrylic? A builder here I was talking to says its great for aquariums but it was not one of the ones you mentioned and I want to be careful.

 

[Acrylics]

Chemcraft? nope - never heard of it.
Chemcast? yep,

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10607272#post10607272 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Acrylics
IMO, make absolutely certain the material you get is either Polycast, Cyro Acrylite GP, or Plexi-Glas G and no others.

Hope you take this in the manner intended

James

 

[TriniStylez]

I have not been able to find any of those yet or a tank builder locally who uses any of them but I will keep looking until I find one.

Thanks again.

 

[Acrylics]

Take a drive down to Seattle?

James

 

[TriniStylez]

Just might have too. Taxes will be a huge pain at the boarder though...not to mention expensive!

I may not be looking hard enough here though. Vancouver is a decent sized city and I would think should have these acrylic sheets.

 

[Acrylics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10617412#post10617412 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TriniStylez
Just might have too. Taxes will be a huge pain at the boarder though...not to mention expensive!

A pain maybe but the only tax should be the Provincial tax, there should be no duties. Get a NAFTA and you should be good to go. I sell tanks to guys up there fairly often and we just do the NAFTA thing. Keep looking though, should be able to find something.

HTH,
James

 

[TriniStylez]

Where are you located? Westcoast?

 

[Acrylics]

Just outside of Portland, OR

James

 

[TriniStylez]

Do you build tanks often to sell? Are you interested at all or does it get quite expensive/time consuming when you consider shipping up here?

The problem with all four of the tank builders that I have talked to so far is, the materials they are using and how little they seem to know about the types that you recommended. Basically, I just do not trust them with my tank and they are overpriced considering the materials being used.

Thanks

 

[TriniStylez]

Sorry I just realized that you may not want to answer that here. Please PM me if thats better for you. I probably should have Pm'd you in the first place...

 

[JustinReef]

...wrong post

 

[TriniStylez]

OK...I know Im suppose to stick to those three brand names and I do want to but they have been hard to find or way overpriced here. I am not really able to drive down to Seattle unfortunately.

A guy I was just talking to say that the "PlexiGM" they sell is just as good. Now I understand from other posts, that is not true. What Im wondering though is, have you guys even heard of this stuff and what is the big difference between a brand like this and the ones you recommended?

I am able to get 1/2" sheets of this stuff for a decent price. I really want to use 1/2" even though the tank will only be 18" high.

I have a feeling I will be told not to use this stuff and I will not but I am getting frustrated (need to build this tank before I move into new place Sept.15th) and just wanted to know what the main difference is between the brands.

Thanks

 

[Acrylics]

Plexi GM = Plexi-Glas G
Not as good as Polycast IMO, but good material and I wouldn't dissuade you from using it.

HTH,
James

 

[TriniStylez]

Great! Im happy to have found it at a decent price then. Tank should cost about $500 to build with all materials, so Im happy. I think that not too bad for a 1/2" thick tank. They are cutting the pieces for me to size which helps out a lot.

Is there anything I need to remember to tell them before I have it cut to size? Any suggestions in general about what to have done by then?

Thanks again for everyones help!

 

[TriniStylez]

Double post...

 

[TriniStylez]

Oh another question...Is it much better to build an acrylic tank with an actual top or can I Euro-brace it? I prefer the later if possible. How would you euro-brace it if so? Same as a glass tank?

If it makes any difference, the dimensions I have decided on are:

5'x2'x20"tall 1/2" thick

 

[TriniStylez]

Anyone else with opinions or suggestions? I want to pick up this acrylic this weekend but would like to have them cut and prepare it properly for me. Not sure even how exactly I want them to finish the edges after cutting, if at all? I know for sure you guys said no polishing. I know the cuts need to be perfect. Anything else I should tell them???

 

[Acrylics]

The cuts should be routed smooth for gluing. If they have an "Edge Finisher" machine, that would be fine. Sawcuts don't glue as well as routed edges.

It is far better to make the top from one piece and actually less work in gluing. Top should have 3" perimeter flange (aka eurobrace) and a 6" (or so) crossbrace, leaving 2 large openings measuring ~24 x 18" not accounting for any overflow(s). Use large radius in the corners if possible.

Given the material thickness you are using for the tank size, you could prolly get away with glass tank type top bracing but woudn't be recommended.

Tolerances after routing: +/-.005" max.

Refer to this thread for more.

Cut list:

2 pcs 60.25 x 19.125"
2 pcs 23.125 x 19.125"
2 pcs 60.25 x 24.25"

Route 1/16" off the edges ending with .125" (4 pcs)

Finished Cut list (finished sizes after routing the edges):

2 pcs 60.25 x 19" front & back
2 pcs 23 x 19" ends
2 pcs 60.25 x 24.25" top & bottom

HTH,
James

 

[TriniStylez]

James thank you so much for all your help. That cut list is great!