Tetra Guy Posted February 13, 2021 Share Posted February 13, 2021 Anyone here built their own tank from plexi? What’s involved? Seems like all ya need is plexi, a table saw and solvent. I’m considering building a custom tank and stand for a long, narrow space. What could go wrong? 🙃 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmark285 Posted February 13, 2021 Share Posted February 13, 2021 Same as you, I want to build tank but have not tackled this project yet. A router may be needed. The saw blade may give you too rough of a cut, You can cut the top and bottom pieces a bit larger then use a router flush cut bit (or round over) after they been glue to the side. My current table saw setup cannot accurately cut a 4'x8' sheet of acrylic or plywood. I would use a Simple Circular Saw Cutting Guide to cut the acrylic sheets. I used these alot, you can make very accurate cuts with a saw guide. Should also add, how fast you move the saw blade thru the acrylic is critical. Too slow will melt it, too fast will chip it. For me, the circular saw is a better option. Now if you are a DIY person and want curved edges... you can make a bending jig using Motor Speed Controller ($15) , Nichrome resistance wire (~$10) and an Infrared Thermometer. Long ago in my college days, I worked in a fish store which had TruVu Aquariums. I love the curved edges of an acrylic aquarium. Mark 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmark285 Posted February 13, 2021 Share Posted February 13, 2021 I forgot to add, there was a serious shortage of acrylic with the COVID pandemic. Hopefully there will be a surplus as we get vaccinated and the pandemic comes to an end. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenman Posted February 13, 2021 Share Posted February 13, 2021 And you'll want cast acrylic too, not the extruded stuff. There are lots, and I mean lots, of videos on You Tube showing the process. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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