MASVC

Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.

Marine Aquarium Society of Ventura County

Log in

I forgot my password

March 2024

SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      

Calendar Calendar

Number of site visitors


5 posters

    Frag Tank Build

    MxReEfEr92
    MxReEfEr92
    Admin


    Posts : 1727
    Join date : 2012-02-21
    Age : 32
    Location : Simi Valley

    Frag Tank Build Empty Frag Tank Build

    Post by MxReEfEr92 Tue Apr 10, 2012 8:46 pm

    Hey everyone I am looking to build a small frag tank to put on my desk next to my DT. The dimensions I would like to do are 12''L x 12''W x 6''H. I need some help because I have never done something like this. If anyone has acrylic or any material I will need, I would be interested in purchasing them. And any help would be greatly appreciated.
    dwolson2
    dwolson2
    Admin


    Posts : 2356
    Join date : 2011-08-07
    Location : Where ever I am told to go

    Frag Tank Build Empty Re: Frag Tank Build

    Post by dwolson2 Tue Apr 10, 2012 8:51 pm

    This place has everything you need to do the build, the prices are reasonable, if not good, and they can build it for you. Just not sure on the thickness you need:
    American Plastics Corporation
    463 Dawson Dr, Camarillo, CA 93012
    (805) 484-3333 ‎
    americanplasticscorp.com
    MxReEfEr92
    MxReEfEr92
    Admin


    Posts : 1727
    Join date : 2012-02-21
    Age : 32
    Location : Simi Valley

    Frag Tank Build Empty Re: Frag Tank Build

    Post by MxReEfEr92 Tue Apr 10, 2012 8:58 pm

    I kind of want to build it and learn how do do it. Is their a specific glue that is aquarium safe or is it just a regular acrylic glue?
    dwolson2
    dwolson2
    Admin


    Posts : 2356
    Join date : 2011-08-07
    Location : Where ever I am told to go

    Frag Tank Build Empty Re: Frag Tank Build

    Post by dwolson2 Tue Apr 10, 2012 8:59 pm

    weld on 4, you can have them cut to size, so you just have to glue it.
    MxReEfEr92
    MxReEfEr92
    Admin


    Posts : 1727
    Join date : 2012-02-21
    Age : 32
    Location : Simi Valley

    Frag Tank Build Empty Re: Frag Tank Build

    Post by MxReEfEr92 Tue Apr 10, 2012 9:14 pm

    how much weld on 4 do you think I would need?
    Sandman
    Sandman
    Charter Member


    Posts : 494
    Join date : 2011-11-29
    Location : Washington

    Frag Tank Build Empty Re: Frag Tank Build

    Post by Sandman Tue Apr 10, 2012 11:07 pm

    You can get a small can, they are $6 in their store front.
    MxReEfEr92
    MxReEfEr92
    Admin


    Posts : 1727
    Join date : 2012-02-21
    Age : 32
    Location : Simi Valley

    Frag Tank Build Empty Re: Frag Tank Build

    Post by MxReEfEr92 Wed Apr 11, 2012 1:02 am

    sweet, what do they charge for cuts and acrylic? Anyone have an idea on how thick I should go?
    MxReEfEr92
    MxReEfEr92
    Admin


    Posts : 1727
    Join date : 2012-02-21
    Age : 32
    Location : Simi Valley

    Frag Tank Build Empty Re: Frag Tank Build

    Post by MxReEfEr92 Wed Apr 11, 2012 1:09 am

    This will also be plumed into my system so I will need to configure a cool overflow set up as well
    dwolson2
    dwolson2
    Admin


    Posts : 2356
    Join date : 2011-08-07
    Location : Where ever I am told to go

    Frag Tank Build Empty Re: Frag Tank Build

    Post by dwolson2 Wed Apr 11, 2012 8:02 am

    I searched determining plexiglass thickness for a fish tank, and it came back with a few calculators, and this DIY:
    http://www.duboisi.com/diy/BNdiytank/bndiytank.htm

    You need to use at least 1/4" acrylic.
    MxReEfEr92
    MxReEfEr92
    Admin


    Posts : 1727
    Join date : 2012-02-21
    Age : 32
    Location : Simi Valley

    Frag Tank Build Empty Re: Frag Tank Build

    Post by MxReEfEr92 Wed Apr 11, 2012 2:19 pm

    thats super helpful thanks! Im sure 1/4'' is thick enough for how small it is going to be
    avatar
    reefkid


    Posts : 54
    Join date : 2012-02-20
    Location : simi

    Frag Tank Build Empty Re: Frag Tank Build

    Post by reefkid Fri Apr 20, 2012 8:22 am

    go with the 3/8 the 1/4 will be hard to work with its to thin
    Crusty Old Shellback
    Crusty Old Shellback
    Charter Member


    Posts : 684
    Join date : 2011-07-27
    Location : Oxnard

    Frag Tank Build Empty Re: Frag Tank Build

    Post by Crusty Old Shellback Fri Apr 20, 2012 1:36 pm

    A little note for you.

    Acrylic works about the same as wood. You can us ethe same tools for cutting, drilling, fileing, sanding, etc. If you can work with wood, you can work with acrylic. Use a good plywood blade to cut it or you can actually but a blade made for cutting acrylic. I may still have one in my saw blade collection for my tablesaw.

    About the only difference is the glue you use and that you can polish the edges with a flame from a torch. But that is a learned art. Otherwise it takes some fileing and sanding then polishing to get the polished edge. You can also heat it up and mold/bend it as well. Just don't overheat it in the oven. been there done that.

    There are several different glues to use. From a watery glue that will weep into the joint to a thick glue that works almost like silicon for filling gaps. Don't try the silicone from HD that says it's for Acrylic, it dosen't work.


    Sponsored content


    Frag Tank Build Empty Re: Frag Tank Build

    Post by Sponsored content


      Current date/time is Thu Mar 28, 2024 9:58 am