Plexiglass vivarium?

[LookinRound]

I have an old wooden entertainment center that I plan on turning into a tank. The hole that was for the TV is about 26" x 28" x 15" which puts it at about 47 gallons I believe. I was going to encase the whole thing so I can have a tank there that was waterproof.

I was planning on using plexiglass, though looking through all the builds here and at vivariumforum I didn't really see anyone using it. Is there a reason it isn't used much? or is it just because it's easier for people to buy a pre-built glass tank?

The plexiglass will be on all 6 sides with a door on the front side. I was planning on using a clear hinge for the door to open with. How thick should the plexiglass be? on the side, top and bottom I was planning on probably the 1/8" since it will be right against the wood. Front and back I was thinking thicker would definitely be a good idea.


I'm still trying to work out how I want to do everything after that. This will be my first tank, though I will be taking my time as I have other things going on anyways. I'll be reading more, and wait a little bit to ask some more questions I guess. thank you


edit: someone was saying on another site that plexiglass is rarely used because it warps when exposed to humidity and heat. Is that only when thinner plexiglass is used? or would that be of concern even with thicker material? or is it even of concern?

[Pavel]

Warping due to humidity makes no sense as plastics do not absorb water.

Advantages to plexiglass:
*Lightweight
*easy to work with
*plexiglass glues typically cause the panes to fuse so generally no need to use silicon sealant
*If it breaks it doesn't shatter into so many sharp shards

Disadvantages
*can warp or blister due to high heat (so don't place heat lamps or other hot lights/heat producing items right next to pane)
*scratches much more easily than glass
*must use plexiglass safe cleaner or water to clean -- DO NOT use windex or any ammonia based cleaner on plexiglass ... it will permanently turn the plexiglass cloudy
*glass of the same thickness is more rigid and less likely to bow under weight/pressure (an issue with large tanks ... particular with those not having a support for the bottom panel)

Did I miss anything folks?

[LookinRound]

Thank you Pavel. With that said and what I've been reading elsewhere as well, I'm thinking it may be good to do glass on the front and plexiglass on the other 5 sides. That would give me a nice clear front that won't scratch easily and be be more rigid were the door will be. The rest would be easier for me to work with and put together how I like.

[MartinM]

Since the sides will be backed up by wood, the Plexiglas you use there wouldn't even have to be new; if you pick up a bargain on some used stuff, that would do fine.

By the way, are you sure the shelving is real, sawn wood, and not chipboard? Chipboard shelves inevitably sag, even just under their own weight. If you used an old-fashioned CRT-type TV there without sagging, then you should be OK.

Martin