skynoch Posted April 13, 2009 Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 So I've got to the point on my plywood tank build that I need to find window prices for the front. The tank is 12' x 8' x 3'. I want the front window to be either 3/4" starfire glass or 1" acrylic not sure on either but leaning towards the glass. The window will be 11' x 3'. Just looking for thoughts on which way to go and also where to find good prices in Alberta (don't mind the drive to pick up). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishclubgirl Posted April 13, 2009 Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 I have no idea whether you should be using glass or acrylic as I don't build tanks. My bf does and he uses glass. Others could help you with that decision. What I can tell you is 1" acrylic is approximately 600 dollars per 4' x 8' sheet and may be difficult to find in that size. As I work at a plastics company that I can tell you. Not sure if this helps!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rED O Posted April 13, 2009 Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 I don't know about acrylic, but I looked around about about 5 places for glass. The cheapest buy far was aquagiant. I am getting a sheet thats 5/8'' thick 88''x28'' for $110.00. I have had problems so far with late arrival times. I know bottom dweller fan bought a pice of acrylic. Not sure how much she paid for it or were she got it. I don't like acrylic because of how easily it scratches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishclubgirl Posted April 13, 2009 Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 I know from my job that acrylic is easier to cut than glass( and you probably can cut it yourself and save money) however it does scratch. Bit of a trade-off there. My 1.25 cents!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bottomdweller_fan Posted April 13, 2009 Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 (edited) I purchased a sheet of ¾” clear acrylic cut to the dimensions of 90”x23” and paid $360.00. The company is called Plastics Plus and will give you a quote if you are interested. I have been careful with my acrylic and haven't had any scratches - yet anyway. If you would like pictures just check out my plywood tank build under the members journals. Good luck. Edited April 13, 2009 by bottomdweller_fan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skynoch Posted April 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 I don't know about acrylic, but I looked around about about 5 places for glass. The cheapest buy far was aquagiant. I am getting a sheet thats 5/8'' thick 88''x28'' for $110.00. I have had problems so far with late arrival times. I know bottom dweller fan bought a pice of acrylic. Not sure how much she paid for it or were she got it.I don't like acrylic because of how easily it scratches. That is a good price. Is that starfie or regular plate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skynoch Posted April 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 I have no idea whether you should be using glass or acrylic as I don't build tanks. My bf does and he uses glass. Others could help you with that decision. What I can tell you is 1" acrylic is approximately 600 dollars per 4' x 8' sheet and may be difficult to find in that size. As I work at a plastics company that I can tell you. Not sure if this helps!! Price is good and I for sure think I'll maybe be having some problems on that size for glass or acrylic. Thanks for the help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rED O Posted April 13, 2009 Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 I don't know about acrylic, but I looked around about about 5 places for glass. The cheapest buy far was aquagiant. I am getting a sheet thats 5/8'' thick 88''x28'' for $110.00. I have had problems so far with late arrival times. I know bottom dweller fan bought a pice of acrylic. Not sure how much she paid for it or were she got it.I don't like acrylic because of how easily it scratches. That is a good price. Is that starfie or regular plate? no idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skynoch Posted April 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 I purchased a sheet of ¾” clear acrylic cut to the dimensions of 90”x23” and paid $360.00. The company is called Plastics Plus and will give you a quote if you are interested.I have been careful with my acrylic and haven't had any scratches - yet anyway. If you would like pictures just check out my plywood tank build under the members journals. Good luck. I'll give them a call tommorow and see what they can do. thanks for he info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted April 14, 2009 Report Share Posted April 14, 2009 One thing is Acrylic will be WAY lighter. An 11x3' pane will be a pain to lift!! What are you keeping in the tank? If the inhabitants aren't too crazy, you probably won't have to worry about scratching. I know a few people who are really happy w. their acrylic tanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skynoch Posted April 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2009 One thing is Acrylic will be WAY lighter. An 11x3' pane will be a pain to lift!! What are you keeping in the tank? If the inhabitants aren't too crazy, you probably won't have to worry about scratching. I know a few people who are really happy w. their acrylic tanks. Mostly rays but I'm thinking I may need a few plecos for algae control which may be a problem with acrylic I'm guessing. lol ya it's going to be a fun lift. Hoefully my friends won't all be sick that day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc_Polit Posted April 14, 2009 Report Share Posted April 14, 2009 (edited) Acrylic prices are nuts right now! I called a place in Calgary (Industrial Plastics, I think) and asked for a quote for a 72" x 18" piece of cell cast acrylic. I was told that it would cost me $485 Definitely not in my price range. Edited April 14, 2009 by Doc_Polit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corrosionjerry Posted April 14, 2009 Report Share Posted April 14, 2009 My acrylic tank rocks... wouldnt trade it for anything.... The Clarity is unreal and it even insulates the temp. better then glass..... and have no scratching issues... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skynoch Posted April 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2009 Acrylic prices are nuts right now!I called a place in Calgary (Industrial Plastics, I think) and asked for a quote for a 72" x 18" piece of cell cast acrylic. I was told that it would cost me $485 Definitely not in my price range. Ya I'm thinking it gonna cost me alot for either acrylic or starfire. I'm hoping to keep it under $2000. I thought acrylic may have went down but I guess not yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skynoch Posted April 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2009 My acrylic tank rocks... wouldnt trade it for anything....The Clarity is unreal and it even insulates the temp. better then glass..... and have no scratching issues... I also have a 300 acrylic and have no problems with clarity and your right it is better insulated than glass. But I'm wondering if I added plecos would they scratch the acrylic. Do you have any plecos in yours? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.