Might be a crazy question

[Diazreeflife]

I'm in the process of doing my 350 gallon reef tank currently working on the room because this will be my dream in wall tank.

I'm going to order the tank in about a month it's coming out to a good chuck of cash for the 72 x 31.5 x 36 1/2. So I was sitting here thinking why isn't there a tank that just has a front glass let's say starfire and the rest of the panels a different cheaper but strong material. I'm not talking about a plywood tank I just don't have any interest in that. Has anyone built a tank with glass front and some other material?

I would like to hear ideas on this.

David

 

[Brew12]

I'm in the process of doing my 350 gallon reef tank currently working on the room because this will be my dream in wall tank.

I'm going to order the tank in about a month it's coming out to a good chuck of cash for the 72 x 31.5 x 36 1/2. So I was sitting here thinking why isn't there a tank that just has a front glass let's say starfire and the rest of the panels a different cheaper but strong material. I'm not talking about a plywood tank I just don't have any interest in that. Has anyone built a tank with glass front and some other material?

I would like to hear ideas on this.

David

I think the biggest issue is that the materials would need to be much cheaper than the glass to make it financially viable. One great thing about building all glass aquariums (and acrylic) is that you can easily make it stick to itself. Using a different material would require either a specialized binder or a design that would hold the glass in place without leaking. Either of those would add to the cost.

 

[Diazreeflife]

I wanted to avoid plywood but the more I research the more I'm liking he idea. From what I'm reading it's best to use Fiberglass resin gel coated. Any thoughts on this?

 

[BlueCursor]

If you want to keep back and sides clean consider how you will clean these non-glass panels. I can't stand a dirty back, so I naturally thought about this issue.

 

[AcroNem]

In public aquaria this is very common, a lot of our systems have blue or black fiberglass backgrounds and sides with acrylic fronts. We often have rock covering them though. It cuts costs significantly with larger systems. Cleaning can be a pain, it's up to you if you want to deal with that much of a DIY build and harder to clean surface.

 

[Diazreeflife]

I was thinking within the tank I can install thing acrylic over the fiberglass that will remedy the cleaning issue.

 

[Diazreeflife]

Can I just over the plywood with 1/4 inch acrylic and avoid fiberglass all together? Just brain storming.

 

[Brew12]

I was thinking within the tank I can install thing acrylic over the fiberglass that will remedy the cleaning issue.

I think when you research the cost of everything you won't save as much as you may expect. Especially when you consider the time and labor involved. You could end up spending $300+ on the sealing paint alone if you do multiple coats.

 

[Diazreeflife]

Cost of the tank would be 3000-3500 depending on options. I can save half plus some for sure. The labor I'm not worried about that's what I do I have redone my house with my own hands and love to do it.

 

[Brew12]

Cost of the tank would be 3000-3500 depending on options. I can save half plus some for sure. The labor I'm not worried about that's what I do I have redone my house with my own hands and love to do it.

Sounds like you have the skills to make it happen! I hope you take the time to document the build so we can see how it goes!

 

[mtraylor]

My aquarium was made by A.G.E. They do exactly what you are talking about. Not sure there is a cost savings as people have stated.

 

[Diazreeflife]

After lots of research and speaking with a few experts the best and safest stress free option is to spend a little more and go with a all glass or all acrylic tank. I will be going with all glass just personally like glass better. Thanks for all the replies!!