HOW TO: Build large acrylic aquariums

[@CharleysAquaticNook]

Just ordered my first acrylic! 240 coming soon! Can't wait!

[@rubblemonkey6904]

I have a (probably silly) question: can you use thinner acrylic for very large and tall tanks if you were to use external support like triangular wood/metal braces? I just figured since the biggest issue with acrylic seems to be bending and bowing that might be the (less pretty) affordable option.

[@oTnnnnn]

Still prob not worth the risk ide just go with a thicker acrylic

[@michaelfoxx4498]

joey nice video what brand of cement did u use in these projects?

[@ludi2shoes]

Where can I find full sheets of acrylic? I can’t find anything but precut pieces. And no more than 1/4” thick.

[@tonymasaracchia1602]

Hey I bought an acrylic aquarium and when I cleaned it up it had crazing in a few areas can i sand that out or what should I do.

[@RatraceDave]

Just a quick one btw love your channel.can you polish the fresh cuts with flame?

[@caravann26]

I should have known that some where in your hundreds of hours of footage you would have addressed that somewhere .great videos always a huge help and inspiration

[@DarkIpsum]

Hello Joey, How will I know if the acrylic has been flamed polished? I have acquired a used acrylic sheets but I don't know if the edges has been flamed polished or just polished by novus or any other chemical. You said that flamed polished edges should not be cemented together as they will break / craze. BTW looking from the edge it looks polished but I still can see some of the saw marks. Thanks

[@tubalcain1]

Nice video Joey!!....... Unfortunately us hobbyist will always run into the same problem that you did....simply running out of room! No matter how much you consolidate and organize to make more space you will eventually fill that up with additional aquariums within a few years until you trap yourself into a corner. Aquariums are very bulky and end up taking up every square foot of what space you have. Best solution is to add an additional LARGE room to your home with a HIGH ceiling. You will be amazed just how much you can do with all the extra space. Thanks for your awesome instructional videos!

[@zachorne9511]

Where is a good place to get cell cast clear acrylic sheets im looking for big sheets to make multiple sizes of tanks can you help ?

[@dansilvester440]

Hi joey really enjoy your videos. I have just purchased a 72×18w×24 high aquarium second hand. The tank has not been filed at the edges and has quite a few chips nothing big, but it was filled before and water tight. What are your suggestions. I have re sealed the tank

[@debow567]

Joey, do you know of any company's in the U.S that you suggest for acrylic or does your acrylic supplier in Canada Emplastics ship to the U.s? I couldn't find much on there web site.

[@jimbochandler632]

Piedmont plastics and Reynolds

[@915Mang]

Pretty impressive that you built this by yourself! Nice job !

[@thekingofdiy]

Part 1 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bojafXqHi7uhmLM Part 2 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYrQhqWdqtueqM0 Part 3 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6q4o5iIjLagpNk Part 4 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4vXe5hqqdaSibc Part 5 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/joOUfYCli7pqeas Part 6 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqCXgpeXeMyojbM

[@DankDaHerbalist]

Is there a current vid of you making the 100 gal for the puffer??

[@Seanmmvi]

Joey, did you plan so far ahead as to have all the cuts measured out for all the bracing, so the company could make ALL the cuts, or did you need to cut/trim some of the pieces for the bracing and the ones to keep the rays in. If you planned all of those out on paper and had them all cut, that would be incredible.

[@thekingofdiy]

I had them cut everything. However, last minute i changed the design of the braces slightly and had to make a couple of small cuts.

[@Seanmmvi]

***** what saw did you use to cut the braces?

[@thekingofdiy]

Sean Williams table saw. I talk about the kind of saw and blade to use in my past video "Top 10 DIY tools"

[@rallymadboy]

Does the thickness of the base sheet matter the reason I as was thinking of using glass from a 2 foot and four to make a 4 x 2 tank and have axcess to 3 mm diabond sheets which I could use for the base sheet.

[@hanhngyn7799]

Hi Joey I got a question hope that you can help me with I am planning to build an aquarium 48Lx30Wx18H I was going to go with Weld on 4 and 16 to bond the tank However, the guys who sell me the acrylic saying that the Weld on 4 will separate over time, and weld on 16 will not hold and actually will weaken the joint if i use it as a "silicon" to fill in . They suggest using Weld-on 40 Can you please share your thought on this? Thank you

[@zaggaona]

what happened? lol

[@FANTAILhomepage]

Where do you get this glass and whats the cheapest place to buy it from in Australia

[@AquaStudent]

Nicely done Joey. Looking forward to the build. I was wondering how you were going to do a 200G for Arrows and rays. The extra width is nice. I helped my dad build an acrylic 110g for him this past winter. We tried flame polishing before putting the cross pieces on and that just made everything more difficult (and we ended up flame polishing everything again anyway).

