PDA

View Full Version : Acrylic or Polycarb?


fishermiguel
Fri, 19th Dec 2003, 12:18 AM
What ya’ll think poly or acrylic? Anyone know what is best way to seal poly? Advantages?
adamRS80
Fri, 19th Dec 2003, 10:56 AM
Acrylic...Just built a tank with it last night. Worked really well. I think pretty much everybody uses acrylic so I wouldn't worry too much about it.
fishermiguel
Fri, 19th Dec 2003, 10:49 PM
IF i were to use Poly how should i do it?
dan
Sat, 20th Dec 2003, 12:31 AM
when you say poly what kind of poly are you refering to.i was once an instrutor in repairing different polys on autos.there are 5 to 10 different kinds of polys on todays cars.
fishermiguel
Sat, 20th Dec 2003, 01:13 AM
lexan poly
dan
Sat, 20th Dec 2003, 01:38 AM
no no no no lexan is a poly carbonate,very hard material,
unbreakable and hard to bond.you can glue it but will not last under pressure.what i'm try to say is you can make a jewelry box but not a tank that holds water.
fishermiguel
Sat, 20th Dec 2003, 01:56 AM
y cant you screw it togetehr or melt it together with a blow torch?
fishermiguel
Sat, 20th Dec 2003, 01:56 AM
y cant you screw it and or melt it together with a blow torch?
fishermiguel
Mon, 22nd Dec 2003, 12:07 AM
Any suggestions?
dan
Mon, 22nd Dec 2003, 01:40 AM
you could but it would have to be 5/8'' or 3/4'' and would be super expensive. lexan is high just in 1/4''compared to acrylic
fishermiguel
Mon, 22nd Dec 2003, 02:05 AM
really i thought that is was cheaper... hmm where would you go to get acrylic?
GaryP
Mon, 22nd Dec 2003, 01:21 PM
Polycarbonate does have the advantage of being bullet proof. I guess that could be an advantage depending on what kind of neighborhood you lived in.

Gary
dan
Mon, 22nd Dec 2003, 02:10 PM
you can go to REGAL or ALLIED or CADDILAC PLASTICS they all sell acrylic from 1/16'' to 1''.what ever pocket book can handle.lol
Gator
Mon, 22nd Dec 2003, 02:22 PM
dan are you sugesting i use my wifes jewlery box as a sump??
wkopplin
Mon, 22nd Dec 2003, 02:31 PM
GaryP, Polycarbonate does have the advantage of being bullet proof. I guess that could be an advantage depending on what kind of neighborhood you lived in

LMAO
fishermiguel
Tue, 23rd Dec 2003, 09:10 PM
Gee Thanx!
Tim Marvin
Wed, 24th Dec 2003, 10:41 AM
I'd use wood screws and the blow torch.....LOL..... If that doesn't work spend some money and get Matt to build one for you the right way. Matt isn't "cheap" but you'll get it done right.
TexasState
Wed, 24th Dec 2003, 11:12 AM
What size tank are you trying to build? If it's a small tank, you should stay with glass tank b/c it will be cheaper staying with glass.
captexas
Wed, 24th Dec 2003, 03:28 PM
As Vinh says, glass is much cheaper when dealing with a smaller size tank. When dealing with large tanks, acrylic is much stronger than glass and large, thick glass can get expensive. Unless you have some experience with working with acrylic, you are much better off buying a glass tank or having someone else make an acrylic tank for you. The acrylic will cost you more and if you don't do it correctly, you could end up with a flooded house and fish on the carpet!