I am looking to build an aquarium, I figured if I do it myself I could save lots of money. I am looking to build about a 200 gallon. At pet stores I have seen aquariums approx. this size and they would sell for around $900. I have called local glass companies and gotten quotes for 3/8 thick tempered glass and just the glass is about $1000 dollars. Does anyone have suggestions or knowledge of building custom aquariums, where I could build my own for a fraction of the cost to buy a new one?
If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you should use, it's something that you would be insane not to.
All okorder /... You can also make aquariums out of wood using fiberglass tape for the interior joints, Epoxy Resin to seal and a float glass pane siliconed to the front (I have made a few of these many years back).
Float Glass Vs Tempered Glass
Do not use tempered glass for an aquarium, especially one so large. Tempered glass is much stronger than annealed (regular, non-tempered) glass, but it shatters. that is one of the major reasons for making glass tempered. When regular glass breaks, it cracks into large shards that can be sharp and dangerous. with tempered glass breaks, it generally makes a bizillion little chunks that are relatively dull. this is great for some things like glass doors or bathroom shelves. but imagine if this happens to your fish tank....water and sweet fishies all over the floor within an instant. :-)