[@thekingofdiy]

always flame polish last. No matter how hard it makes the job. If cement touches a flame polished edge, it will cause crazing.

[@AquaStudent]

***** We thankfully figured it out in time! Gracias amigo! Keep up the awesome work. Can't wait to see the final result.

[@samirsaliha7486]

What thickness did I need to build acrylic aquarium height 120 width120 lengthe 3. The type of adhesive should be used. Thanks

[@bobwright8789]

samir saliha I wouldn't suggest building your own tank. There is a lot of skill involved in the process and any mistakes made could cause catastrophic failure. The other question to ask be for you consider the thickness of material is weather or not the tank will have a brace.

[@Thelighteducation]

What glue is used?

[@rajgharti4412]

im really concerned what you use for the upper layer of aquarium lid? is it glass or some sort of other material.... do inform. :D

[@jaybaillie]

Nice job as always buddy! Is this place local for acrylic? I'm getting on this bus if so

[@thomasharlan238]

what type of acrylic do you use

[@jimbochandler632]

You should always use cell cast for all acrylic aquariums

[@Samr3D]

The calculator not available do you think you can help me with a calculator ? And the supplier name please

[@CichlidPadawan]

Great job Joey! Always look forward to your vids! Can't wait to see the filtration part as I'm curious how the overflow comes out. Love the idea of having the overflow box outside the tank. Saves a lot of tank space.

[@yocampout]

I saw a 125 gal tank with stand that had two 20 gal below it on either side that I like but upon closer inspection I don't like the color. I have the tools to build the tank but probably not a stand. I was thinking of buying kitchen cabinets at Lowe's and arranging those like a stand and bracing the back so that I could have pretty doors since it will go in my front room and nice hidden storage for my filters. does anyone think this will work? also is there a way to buy Joey book using pay pal? thanks in advance

[@thekingofdiy]

You would have to reinforce the cabinet with 2X4's, but it could work. To get the book, all i accept is actually paypal, so your in luck.

[@yocampout]

***** just got the book. thank u

[@thekingofdiy]

yocampout Awesome! Thank you. Check out the chapter on filtration. It was hands down my favorite chapter of the book. I dont talk about whats actually in the book too often.(Besides a basic index) I only ever put actual projects on video.... but never anything like what i talk about in that chapter. That chapter alone will change your hobby forever.

[@KyleChou52362788]

Hey joey can you make a video on care for rays because i really want 1.......also tell which are the best to start out with.

[@thekingofdiy]

Thinking about doing a video on that topic!

[@justgrowyaown4209]

Joey is a 3/16 glass or 4.8mm thick enough for a 36 x 18 x 16 or 40 breeder i got the glass laying around

[@Sheeeeeeesh69]

JustGrowYaOwn 420 no it's not yo need 10mm

[@rp101aquatics6]

Where can i get the acrylic

[@caravann26]

Acrylic fabrication is fairly easy and fun given you have the tools .joey does a great tutorial ..flame polishing occasionally swells or crowns the edge taking away the perfect 90° edge you need to properly weld. after its welded the edge is now one piece with all sides top and bottom and the swelling occurs evenly not effecting the bond if properly cured .if bubbles are present in the weld. the air trapped will expand when flame polishing and effect the weld . Also never clean any machined acrylic with alcohol as it will craze and even split your material I'm surprised no one ever says this...try putting a piece of scrap that has been cut on a table saw in alcohol and see what happens!

[@thekingofdiy]

i talk about crazing in my acrylic build series that is 2 hours long.

[@handymaninside]

What company to get acrylic

[@emersoncolangelo5307]

hello king would like to know the thickness of the acrylic to make a 3000 liters tank in Brazil has neither a type of software for this purpose if possible thank you thank you ..

[@Sheeeeeeesh69]

emerson colangelo 15mm

[@yohannicholas7282]

How did you weld the top bracing without getting any air bubbles?

[@thekingofdiy]

New pics on: facebook.com/UaruJoey AND instagram.com/uarujoey

[@joesayno]

Great video, oh and name 😜. But for the filtration if you are doing sumps, will you have two seperate sump or will you have both tanks draining into the sump with two separate PVC pipes and the return? I guess I could wait for the filtration part the the journey but I'm so exited haha!! Good job as always!

