The Puffer Forum

So I have cleared some stuff out of my house and have decided to take my tank into my own hands and custom build it! Cabinetry and all! May not turn out the best, but I will love it because I am going to build it myself and put my time and money into it! along with a little love
I am hoping it will go well because I have a acrylic company that is located in Chandler, AZ they also build custom tanks, but I am determined to learn on my own!

So my wall is 99" by 84" by 32" depth will vary! So I am thinking 3ft even!

This is what I am thinking! 84" x 42" x 36" (7ft x 3.5ft x 3ft) with a stand to match. Stand will be 3ft tall with two drawers on each side the swinging doors that will hold the life support system! It will range between 485-536g! So I am thinking maybe a sump system with an overflow and maybe two pumps and of course power heads to move water! Only the best for Gilbert! Although W/C will be a PINTA it is right in between my front and back door.

I think I will go with 1 1/4 in thick acrylic! Any glues, life support system tips or set ups to use that are efficient? Or even any ideas for the tank? Maybe inserts or make some custom rocks and woods and stuff!

You're going to end up paying a lot more for that thick of acrylic. It won't break like glass, and 1" is adequate for for 30-36" tall. Not trying to dissuade you if you can afford the extra thickness. Just make sure whatever they are selling you is cell-cast.

Holy moly what an undertaking!! Is there a significant other that has an opinion on this?? LoL I'm just curious.

Please document every step of the way-- I would one day love to be able to do something like this, and every little bit helps! I can't wait to see it when it's all done!

They should be able to sell you the acrylic cement you need when you buy the panels. I've used the one from glasscages.com

I know you need to bond the acrylic with like solvent and then you seal it.
I will document it once I figure out the final costs of wood and stuff. I will make a drawing on the computer and post it when I have the time!
Luckily there is no significant other! I am a single man! Which is quite nice because now I can put my extra girlfriend funds towards my fish fun! lol

Lmao nice! Good luck with that and know that I am incredibly jealous!!! I want a big tank too! LoL

I can't wait to watch your progress, definitely looking forward to your future posts. Chuck needs to update his too oh gosh darn, ma! LOL

Lol No worries! Your tank is looking amazing! But once Gilbert gets into that tank the 40G will house like 3 or 4 DP's!

I will post progress! I need to make some calls tomorrow about acrylic prices! I should start the build in the next month or so since we are selling our family company and will be getting nice check!

Wow that is really a project!!!

Reaperpilot2014 wrote:You're going to end up paying a lot more for that thick of acrylic. It won't break like glass, and 1" is adequate for for 30-36" tall. Not trying to dissuade you if you can afford the extra thickness. Just make sure whatever they are selling you is cell-cast.

Around here sheets of acrylic for that size of tank would run in the $1000's for the whole thing. Compared to the tanks on craigslist and stuff like 220gallon for 300-400 bucks.

But i know how you feel about wanting to do it yourself!!

fahucker wrote:Lol No worries! Your tank is looking amazing! But once Gilbert gets into that tank the 40G will house like 3 or 4 DP's!

I will post progress! I need to make some calls tomorrow about acrylic prices! I should start the build in the next month or so since we are selling our family company and will be getting nice check!

Sounds good! Looking forward to project pics and other updates!

jjj5311 wrote:Wow that is really a project!!!

Reaperpilot2014 wrote:You're going to end up paying a lot more for that thick of acrylic. It won't break like glass, and 1" is adequate for for 30-36" tall. Not trying to dissuade you if you can afford the extra thickness. Just make sure whatever they are selling you is cell-cast.

Around here sheets of acrylic for that size of tank would run in the $1000's for the whole thing. Compared to the tanks on craigslist and stuff like 220gallon for 300-400 bucks.

But i know how you feel about wanting to do it yourself!!

I can not find a tank above 125G for the life of me! They are all 125 have cracks or need fixed and people want outrageous amounts for them. I found a 225 from a LFS that does resell used tanks and they wanted 550 for everything. Except the substrate. The tank was junk so I was SOL on that deal so I am taking the matter into my own hands now >:D

ha yeah i know i forgot about reading your other posts saying how you have been looking!

when you build it you get what you want! That is a good enough reason for me lol

jjj5311 wrote:ha yeah i know i forgot about reading your other posts saying how you have been looking!

when you build it you get what you want! That is a good enough reason for me lol

Yeah man! It has been crappy! I had surgery wednesday and now I am up and moving going to go to Bass Pro Shop and get some nice flannels!

But yes I get what I want and I am willing to work for it! It will be worth it in the end and I will have a happy puffer!

Some people may not like the idea, but why not save yourself some money and make a plywood tank?

How will he see the fish?
jk! I know there is a glass front

Oh damn I forgot im the only one with xray vision