Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering if anyone has created their own tanks using plexiglass. I was thinking about creating a couple of smaller tanks for breeding purposes. I have a 55 gallon display tank with 6 Leucs in it right now. I have kept and bred Leucs for over 6 years now. I was about 14 when I created my first 10 gallon with three. I still have the three original frogs with offspring from the mated pair of the three. I was wanting to try my hand at thumbnails now.
I have seen some pre-made commercial tanks with front opening doors and ventilation ports built in(http://www.understoryenterprises.com/darttank.htm) I want to build with plexi because I would be able to drill for drain holes and misting nozzles. I can't do this with glass. If anyone has pictures of a completed plexi tank similar to this could you please email me at v_traves@hotmail.com. Any advice would be appreciated as well. I have been reading up alot on the different kinds of glues and plexi to use, I am mostly interested on how the ventilation ports are setup.

Plexi is easy to work with, but is really fragile too. It scratches very easy. You CAN drill glass though. You don't need those fancy saws & etc, especially for what you want to do. I have drilled a number of regualr aquariums, 7 gallon to 30 gallon with a dremel tool and a diamond tipped bit. Use LOTS of water to keep things cool, go slowly and it works fine. I have been considering getting a few PDFs and drilling a tank seemed way too simple of a solution to pass up. Also, local hardware stores will sell "glass bits" that drill small holes (1/4"~ 3/8"perfectly, given a lot of water and time. The combo of the two might save you alot of building time. Other than that idea, buy high quality, specialized glue for plexi. As I'm sure you're aware, it makes or breaks the whole project.

use thick plexie glass as well because it can warp and deform your tank...

There is quite a bit of missinformation in this reply.

1. Yes it scratches easily, but in a properly designed tank, there will be no problems. No need to be afraid of acrylic, because it scratches. Just don't use SOS pads to clean it. Use RO water and clean it with cotton cloth and you'll be all set.

2. There is no high quality specialized glue. Plexi is bonded by dissolving two pieces at a joint using a solvent (methylene chloride aka dichloromethane). Cured joints actually become stronger then plexi itself.

3. When properly designed, warping can also be minimized. Afterall, if you have a cube, the bonded sides will keep the whole structure square.

There are two really good places where you can get quality acrylic tanks, one is the link you already mantioned (www.understoryenterprises.com) and the other is www.FirstClassAquatics.com. I've seen products from both and I'll put those against any glass drilled setups.

btw, I have both, glass and acrylic, here is a picture of each

This is my 90gal diamond setup.

This is one of the acrylic cubes in my rack

This is my rack, somewhat complete.

Marty
www.MistKing.com

What kind of moss is that? Also what are the dimensions on your plexi tanks. Your mister system is amazing, I am going to be buying a kit from you in a couple of months.