[@thekingofdiy]

I am stacking the tanks. They will be filtered by one sump. One return. You will have to wait and see. :)

[@joesayno]

Alright I guess I'll wait ha! I do have a question though, I have a 360 gallon aquarium that is 8 foot long 3 foot wide into foot tall my question is is it has a DIY overflow system on it but the guy drilled holes all the way around the PVC and whenever I do a water change, and put the exact amount of water back in the tank, there its too much water in the sump or there's not enough water in the sump and the pump would be sucking air so what should i do, just get another stand pipe and replace it? Thanks so much

[@lupo10]

That weir looks great. Simple idea, surprised I've not seen it before!

[@thekingofdiy]

Its just not common right now. However, it will become more and more popular with time.

[@miguellozano7749]

which weldon is best for large aquariums

[@whitneyjones2658]

Miguel Lozano I've been wondering the same thing as well. Scratching my head in which one and what method

[@KyleChou52362788]

Can i use varnish for a ply wood aquarium ????

[@arboysnptown]

how thick should the acrylic sheets be

[@Sheeeeeeesh69]

Anthony Dejarnett 10mm

[@bcumike]

The link to the calculator is broken, it takes you to a really really expensive book instead. Even when you directly type it in

[@NCmike1969]

This is great! I am definitely building my next "big boy tank" out of acrylic. Planning on 8' x 3' x 2' tall. Not sure how many gallons, but will be more than enough to keep my african cichlids happy.

[@LushAqua]

Thankyou for the guidance... I have also made my first acrylic tank and post my diy video... That was a really satisfying activity.... 🤝🤝🤝🤝

[@darrencarter9419]

Wish I was as practical as you Joey. Eagerly following.

[@therick2325]

Killer build Joey, great job so far

[@TheTioTommy]

First of all. Got to say... Love your videos man. They're a huge help. When I run I to any issue you're the first one I go to lol . anyways . I wanted to ask. Where do you get your acrylic sheets from? I want to build a tank but so far haven't found where to purchase acrylic. Thanks on advanced

[@busetnyonyokeren]

Cool, cant wait for the next part joey !

[@lifeofabachelor8547]

where is a good (cheap and quality) place in canada to buy acrylic

[@donovang6911]

Anyone know the approximate cost of the finish product?

[@grahampuckeringf8240]

Legend just a pity your in Canada if you where in UK I would be putting shed loads of work your way love the vids thanks a lot

[@thekingofdiy]

maybe some day!

[@frameyourlifewithnykohl9951]

Can you show how to build an acrylic desk?

[@rawellbaum]

Nice Joey!

[@shannontraylor9772]

Where is part 3 of your how to do the aquarium

[@briansfishtanks]

Cool build. Looking forward to seeing the stand video

[@muhammadshafie188]

Hey there.lbiggest fan of yours from Singapore. You are just awesome man. How I wish I had you as my neighbour lol. Keep going joey. Hopefully with a bigger new place I get to see more stuff!,

[@andrelewis7447]

can i use silicone to stick acrylic

[@reubenwilliams4132]

Andre Lewis no no no no no! They won't stick what so ever, the pressure of the water will just cause it to explode. You need to use acrylic cement.

[@ShrimplifyUK]

My favourite build you ever did. I loved these tanks!

[@thedivinehammerswoodworks1895]

Nice job as always Joey!

[@thekingofdiy]

Thanks michael!

[@kururangi13]

would it be the same with turtles??

[@Dark-Reaper21]

the calculator doesnt show for me it only shows the stuff you sell

[@slader-hl1kk]

Why when professional's build big acrylic tanks they gap the acrylic where no sides touch each other and then they fill it with a silicone type material. Its all gaped by like and 1/4. 1/8th inch and when i see everyone diy they use a thin adhesive cement

[@dontworryaboutit8445]

If they gap and use silicone it's most likely glass

[@NickMach007]

Interesting build. Looking forward to seeing it all come together

[@Tormentousss]

First! As always very instructive Joey. Good job. Can't wait for the third part. :)

[@bobwright8789]

Most of the tanks I see for 180 to 225 gallons are 3/8 to 1/2 and they are braced. Why does your calculator require 3/4 to 1 inch thick acrylic for the same tank with the same dimensions?

[@corthew]

Really? "I got this amazing price...I won't tell you where though because you won't like them." seriously? Riiight. Awesome price...Riiiiiight.

