HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Has anyone built from scratch a glass aquarium? If so, how diificult was it? And was it worth the cost?

If you're building an aquarium from scratch, it's more expensive than a traditional glass tank. People who build their own aquarium do so for aesthetics of using low iron glass that may be drilled, with internal filters, plumbing for sumps, I ternal overflow systems, etc. Low iron makes it look much better when filled with water, but makes no difference for a crabitat which has sand.

If you're set on making an aquarium, I'll high recommend you to visit the DIY section of "the Planted Tank". They build aquariums, stands, plumbing, etc quite often, with many experienced aquarists to give feedback.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

Scarletfire wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 17, 2019 5:34 pm

If you're building an aquarium from scratch, it's more expensive than a traditional glass tank. People who build their own aquarium do so for aesthetics of using low iron glass that may be drilled, with internal filters, plumbing for sumps, I ternal overflow systems, etc. Low iron makes it look much better when filled with water, but makes no difference for a crabitat which has sand.

If you're set on making an aquarium, I'll high recommend you to visit the DIY section of "the Planted Tank". They build aquariums, stands, plumbing, etc quite often, with many experienced aquarists to give feedback.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

Thank you. I was only considering if it cost less than buying.

What dimensions are you thinking?

wodesorel wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 17, 2019 10:41 pm

What dimensions are you thinking?

Just a dream. I would love a 200+ gal tank. But finances such as they are that won't happen for a long time.

Hermiesguardian wrote: Just a dream. I would love a 200+ gal tank. But finances such as they are that won't happen for a long time.

You may be better off building a plywood structure... have looked into it, supplies in aus are a little expensive and not really worth it under a couple of hundred gallons.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Hermiesguardian wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:48 am

Just a dream. I would love a 200+ gal tank. But finances such as they are that won't happen for a long time.

A used aquarium will still be the best deal at that size. 225 and 250 (not actual size, they are listed a little higher than their actual gallons) were standard sizes and still float around local classifieds for a semi-decent price.

Like JJ said, the other option is a plywood tank, but both wood and epoxy have skyrocketed in the US in recent years so it would be as much if not more, and have a greater chance of waterproofing failure.

wodesorel wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 18, 2019 10:44 am

A used aquarium will still be the best deal at that size. 225 and 250 (not actual size, they are listed a little higher than their actual gallons) were standard sizes and still float around local classifieds for a semi-decent price.

Like JJ said, the other option is a plywood tank, but both wood and epoxy have skyrocketed in the US in recent years so it would be as much if not more, and have a greater chance of waterproofing failure.

I know and I'm always keeping my eyes open. But at this time honestly we couldn't afford it. And it's not just the cost of the tank. It's the cost and effort of finding some people to move it.

I've actually thought about doing that but now I know not to thanks !

owilderman wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 26, 2020 10:36 am

I've actually thought about doing that but now I know not to thanks !

I know. Sometimes youtube can make things look too easy.