I need advice on making a "custom" frag tank.

[strawberryfish]

I've got some Lexan burning a whole in my deck, 2 sheets approx 8 ft by 4 ft and 1/2 in thick. Wanted to make a frag tank but Im a pleb and need some input from someone more experienced. Namely dimensions that would allow for adequate flow and lighting to the whole tank, preferably a low profile so I don't have to get my hands too wet. Thanks in advance friends.

 

[Reefin’ Rumors]

48x24x16...if you have 2 sheets you can get 2 frag tanks out of what you have

 

[Reefin’ Rumors]

Lexan will flex more than polycarbonate...and I believe it’s harder to glue. So might not be a good idea. Could be wrong though

 

[Reefin’ Rumors]

Acrylic not polycarbonate...sorry

 

[strawberryfish]

Acrylic not polycarbonate...sorry

Thanks for the tips, yea I noticed it flexing when we were lifting it to put it there. I'll do some tests with silicone, I might have to go for multiple smaller tanks than 1 monster.

 

[mdb_talon]

Polycarbonate does flex more but really should not be a concern at all with appropriate bracing on a shallow tank. While it is more flexible it is also much stronger than acrylic. I have an 8'x2'x12" built of 1/4 polycarbonate. It does have a lot of bracing but is over 10 years old and zero issues.

As for bonding ideally use something like methylene chloride to fuse the joints. A 2 part epoxy can then be used to stiffen joints if makes you feel better. Silicone should have no part at all in it.

 

[Reefin’ Rumors]

Silicone is not a good idea...acrylic solvent weld liquid is what you need...that lexan will yellow on you too. Just not a good idea to continue with it. I understand you want to use it because you have it but I would go acrylic or glass and save the disappointment it will give you. I ordered glass from a local shop and made my own. This size tank from an aquarium builder was $1000+...I paid $380 for the glass and did it myself

 

[mdb_talon]

Silicone is not a good idea...acrylic solvent weld liquid is what you need...that lexan will yellow on you too. Just not a good idea to continue with it. I understand you want to use it because you have it but I would go acrylic or glass and save the disappointment it will give you. I ordered glass from a local shop and made my own. This size tank from an aquarium builder was $1000+...I paid $380 for the glass and did it myself

It only yellows under a lot of UV. In my experience more than we have in our lights. I have 3 frag tanks made of polycarbonate and zero yellowing. All are over 10 years old.

Other than potential scratching and need for more bracing required(and with 1/2" it wont be so bad) i cant think of a reason why you would not use the several hundred dollars of material he already has.

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

Do IT! May not be the perfect material but it is Perfectly Serviceable and will be a cool experience.

 

[Reefin’ Rumors]

It only yellows under a lot of UV. In my experience more than we have in our lights. I have 3 frag tanks made of polycarbonate and zero yellowing. All are over 10 years old.

Other than potential scratching and need for more bracing required(and with 1/2" it wont be so bad) i cant think of a reason why you would not use the several hundred dollars of material he already has.

That’s awesome you have some tanks made from the lexan AND are 10 years old!! I read some posts on other forums after OP posted this thread and I’m just relaying what I read. Since you have had great function and reliability out of yours then I guess OP should go for it. Thanks for your say on your experience much appreciated.

 

[mdb_talon]

That’s awesome you have some tanks made from the lexan AND are 10 years old!! I read some posts on other forums after OP posted this thread and I’m just relaying what I read. Since you have had great function and reliability out of yours then I guess OP should go for it. Thanks for your say on your experience much appreciated.

Ya honestly i think for a shallow frag tank it is perfect. For a display tank(taller) i think flexibility is more of a concern. The only thing i dont like about them is the scratching but that is the same with acrylic. After this long they have plenty of scratches even though i am careful. I wanted 8 foot tanks and glass just was going to be too heavy and difficult to move by myself. Last time i was moving these by myself i accidently smacked the ceiling with a corner. My wife was ticked cause took a huge chunk of plaster out, but even the 1/4" i used was zero issues with tank.

 

[Reefin’ Rumors]

Ya honestly i think for a shallow frag tank it is perfect. For a display tank(taller) i think flexibility is more of a concern. The only thing i dont like about them is the scratching but that is the same with acrylic. After this long they have plenty of scratches even though i am careful. I wanted 8 foot tanks and glass just was going to be too heavy and difficult to move by myself. Last time i was moving these by myself i accidently smacked the ceiling with a corner. My wife was ticked cause took a huge chunk of plaster out, but even the 1/4" i used was zero issues with tank.

Lol!! I took a chunk out of the wood floor and the drywall when the back glass in the picture above fell to the floor while I was lining it up to caulk. Wife said “did you just break the glass?” I said “ no but chunked the wood floor and drywall “...

 

[strawberryfish]

I think I'll give it a go despite the concerns raised. I don't think yellowing or scratching is going to be much of an issue as, I don't really intend for this to be a "display" tank and I'll likely be viewing from the top. I'll definitely look into different bonding methods for Lexan. Thanks to all for the advice, its been helpful.

 

[strawberryfish]

Silicone is not a good idea...acrylic solvent weld liquid is what you need...that lexan will yellow on you too. Just not a good idea to continue with it. I understand you want to use it because you have it but I would go acrylic or glass and save the disappointment it will give you. I ordered glass from a local shop and made my own. This size tank from an aquarium builder was $1000+...I paid $380 for the glass and did it myself

What's the depth on this tank friend? Looks great.

 

[Reefin’ Rumors]

What's the depth on this tank friend? Looks great.

48”Lx24”Wx16”H...