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shallow tank build

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Reefboy4life View Drop Down
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    Posted: March 07 2015 at 7:08pm
So i came across a bunch of polycarbinate (3/8 inch) that i am planing on making a shallow tank or frag tank with, i have never built my own tank before so any help would be awesome, like how to cut, type of glue etc. thanks
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Mark Peterson View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mark Peterson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 11 2015 at 7:34am
No replies after 4 days? I'll give my 2 cents.
I've never bothered to build an Acrylic tank, though there are several hobbyists here that have. Acrylic scratching is a mess, so I stay away from it. Glass tanks are superior, IME. I bought an old glass 30 gal breeder from Benepets for $20 in January. It's doing just fine for a coral farming tank. Smile

Building an Acrylic tank has already been documented in so many other discussions here and internet sites out there. A search will turn up plenty of information.
What size of tank? Here is an Acrylic tank thickness calculator to help you get started.

Aloha,
Mark  Hug
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bryce Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 11 2015 at 2:18pm
Is it even acrylic? polycarbinate (lexan) from what I understand should not be used for a tank ever.

Edited by Bryce - March 11 2015 at 2:19pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Reefboy4life Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 11 2015 at 3:25pm
I have read that polycarbinate is fine to use
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Erikts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 11 2015 at 3:47pm
I use a table saw to cut acrylic.  I have to route or scrape the edges.  Then glue with weld-on 3 or 4 with a needle applicator bottle.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Reefboy4life Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 11 2015 at 3:58pm
This stuff is 3/8 inch thick, and harder than acrylic, not sure if my table saw could handle it, do you just use a regular blade for wood?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Erikts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 11 2015 at 4:08pm
They make a special saw blade but it is $$$$$.  I cut it with this saw blade that handles the material well.  The stuff i am cutting right now is 3/8 Polycarb.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mark Peterson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 11 2015 at 6:06pm
Something I found said that Acrylic was developed by Lucite and Polycarbonate by Lexan.
I seem to recall that one is better than the other and it's probably Acrylic since we use that specific term to describe Acrylic tanks. Evidently Polycarbonate is harder to work with (more brittle when cutting?) and much more expensive.
The text below is copied from another forum. There seems to be a discrepancy of opinion (fact?) from some points in the link above. Polycarbonate is not softer as stated below. It is used for safety glasses because it is more impact resistant. I believe that may actually the characteristic which makes it more difficult to use for aquariums.

Cell Cast [Acrylic] all the way. 
While Lexan or any other polycarbonate has some good qualities - it's generally not suitable for aquaria for a variety of reasons. 
1) Since it's a softer plastic, it will scratch much easier than acrylic 
2) Since it's a softer plastic, it will bow much more than acrylic 
3) While it can be glued together, the joints generally will not stand up over time and pressure. Ie., the solvent doesn't "bite" as well as it does with acrylic. 
4) It's not nearly as clear as acrylic 
5) It's more expensive than acrylic 

That said, building tanks from polycarbonate can be done, but it's just not adviseable and given the choice between the two - a good quality cell cast is the way to go. (Plexiglas G, Polycast, Cyro Acrylite GP) 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Reefboy4life Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 12 2015 at 2:20am
Thanks for the info guys I'll let you know how the build goes got tons of this stuff
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