Caper Posted September 25, 2005 Report Share Posted September 25, 2005 So, have my pics been too big as well.. :oops: .like Deb, I don't know how to resize them..will read later how to do so. Oh...just found out my pics are 640x480...same as yours Caryl so they must be ok, huh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Posted September 25, 2005 Report Share Posted September 25, 2005 Ant said it looks like this http://www.selleys.com.au/products/live/308/150.asp Don't use THIS Read the info, Mould and Mildew - resistant. As soon as you see that on a product you are thinking of using for your tank. Put it back. Look for one that says "For Aquarium Use" It MUST, when you use it, smell strongly like vinegar. This is acetic acid fumes given off, and when using the silicon, make sure it is used in well ventilated area. I personally use Selleys Glass Silicone Sealant. (clear) [for windws and aquariums] Alan 104 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Posted September 25, 2005 Report Share Posted September 25, 2005 thanks alan will buy a different one i only use that as i can get it free from my dads work Windows... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debs01 Posted September 29, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 What width is the correct type of acrylic to use with heaters and where would we source it??? ANYONE?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Posted September 29, 2005 Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 Debs I don't think I'm thick (others prolly think otherwise) but I can't understand your request. Not at all. Alan 104 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debs01 Posted September 29, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 I dont think I am think either, I have heard that some acrylics are lower grade or too thin and may warp with the heat from the heater I am wondering what would be the correct thickness of acrylic required for my tank?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Posted September 29, 2005 Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 Why do you want to use acrylic to make a tank when there is so much less hassle with glass. You only have to glue glass, it doesn't scatch to the same degree. It is fairly easily obtainable. Going the other way, you have to literally melt or weld one to the other, harder to find, and scratches fairly easily. What size tank are you looking at?? Alan 104 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debs01 Posted September 29, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 I am making a tank inside an old TV as explained in the rest of the thread, I thought acrylic would be good as suggested by someone in here because it could be moulded to bulge out a little like the old television. I was under the impression that normal silicone would be sufficient to join the sides :-? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brianemone Posted September 29, 2005 Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 i agree that glass would be easier. what are your chances of finding a tradesman skilled enough to mold the acrylic to the desired shape while retaining visibility?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Posted September 29, 2005 Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 glass would be easyer all ud have to do is get the tank made to size and place it in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brianemone Posted September 29, 2005 Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 silicon is not ideal (suitible) for bonding acrylic to bond acrylic you need to melt it using an epoxy alot that just siliconing some glass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Posted September 29, 2005 Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 you weld it together with a product called weld-on #3 is for fast setting smaller projects #4 for sumps and #16 for repairs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debs01 Posted September 29, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 I really wanted it to look a lot like a normal tv thats all, and I thought the acrylic bulging a bit would look a bit more realistic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Posted September 29, 2005 Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 yes it would look good but it would be hard to do thats all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HummingBird Posted September 29, 2005 Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 Couldn't you just use a hair drier on the acrylic when it's pressed against the old TV glass to make it bend to the shape of the front? Or does it require a little more heat than that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted September 29, 2005 Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 That's pretty much what I suggested 2 pages ago! Except I don't think a hair dryer will be enough, a heat gun would. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debs01 Posted September 29, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 Could I use the heat gun, and still maintain good visability?? We have one and I want to do it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Posted September 29, 2005 Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 get the old tv screen heat up the acrylic and plkace it against it so it takes the new shape Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debs01 Posted September 29, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 Thanks for the suggestion anthony however the old TV screen was shattered when we were removing it?! :-? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Posted September 29, 2005 Report Share Posted September 29, 2005 oh gutted go to a old second hand shop they shud have the same sort of tv ask if you can "borrow" it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted September 30, 2005 Report Share Posted September 30, 2005 Yeah, as long as you don't go nuts with the heat gun it shouldn't ruin the visibility. I don't think it's critical to get the shape exactly right, so you could try, if you can get the front of the TV off, lay it on the inside of the TV front about where it would be when assembled lay it face down and hit it with the heat gun and let it sag from gravity. Should give you a reasonable curve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debs01 Posted September 30, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 30, 2005 Thanks Ira I appreciate all of your help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted September 30, 2005 Report Share Posted September 30, 2005 There are also clear Acrylic Domes that they use for buildings and caravans. They are quite thick and sturdy.. but quite clear. Don't know the cost, or where to get them.. but it would save a lot of work as there is a flat area around the bubble which could possible be bonded to an existing tank. Bill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vapo Posted October 1, 2005 Report Share Posted October 1, 2005 What about cutting a hole in the top and using an old video to house the lights? **edit** oops, only read the first page. Cheers, Vapo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gretal Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 Damn! I had an old tv like that, and was half heartedly thinking about doing something similar, but thought it'd be too hard. Left it behind when I moved out of my last flat. S'pose I could always go round and see if my old flatmate has chucked it out or not.......... After all, hubby said I'm not allowed to *buy* anymore fish tanks. He didn't say I couldn't make any Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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