building a tank for the first time!

[youheartsme]

I am building a new tank for my little one and I have looked at a bunch of websites and stuff. The only problem is that most of these tanks are made from wood, I need something lighter so it's more portable. Does anyone know what I can use?

 

[fkalb]

Weld one out of metal

Hmm how big are you thinking? Maybe build a low profile frame out of wood and than screw or glue plexi to it? Ill think of some others but id consider doing that if i was in your position. Nice wood an inch along sides, top, bottom, attached together well and than nice little wood screws every 6 inches or so in the plexi would look pretty damn cool. Im not sure where your located but if your somewhere hot and dont have to worry a whole lot about temps, maybe even consider a good looking screen instead of plexi aswell

 

[IronMaiden805]

How much is plexi glass is it cheap.Do they sell it in homedepot.

 

[fkalb]

Honestly its not the cheapest, home depot here did have some but it wasnt exactly what i was looking for and a little pricey. Than again all i used it for was sliding doors for the front of my viv. I paid $30 for a 2' x 4' peice.. maybe call an industrial plastic supplier and they can give you a good deal

 

[drewdizzo]

I have been thinking about this problem for a while as well. I am considering making a travel enclosure which is slightly smaller and much lighter. The real problem is the cost of the materials. I really have not thought of an inexpensive way to make it happen, but if cost is not a concern you can definitely make it happen.

I would recommend using an 80/20 aluminum frame which will be stronger than a wood enclosure and extremely light. What you use for the walls would be your choice, but plexi or hardboard would work. The cool part of the 80/20 would be that you could simply slide the walls, ceiling and floor into the grooves, no nails/screws. You can check out a lot of different options at 8020.net, the quick frame looks like the cheapest option which would still work. The only tricky part would be how you make the door to the cage, which is where you would have to get creative. Best of luck.

 

[youheartsme]

i was talking to some people and i was thinking maybe 1/4" plywood for the bottom, 1/2" plywood for the sides and back then a mesh screen for the top and ventilation and acrylic screen in the front for the door. do you guys think that will work? I'm only using 1/4" plywood for the bottom because I use a heating pad. but I don't think that is a good idea anymore if I'm going to be using wood. Would you guys think 1/4" on the sides be adequate enough? thanks for responses guys!

 

[spyder86]

You can buy precut glass for fairly cheap just call you local glass place and tell them what size you want, then use silicone to glue it together like a fish tank you would buy. Where I live I can get a piece of 1/4'' glass 4'x2' for $14.