Acrylic tank--material question

Matthias7 · May 26, 2014

I recently decided to build my own 180 gallon acrylic tank. I received a quote from a local plastic supplier for 1/2in clear cast acrylic. The material is gen pm2 arkena. I was wondering if this material is going to work. Seems to be about 20-25% cheaper then polycast.

Matthias7 · May 27, 2014

Anyone familiar with these products

Newbiereefer24 · May 27, 2014

Most likely Arkema PMAX, per their technical support, fine for small nanos and small sumps, not for big aquariums. The tech actually said to avoid it. No guarantees with the product, it can have particles embedded within the sheet. I've used it, definitely not the same quality as G. He also said only use 2-part and not solvent.

lemonyx · May 27, 2014

Acrylite , and Plex "G" are good brands, no polycarb or plex not the right material

DGee · May 28, 2014

Newbiereefer24 said:
Most likely Arkema PMAX, per their technical support, fine for small nanos and small sumps, not for big aquariums. The tech actually said to avoid it. No guarantees with the product, it can have particles embedded within the sheet. I've used it, definitely not the same quality as G. He also said only use 2-part and not solvent.

Newbie is mostly correct..

Gen means nothing more than "General Purpose" That translates to no quality control or inspections, there's no real tolerance they have to keep unlike the more expensive products. It can have dimples in it dirt specs etc.

PM2 just means it's got paper on both sides.

More than likely P-Max (I'd make sure he can clarify exactly what you're buying) It's inexpensive, fine for sumps and the like. I'm actually using some to build another 1" rimless prop tank.

I'd never use this material for a display tank, spend your money on Plex G or one of the other well known cast brands.

DGee · May 28, 2014

I will say though, I've never heard the 2-part bit... I've used the same solvent I use on Plex G and other products and never had an issue.

Eienna · May 28, 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYhfV7SvoRs&list=PLcWeEm9w62maxRP9hUzeWSR2NsoCK0prQ&index=13
Check this video

and the rest of this series of vids, if you want more tips from a reliable source.

DGee · May 31, 2014

Eienna said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYhfV7SvoRs&list=PLcWeEm9w62maxRP9hUzeWSR2NsoCK0prQ&index=13
Check this video and the rest of this series of vids, if you want more tips from a reliable source.

I seriously hope you're kidding with that link... That video is wrong in so many ways!

If you want help on acrylic fab feel free to PM me.

Reliable source LOL!

Eienna · May 31, 2014

DGee said:
I seriously hope you're kidding with that link... That video is wrong in so many ways!

If you want help on acrylic fab feel free to PM me.

Reliable source LOL!

Really? I had no idea. His tank seems to hold together fine

DGee · May 31, 2014

That's a terribly ghetto way of how to build a tank, I personally wouldn't put it in my home built like that. It would be a long list if I started with what all was wrong with those videos.

There's a whole lot more to building a quality tank, it's not rocket science and knowing the proper techniques and having some good tools you can build a tank that you could comfortably hit with a sledge hammer and not worry about for a lifetime.

There's a giant thread on the other BIG site started by the user (Acrylics) If you're considering building your own tank and want to learn how, most of your questions can be answered within that thread. (Acrylics) is James, the owner of Envision Acrylics. James is a world renowned fabricator and always willing to help with advice when it comes to fabrication. Thankfully I can also call him a personal friend who's shown me his methods to building high quality tanks.

I won't teach you how to build a tank but I'll gladly help anyone who want's to put forth the effort to learn.

Eienna · May 31, 2014

Huh. Well, glad you turned up, then.

tegu82 · Sep 26, 2014

DGee can you send me good website or tutorial with good tips and tricks how building first acrylic tank? Thx.

DGee · Sep 27, 2014

Just search the other BIG site for "acrylic fabrication I can help"

It's a massive thread with a few splits that'll take you some time to read but it's packed with excellent information and fabrication techniques.

The member Acrylics is James the owner of Envision Acrylics. It's not a here's how to build a tank thread but it'll teach you everything you need to know as well as all the proper equipment you'll need to build a high quality tank.