General Care Discussion :: I would like to build a 200 gallon tank by myself, anybody

[Boston_Zhao]

got any experience? I have a 40 gallon tank now, but in a year or two I will need a bigger tank. I think a 200 gallon tank is the final solution. But its too expensive. I hope some people have built their large tank, and can share some experience here with me, and with others who would like to do the same.
What do I need to build a large tank?

[Jillybeen]

Hi. I built quite a few aquariums about 10 years ago....all I needed was 3/4" thick glass (I used smoked black for the back wall) and aquarium sealant (buy it at any local pet store) and a glass cutter (small tool available at Home Depot or OSH) There is a specific formula also....I have a friend who owns a glass shop....he is the person who got me started building aquariums.....he knows the formula and I have sent him an email. When he responds I will post the formula for you.

[megcornell]

200 gallons holds a lot of water and a lot of weight, i'd think that'd be best for a pro to make. Perhaps you could buy a stock tank for an economical solution? It'd just be really unfortunate if your tank didn't hold water and your turtle and belongings got damaged...

[CountryGirl68]

When building your own aquarium, you need to make sure you are using sheet glass, not tempered glass. With tempered glass, a tiny leak can cause the tank to burst. Use 100% silicone made specifically for aquariums to put the pieces together. For a 200 gallon aquarium, you will also need to have braces at the bottom and top of the tank. And remember that the silicon needs at least 24 hours to cure - 48 hours is better. You don't want a "Deuce Bigalow" accident!

[steve]

I have a home built tank (125 gallons 60x24x20) and it could be expensive. You could consider using a stock tank which would be far cheaper than any glass tank of equivalent size....