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where to get acrylic/glass

Discussion in 'Algae Scrubber DIY' started by scott, May 28, 2014.

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  1. scott

    scott Member

    I am trying to build a medium size aquarium for myself and maybe a box for my scrubber and i keep calling around locally for prices on glass and acrylic. the prices make my jaw drop!! For instance $145.00 for a 36"x15" hunk of low iron glass 1/2" thick ($75.00 for plate) or the same price for 3/8" acrylic. There is NO WAY tank builders are paying this or a 40 breeder would cost you a grand at the LFS,,WHERE are you guys getting your glass/acrylic at a reasonable price?? please help,i am pulling my hair out!
     
  2. Turbo

    Turbo Does not really look like Johnny Carson Staff Member Site Owner Multiple Units! Customer

    Try Sabis Polymershapes, Laird Plastics, Regal Plastics, or Port Plastics. Not sure where you are but one of those should be reasonably close.

    Generally you will find several brands of extruded and cell cast available. Avoid extruded, as it will generally bow more and I think it is harder to work with, others don't care. If you go with extruded get Acrylite FF or Plex GM. If you go for cell cast, you could try to find Plexiglas G or Acrylite GP, but those are more expensive. Plexiglas makes a generic version that is meant to compete with the cheaper import cast products, it has a plain paper mask (no print) and it referred to a PMACS (pronounced p-max). Try to find that. 3/8" full sheet should run under $200.
     
  3. scott

    scott Member

    thank you sooooooo much! have been getting the run around! is a full sheet 4'x8' like plywood?
    Do you think 3/8" acrylic would be strong enough for a 36" tank that is 15" tall with 14" of water in it?
     
  4. Turbo

    Turbo Does not really look like Johnny Carson Staff Member Site Owner Multiple Units! Customer

    Yup, that should be fine. It might bow a bit but not too much at that height. You will want a eurobrace, minimum of 2" around the perimeter and adding a 3-4" wide center brace wouldn't be a bad idea
     
  5. Turbo

    Turbo Does not really look like Johnny Carson Staff Member Site Owner Multiple Units! Customer

    4' x 8' sheet, yes. They will usually cut pieces for you for a nominal fee, usually $30 or so
     
  6. scott

    scott Member

    o crap i wanted rimless:( would 1/2" work?
     
  7. scott

    scott Member

    maybe glass would be better for rimless?
     
  8. Turbo

    Turbo Does not really look like Johnny Carson Staff Member Site Owner Multiple Units! Customer

    I make rimless tanks out of 1/2" but only 8.5" tall. I made a few that were 3/8" tall and they box like nuts. OK for fests and frag swaps, but not very good for full use. If you want rimless 14" you're probably looking at 3/4" minimum and the cost goes way up because you have to buy a full sheet even though you're only using a fraction of that
     
  9. scott

    scott Member

    so it looks like glass for me then,,think 1/2" would be ok?
     
  10. scott

    scott Member

    floyd, just called liard plastics, they wear very helpful and have full 4x8 sheets of cell cast for $400.00. They will even cut it for free!! PLEASE tell me that 3/4" acrylic would be good enough for a 36" L to R 30 front to back and 15" tall tank......
     
  11. Turbo

    Turbo Does not really look like Johnny Carson Staff Member Site Owner Multiple Units! Customer

    Gonna have to consult James real quick and I'll get back to you
     
  12. Turbo

    Turbo Does not really look like Johnny Carson Staff Member Site Owner Multiple Units! Customer

    here's his reply

     
  13. Kerry

    Kerry Member Trusted Member Customer

    WOW, I would not have thought 3/4 would be so weak. I guess it needs a rim!!
     
  14. scott

    scott Member

    Yea and i think the bow would look like crap and drive me nuts! o well it was fun to dream. guess ill just go buy a pre-made tank at the LFS :( thanks for all the help!
     

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