Building you own tank

[eros719]

Has anyone here tried to build thier own tank from stratch? any success? what did you use to make it? how much did it cost? I'm wanting to try and build a large custom tank, Is it possible?

 

[Jennewt]

Possible, yes, but the cost usually ends up being similar or more than buying a standard tank. And then there's the safety issue. Water is incredibly heavy, so you have to know what thickness of glass to use and how to hold it properly. I enjoy DIY projects, but this is one I doubt I'll ever attempt.

You might have better luck with this kind of question on some of the big fish forums. But I'll be interested if anyone here has tried it.

 

[MRIGUY]

If memory serves there is a build it yourself tank forum section on Aquariumcentral.com. I have made smaller tanks, filters, and refugia out of acrylic but the larger ones are a bit beyond my pathetic skills.

 

[JWERNER]

It can be done, acrylic might be your best bet if you can keep from scratching it. Wouldn't cost much at all. I have herd of many people that have done this including some old customers.

To answer the questions better I haven't done it yet but like I say I herd of people talking of it and doing so with story's of success.

 

[eros719]

I understand it can be expensive and I've looked into it a bit. I'd like to make a custom tank thats very large, at least in floor space, but not very tall. I have never seen a tank like what I have in mind. There are kinda similar tanks out there but they are insanely expensive.
Oh and there wouldn't be water in it, mostly dirt hehe.

 

[caudataman]

Based on cost and difficulty involved, it's hard to see why you'd want to. For smaller tanks, under 55 gallons, I'd wait for next year's Petco buck-a-gallon deal. Otherwise, these guys, http://www.glasscages.com/ , used to advertise $ a gallon pricing. I see their prices went up a bit, but they're still very reasonable and CAN build you a custom tank if you have special needs/desires...

 

[cheddarsox]

I've looked into building my own tank several times, both for personal use, and for a science center I worked for. Unless you have the equipment and know how, it really was more cost effective to buy it ready made. There are just about every type of tank and company out there already, if you do some scrounging...you'll find what you need.

But, since you say it won't need to hold water...that's another story. It might still be worth purchasing a ready made one, but since the most troublesome and expensive aspects...water tightness and strength have been removed from the situation...

Yes, I've built enclosures that are not water tight. It can be really fun to plan and make it yourself, and then spend years enjoying the pets in it. I have a 4 foot by 2 foot enclosure I made for my bullfrog in my living room. Two solid sides, two plexiglass sides and a sunken 20 gallon tank for swimming. I built it on top of a coffee table, so the tank is visible beneath.

What type of project are you thinking of?