Member

Posts: 98
From:british columbia
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 02-29-2004 10:01 AM         

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hey
ive been looking around at aquariums and they are at the least so far, for a 72gallon it costed almost 500$
chelle you said that it only costed you 25 dollars for glass and cutting?i think im gonna try and get my dad to help me make one, but i want it to be around 75-85g(or somewhere inbeetween)how can i tell how many gallons it is? is ther any specific measurments to know?

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Member

Posts: 122
From:orangeville,ontario, canada
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 02-29-2004 10:05 AM         

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http://www.geocities.com/mightyone_5/UnitConverter.htm
Here put your measurements in and it will tell you how much it is

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take a look at my aquarium http://www.geocities.com/mightyone_5/

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Member

Posts: 58
From:Northern California
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 02-29-2004 11:03 AM         

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hey first check out your local classifieds im sure u can find a HUGE tank for dirt cheap
i check every week here last week someone was GIVING away a 190 gal + a 55 gal only stiff is you had to take out and haul i was tempted but ... i have NO room for em i always see 55-200 gal tanks from 50-100

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Member

Posts: 501
From:Missouri
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-29-2004 02:08 PM         

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The $25 was for a 10 gallon. The glass 75 - 85 gallon tank would be a lot more because it would have to be thicker & larger sheets.

And for determining the size of an aquarium, multiply the length x width x height, then divide it by 231.

JsX also has a good suggestion. People sell used tanks pretty cheap. Just make sure to have them fill it with water so you can check for leaks before buying it.

Another option for building your own tank would be a plywood tank. It would be cheaper and you only have to worry about having one piece of glass cut. The only downsides I can think of are it won't look quite as nice as an all glass tank and I've heard that the epoxy sealant you use on the inside has some pretty strong fumes so you might need a respirator.
Here's an article on plywood tanks: http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_plywood_aquarium3.php

-Chelle

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Member

Posts: 266
From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 03-01-2004 07:53 AM         

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Keep your ears open and see if there's places you can post ads at your LFS. My wife and I were looking at big tanks this weekend and someone asked us if we'd be interested in a 130 gallon they were selling for $300 (Canadian). I was telling my little brother this and he said he had a friend selling his 110 gallon with filter, canopy etc. for $800. I imagine he'd also be open to a counter offer. Choices, choices. I have no room yet, but someday...

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Member

Posts: 158
From:Marysville, CA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 03-01-2004 11:03 AM         

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When I was researching building my own tank I found this page. Just type in the dimensions you want and whether you want glass or acrylic and it gives you the cuts and materials you will need and how many gallons it is.
http://www.garf.org/tank/BuildTank.asp

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Member

Posts: 122
From:orangeville,ontario, canada
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 03-01-2004 09:03 PM         

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thank For that site that was the type of site i was looking for
i was wondering if i put a mirror as the back of the tank if it would freak out the fish

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take a look at my aquarium http://www.geocities.com/mightyone_5/

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Member

Posts: 501
From:Missouri
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 03-01-2004 09:40 PM         

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I wouldn't use mirrors. Most fish (especially cichlids) will attack their reflection thinking it's another fish trying to invade their terroritory. They probably won't physically hurt themselves, but it they won't be happy and could get stressed out.

-Chelle

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Member

Posts: 122
From:orangeville,ontario, canada
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 03-02-2004 06:01 AM         

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That what i thought thanks for the verification
Peace
Fish Addict

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Moderator

Posts: 806
From:
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 03-02-2004 05:45 PM         

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FWIW, back in the 50's and early 60's you couldn't hardly find anything larger than 10 gallons, and guess what, they all had a metal frame, slate bottom and a mirror for the back glass. I can't say what the mirror will do to larger fish like Oscars but the smaller tropicals (about the largest being Angelfish) did not seem to be bothered or stressed by the mirror.

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