Tank Construction Question

I have decided to build my own tank. Partially because I'm bored, and partially because I'm crazy. I have a good source for glass (uncle owns a glass co.), UV glue, and silicon.

One question though:
I was thinking of using acrylic for the bottom. I figured it would be easier to drill (if I decide to go that route) and more shock absorbent. Those of you that have done this in the past, do you agree/disagree? Why?

 

Go all glass or all acrylic. As long as glass is not tempered, it's simple to drill.

 

+1 to Bogie. You can not safely affix acrylic to glass. Its going to have to be one or the other.

 

Thanks for the input. Can anyone show anything to support these two? I'll probably go all glass at this point, but I'm always curious at the science behind things.

Keep your eyes peeled for a build thread!

 

if you can get it, go with starphire glass +2 for joining the two

 

I can explain it:
2 main reasons. Number one would be there is no adhesive that will securely hold the two. Silicone works great on glass, but not acrylic. The glues (like weld-on) work great on acrylic, but not glass. Its a lose-lose situation that will always result in a weak joint. Also, acrylic expands and contracts a lot more than glass with temperature changes. So even if you did somehow get a good joint, that acrylic panel will eventually work itself loose.

 

Since you have a connection for glass, go all glass. I would even recommend going with all annealed glass (non-tempered) that way you could drill any side you wanted to. Once the tank is done, cut a thin sheet of acrylic or PVC and lay that insid the bottom of your tank for the protection that you desire.

 

Great posts. Nothing to add. All is covered.