want to try to build a tank from plexi.. need some advice

[sid]

Hello all!

I am trying to build an acrylic tank for the first time and need a little advice.

my tank will only be 32"L x 4"W x 16"H

1) can I use 1/4" plexi?

2) does weld-on # 4 and 16 sound like the right thickness' of cement?

3) is there a particular "type" of Plexi I need to use? like abraision resistant etc. (other than clear of course :lol: )

Any information or links to reading I should check into will be GRAETLY appreciated.

Thanks!
Sid

 

[esmithiii]

Here are some instructions that I made when I built my sump:

Instructions for building acrylic sump (MS Word)
Diagrams/plans (MS Powerpoint)

You can click on the links to view them in your browser or you can right-click on the link and select Save Target As to download the files.

I hope these instructions/plans are helpful. Practice with small pieces first and you will get the hang of it. The instructions tell you what solvent to use and a good approach to building the tank.

Ernie

 

[Anonymous]

You may want to check out the DIY Forum. There are a few acrylic experts who regularly post and read the forum.

It is four inch wide? However, with 32 inch lenght, 1/4 inch acrylic maybe too thin. You need to double check that.

Abrasive resistant (AR-class acylic) may have only one side that is cement-able, so stay away from it if you can. They are meant to be mounted, like window panel, not glued/cemented.

 

[esmithiii]

With that overall length, a small brace in the center of the tank would suffice. 1/4" should be just fine. It is only 9gal mind you.

Ernie

 

[sid]

thanks for the replies and thank you ernie for the sump directions, they help. Now I have to find a supplier of weld-on #12 and #5. I have called ever place in town from sign shops to glass places and all I get are dumb answers. seems no one in this dinky town has ever heard that you can glue this stuff together. the glass shops said that plexiglass is only designed to be cut into sheets for windows and that glues will not stick. UUGH :roll:

I will add the center brace as mentioned, I wasn't sure if 1/4 is thick enough but I had a chance to buy a 48 x 48 sheet of it at a yard sale for 20.00 and could pass it up.

Do you guys know where I can buy the glue on line?
I am going with the types listed in Ernie's documentation
#5 and #12.

I checked into the abrasion resistant stuff yesterday $$$ 8O so nope to that anyways.

Thanks guys, your help is greatly appreciated. Ill post on the DIY about where to order the solvents.

Sid

 

[Anonymous]

Home depot sell a thin solvent. It is in a brown glass bottle. For small DIY project, it is fine, and for first time project, it can do too...I never put water in the first acrylic box I made

Seriously, try google search on the solvents (#12 and #5)..., and check out sign maker, craftshop, and plastic shop in yellow page if you want it locally. I heard someone ordered on-line, and get a old bottle with 3/4 of the solvent disappeared... :?