RDFISHGUY Posted August 23, 2010 Report Share Posted August 23, 2010 (edited) I never took too many pictures because its been done before. There are lots of links. Here are 2 of the ones I used http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/management/Gopi_Making_an_Acrylic_Aquarium.html http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_acrylic_aquarium.php Here's some pics of the sides glued to the back: . If you want to build a tank this size you will need 2 other sets of hands. When I glued the pieces together there was a lot of air that I couldn't get rid of no matter how fast, or how many times I went over it with the solvent. So when I finished gluing all of the pieces, except the top, together I went over all of the seams with a paste that I made. Basically I saved all of the shavings from where I drilled the holes for the overflows and returns and mixed it with solvent to make a syrup. Next I lifted one end at a time and sealed the seams with this mixture which I applied with a syringe. Here's the end result: The plus side to an acrylic tank is that it is crystal clear. I have a glass tank in the same room and there is a huge difference when looking from one to the other. Also you get to play with a torch as you have to flame the edges. There is also lots of dry time which can be used to drink beer or finish the honey do list. This is where the friends come in handy as it is impolite to leave your friends while doing other chores. This build cost : $1400 acrylic and solvent $300 for sump $300 for heater and pump $500 for the stand $200 lights? Can't remember for sure. $150 for gravel $100 plumbing parts $160 for glass tops and knobs $60 for a guy to come and router the holes for the top. Edited August 23, 2010 by RDFISHGUY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medicdude Posted August 23, 2010 Report Share Posted August 23, 2010 Ok, it's official, I truly do hate you, lol, gorgeous tank that should be in my basement. Very nice!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BettaFishMommy Posted August 23, 2010 Report Share Posted August 23, 2010 (edited) gorgeous tank and beautiful aro! Edited August 23, 2010 by BettaFishMommy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skynoch Posted August 23, 2010 Report Share Posted August 23, 2010 Great job. Very impressive on the pro look you've accomplished. I like how you have the openings in the top, my acrylic is a pain in the @$$ to get anything in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDFISHGUY Posted August 23, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2010 Ok, it's official, I truly do hate you, lol, gorgeous tank that should be in my basement. Very nice!! I'll build you one. gorgeous tank and beautiful aro! Thanks. Great job. Very impressive on the pro look you've accomplished. I like how you have the openings in the top, my acrylic is a pain in the @$$ to get anything in it. Just router out the top to the size you want and get glass tops. That's what I did. The openings are 24x24 on each side and 16x 24 in the middle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaykit Posted August 23, 2010 Report Share Posted August 23, 2010 (edited) Ok, it's official, I truly do hate you, lol, gorgeous tank that should be in my basement. Very nice!! Me too... :drool: Very awesome build! Edited August 23, 2010 by Jaykit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AvianAquatics Posted August 23, 2010 Report Share Posted August 23, 2010 Nice tank!!! Insanely huge and expensive but worth the Aro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
letsgofishn Posted August 23, 2010 Report Share Posted August 23, 2010 Awesome Job Ryan!!!! The Aro looks good to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDFISHGUY Posted August 23, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2010 Basically I built it & got everything except for the stand for the same price as the tank alone from a supplier. I was quoted $2700 for the tank alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDFISHGUY Posted August 24, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2010 Some pics of the top and sump Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc_Polit Posted August 24, 2010 Report Share Posted August 24, 2010 Nice work, Ryan. :thumbs: That tank looks great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDFISHGUY Posted August 24, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2010 Thanks Brad. You should come and check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medicdude Posted August 24, 2010 Report Share Posted August 24, 2010 Careful what you offer....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corrosionjerry Posted August 24, 2010 Report Share Posted August 24, 2010 Great looking tank / I agree with your comments about clarity as I have noticed the same with my acrylic compared to the glass tanks I have Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hustler Posted September 13, 2010 Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 Amazing tank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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