plexiglass

cass2399 · Post by **cass2399** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 7:58 pm

Is 1/8" plexiglass thick enough to use for a built in pool? I am about to buy some to make my pools and I am not sure how thick I should get it. Thanks.

tojo · Post by **tojo** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 8:16 pm

I think so cass. It's all about the seal. I'm building ponds with plexi right now, I'm using .22

Good Luck! Keep me posted

cass2399 · Post by **cass2399** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 8:27 pm

Thanks. Post pics when you are done. I can get 1/4". Would that be better?

cass2399 · Post by **cass2399** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 8:51 pm

I can get 2 1/4" pieces cut to the size I need, 6" x 12" for $13.99. Does anyone know if that's good or not?

tojo · Post by **tojo** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 8:58 pm

they post plexy as 1/4", it's actually .22. I know lowe's will cut big square pieces virtually for nothing, you just have to purchase their plexi.

Hope this helps.

kgbenson · Post by **kgbenson** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 9:15 pm

IF you are attaching a dam to glass with silicone, consider using glass. Aquarium silicone will not form a long lasting seal between acrylic and glass (It really doesn't stick to acrylic). You can use a gigantic bead and it will last a while, but imagine what would happen a the dam broke and flooded the substrate where a crab is molting . . .

Keith

tojo · Post by **tojo** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 9:34 pm

kgbenson wrote:IF you are attaching a dam to glass with silicone, consider using glass. Aquarium silicone will not form a long lasting seal between acrylic and glass (It really doesn't stick to acrylic). You can use a gigantic bead and it will last a while, but imagine what would happen a the **** broke and flooded the substrate where a crab is molting . . .

Keith

Thanks Keith, I'm using silicone sealant made by GE which is supposed to be used only with plastic sheets. I hope this works, I'll keep u all posted.

cass2399 · Post by **cass2399** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:00 pm

Ok so where would I go to find glass to use? Thanks.

tojo · Post by **tojo** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:09 pm

I'm also building for easy maintenance. My ponds are all plexi. Lift out for easy cleaning. i wouldn't recommend permanent ponds sealed in your tat.

cass2399 · Post by **cass2399** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:14 pm

I don't know. I have seen quite a few people who have built their pools in so they don't come out and love it. That is what I was thinking of doing. One pool on each side. And then I was going to use some for second levels built on.

Kilimanjaro · Post by **Kilimanjaro** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:33 pm

Yeah, this is what I'm planning to do with my 55 gallon.

I was going to use aquarium sealant and plexi-glass... but if the sealant won't hold, now I'm not so sure.

Mine were going to be permanent with built in mini-filters, too... that way they would remain clean.

If I needed to do a water change, I could just use a turkey baster to get rid of the old and then wipe it down on the inside to remove any algae/sludge and then add the new.

If regular aquarium sealant won't work, then what should I get? I recall someone saying that getting glass cut is expensive...

cass2399 · Post by **cass2399** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:56 pm

I'm with you. That is what I had in mind. Now I don't know. Hopefully someone who has done this will help us figure this out.

Kilimanjaro · Post by **Kilimanjaro** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:02 pm

From this thread, I found this post:

Paintballer99 wrote: Yeah A silicone that is waterproof. It's right near the plexi-glass section.

Mamakins · Post by **Mamakins** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:04 pm

My pools are built in and i love them. i have a filter in each and i treat them as i would a small aquarium. Regular water changes, and i use a syphon type aquarium cleaner to clean the substrate and crap that ends up in the bottom of the water. They have been together for a year now and holding well. I have had problem with water on the salt side, but i'm pretty sure it's a result of crabs coming out of the water and dumping their shell water. i'll be emptying soon and resealing to make sure. i used the GE stuff too.

cass2399 · Post by **cass2399** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:26 pm

Thank you very much!!