plexiglass

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:03 pm

If your going to use glass (which is cheaper then plexi and there's no waste since the glass shops cut it for you) use an aquarium sealant and make sure to put sealant on both pieces before you stick them together and then keep them pushed together tightly for 48 hrs. I did this for my second level, which doesn't have to be water tight but it is. The 100% silicone products at the hardware stores say not to use in aquarium, even the ones with the anti mildew agents so i didn't take the chance. I got my aquarium sealant at an aquarium shop. Plexi wont form a proper bond to glass.

Disgruntled Crab · Post by **Disgruntled Crab** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:14 pm

Scary Clam wrote: Sorry, I always write too much! I didn't mean to confuse! If I had to choose again, these would be what I'd be choosing between:

-Custom cut glass with aquarium sealant
-Plexiglass (acrylic) with acrylic cement

Hopefully someone else will chime in and plead the other side of this (success with plexi and silicone). As I said, it might just be me!

Thanks, i am going to use acrylic, so i can heat and form my pool, so glass isnt a option for me.

Disgruntled Crab · Post by **Disgruntled Crab** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 2:44 pm

I also found this on a search for cements or glue
http://www.ehow.com/how_2268619_build-p ... arium.html

I think if you use a Acrylic Glue or PVC glue, the coat it with aquiuim silicone. All you be good?
What you think? PVC glue is used on water pipes that we drink out of,wash,etc?

Scary Clam · Post by **Scary Clam** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 4:05 pm

Sounds like you'd be good. Now I'm wondering if I should've used an additional layer of aquarium sealant? Oh well, I couldn't get it to really adhere to it and it's already very much in the tank!

I don't know much about the PVC glue, so maybe someone else has some input on it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 6:15 pm

I have a 90 gallon with 5 gallon pools at either end and it has held very well for several months so far. After allowing it to cure for 48 hours I filled each side with water for another 48 hours. Although there would be sand in the middle, I wanted to stress-test the strength of the seal between the acrylic and glass.

I used .22 (1/4") acrylic and DAP Aquarium Silicone. The acrylic is cut to about 1/32" smaller than the interior width of the aquarium, and in total each sheet is about 18"x10". Additionally, I cut the bottom corners off of the acrylic so that it would rest on the existing base seal. I was unable to find thick enough glass at the hardware store and couldn't find any local glaziers, but I am pleased with the acrylic.

I had used thinner acrylic platforms to gain more land space above the pools, but the thin acrylic warped too easily. I simply laid one end on the top of the acrylic pool divider and used a scrap piece of acrylic as a leg on the other side, forming a joint between the acrylic pieces with silicone. Gravel was attached to the edges with silicone and the crabs loved hanging onto the rocks over (and partially in) the water. I would not suggest building any permanent structure over the water because that will detrimentally affect your ability to clean the pool well.

The acrylic is vertical which has proven very easy for cleaning both the water and the sand. I use a 1-way pump to change out water, Duetto DJ50 submersible filters, and Hydor Theo 25W heaters. Also high on the required equipment list for pools is a hydrometer for measuring the salinity of the salt water.

The 4W filters and 25W heaters which run on timers and thermostats, respectively, keep the crabitat perfectly warm and humid at a fraction of the energy usage of heat lamps or heat pads.

I use pea gravel in the bottom of each pool, which was $3.50 for a 50lb bag, rinse and filter well before use. One side uses a rock for entrance and exit and the other uses a large sea sponge. Currently I am building a waterfall for the salt water side to provide additional climbing and hiding space and a more aesthetic feel to the pools.

Disgruntled Crab · Post by **Disgruntled Crab** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 11:11 am

Found more info on pvc glue being used in plexiglass/Acrylic aquariums. Thought ill give it a try
http://www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/20 ... icone.html
[quote]
For Plexiglass/Acrylic aquariums you would need to use Plexiglass or PVC Cement (Glue) which works by â€œmeltingâ€

tojo · Post by **tojo** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 2:45 pm

Follow up in silicone. The GE silicone I should be used with plexiglass, NOT GE silicone II. I believe the II shouldn't be used for marine use.

I have decided to go with large casserole dishes for ponds. As I told ponch in a pm, I'm not confident I can build something out of plexiglass and not eventually leak. Someone else had the idea of casserole dishes and I think it's a good worry free solution.