Build it or buy it

[Matthias7]

I am looking to get a larger tank ~180 gallons. I am a fairly decent DIY'r. The problem is where I live there really isn't an option to purchase large aquariums. Shipping for an aquarium that size is 200-400$. So I would be looking at about 1500$ for a regular glass aquarium shipped (about 2k for acrylic). I can purchase the acrylic all pre cut with edges ready for 700$ shipped. I have done lots of research on building my own since the cost savings is crazy. Any input would be great. Would also like to read any 1st time builders accounts of how easy/hard it was to make their tanks.

[pledosophy]

My professionally made tank failing cost me about 11k in home repair costs, so I would not trust myself building a tank. That part I will leave to the pro's.

[fishhuman]

I would go diy one style is a plywood aquarium you make a plywood box ecxept leave out 1 side for the viewing area. Then get liquid rubber and coat the box then buy a sheet of glass or acrylic check out glass cages custom cut acrylic and use silicone to glue acrylic in place works well here are the materials needed
3 sheets of plywood should run you 30$ or less
1 gallon liquid rubber 50$
1 6x2 foot 1/4 inch acrylic sheet 66$
All together 146$ and great setup they last for a long time and don't leak just make sure you applie multiple layers of liquid rubber

[footballdude2k3]

I would post a WTB on a local forum and craigslist before I would consider DIYing anything that large, there is a ton of force pushing outward on a tank that big. It would be a ton of fun, and more cost effective. I know somebody here that put a 180 up in his house, where he had other tanks, but lengthwise the floor was about 1/4" slanted, so the tank is no more, cracked in less than a week of being up.

[Hightray]

I have read some about building tanks and you would probably be more skilled than I am but when I hand made my sump, it was a mess. Even with all of the reading, doing it for the first time made for a messy project. Now towards the end I was getting a "knack" for it and it was much neater but you could see where I started for sure.

Problem is, if you don't have that "knack" when you start, you can be out your materials and an expensive clean up.

[Stlouphil]

Watch Craigslist. I DIY some things, but a tank? Too much at stake if there is a failure. : O

[Matthias7]

Just found a used tank for 600$ 180 gallon 72x24x24 with corner overflows. I wonder how much safer it would be it's about 5 years old

[billdogg]

My 150 was put into service in 1992. The 120g tank that serves as refugium I got used in the mid 1980's, it was old then. Both are still fine.

[footballdude2k3]

I would grab that 180 without a second thought, as long as you can see that it holds water, you're set.

[Matthias7]

Here is a pic of the used tank

[Mark...]

Here is a pic of the used tank

Just tell them you want to see it full of water. Looks like you found your tank.

I was looking for months and then found a 7 year old 180 acrylic that was never setup for 300...

There are deals out there and sometimes the tank is the cheapest component. Best of luck!

[noel754g1]

here are a couple of links on how to build a plywood aquarium.. you could easily build a 300g with $600.. if you go that route dont use liquid rover, i've heard horror stories. but waterproofing it with 2 part epoxy and fiberglass makes it rock solid and will last forever.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1749114&highlight=plywood

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2209246

hope it helped..

[northernreefe]

check out "dyi king" on you tube. he will walk you through an acrylic build step by step.