[@brittanyshaw6828]

Probably because they don't ship.

[@thevirtualzookeeper8226]

One day I'm going to win the lottery and open my own public aquarium.

[@lucianstaggs9239]

Same but... ILL HAVE TO WAIT TEN YEARS lol I'll be 21 I'm 11

[@thevirtualzookeeper8226]

@@lucianstaggs9239 😂 well, you have plenty of time to plan the floor plan of your facility!

[@redsgarden5821]

Messing with you im about to build aquarium stand but now i think im about to level up and go with building a tank also

[@jameshickey4833]

he didnt really show anything

[@theaquahobby6687]

I cant wait for the filtration!

[@joecosey1]

Where is the original video to build? This is all blah blah.. Love your videos man!

[@thekingofdiy]

Dont miss part 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYrQhqWdqtueqM0

[@omayazid3310]

nice, I like your sharing...

[@Ducati_V4S]

Hi, Joy! Way to go!

[@danielcandido5635]

AMAZIN GOOD JOB

[@SephCat74]

Joey, if someone were to pay you fair amount to build aquarium for them, would you do it?

[@thekingofdiy]

Nope. I just build to teach, not sell.

[@TechLovinDude]

You should use a live fish background for your backdrop in your video

[@allanramos9003]

Timeless

[@JakeDogg-RIP]

Baby Joey! 😂🐶🥰

[@donpalmera]

I wish acrylic was cheaper here.. I want to make a cover for my tank but even just that is going to be about $70. There's no way I could consider making a mega tank.

[@thekingofdiy]

Buying small pieces is always expensive. I would probably have to pay that too.

[@Grazk]

acrylic is hardly even available here, costs as much or more than glass

[@luisramirez8225]

I was wondering if you can give me any ideas about my tank I posted a video about it. It didn't come with the whole set for the filter. So if you can please watch my video and give me an idea thank you so much

[@marcoayhon]

Ya very simple to you but to me oh no !!! But as always awesome job

[@GG-dk9bu]

Please answer Devon thank u

[@yujanan]

Cool

[@HowManyLegsItHas]

Bah fricken damn... Pulled this video from the archives butt the calculator for the acrylic thickness is no longer valid. 😭

[@jared6194]

2022

[@fishmi6031]

Buddy and the Ray's are so small😖

[@peter-wz3ct]

mate your voice broke really late.

[@davido9879]

For a couple weeks now it seems I keep getting notifications of new activity on your subscription but it's the same post...it's like spamming, i keep hoping it's new content but it's like re-advertising the same previous videos.

[@thekingofdiy]

Every Sunday i post a new video. Throughout the week, I do promote current videos though. I didn't know you got a notification though, i was under the impression i was only promoting on my own feed.

[@EvolvedApe]

your calculator is missing. redirects to your book. i want to build a 1048 gallon. 144" wide, 36" deep and 48" high. This will be the centerpiece of my office when my retirement home is built. it will be a salt water aquarium. i'm thinking it needs to be 2" thick.

[@Alex-un5md]

2020 anyone? Just me

[@cameronbuchanen6845]

2022 😂

[@fgjjhggghhhoi3780]

Very bad fish tank 👹👹👹👹👹😬😬😬😬😬

[@ruslan_voyager]

So where is that calculators?

[@TheChrisMadera]

What I needed to know, was summed up in about 30 seconds...the rest was a waste of my time. All advertising, with 10% about what the title says.

[@megancarey2121]

Calculators nowhere to be found.

[@onlythetruth8436]

you talk to much....

[@eighthnotch_]

No he doesn't. Look in the comments, he goes into detail because people always ask the same questions.

[@adamjaberwolff]

No he does beat around the bushes quite a bit

[@jeremy87turbo87]

It's not cement, bro, it's called infusion. It's infusing the plastics together. Or welding if you wanna use that term.

[@jaybaillie]

Nice job as always buddy! Is this place local for acrylic? I'm getting on this bus if so

[@thekingofdiy]

Sort of. I had to drive an hour each way to get it. So while i saved on materials, i still had to take 2+ hours of my time and gas to go get it.

[@jaybaillie]

***** Shoot me off a pm on diy keepers which place if ya can.

[@gaganr7085]

Can you say me the thickness of the acrylic glasses you have used

[@mathiaseidet6673]

Everything Top channel if you watch the video you'll find out

[@breannasumner6207]

ATLASS PRODUCTION he said typically 10 mm but 12 is stronger

[@ruslan_voyager]

So where is that calculators?