navyscuba

does anyone knows how much it would cost to get some glass to make my custom aquarium? Do they charge by sqft or how?
Thanks.

CHoffman

I recently priced some glass from our local Glass shop. They gave me a quote for enough glass (precut, sanded edges) for a 20gallon long, I gave them the thickness I wanted and the dimensions of each piece. The glass by itself was $78.00..
I can buy a 20 gallon kit from the LFS with heater, filter and all for 75.00..lol...It just wasn't worth it for me. But it would be cheaper if you didn't have it cut and sanded. I think it just depends on the area and how cheap you can get the glass.

navyscuba

thanks, I was thinking about putting together a 150 gal for salt. I just need it an idea to set the money aside for it.
Thanks again.

Hypnox

Building your own aquarium really doesn't start to pay off till you get over 100 gallons or are building your own reef ready aquarium. Till one of those two conditions are met it's usually cheaper to just purchase an aquarium off the shelf.

Tavel

and beyond price, there's the assurance that a store bought aquarium was built by a professional and will be durable.

CWO4GUNNER

I was also considering and researching a DIY large aquarium. It seems like the only way you can save allot of money making one is if 1 it is large and 2 your willing to build it all wood with one sided glass wiving only and if you keep the height down to no more then 24 inches otherwise the glass gets too thick and cost go way up. Since carpentry is not exactly my strong area ill probably buy a Marinland standard rectangular 265 gallon tank although its not off the shelf Its probubly as close to production as you can get although I haven't been able to find a price its probubly a special order item. Cost
http://www.marineland.com/sites/Mari...=1270&mid=3228