want to build my own tank(s)

[wowman5]

OK so basically I want to open a Exotic pets shop and would save money if I could build custom tanks out of Plexiglas. Any thoughts as to where to start on buying sheets of Plexiglas cheap. Looking to make at least 10 tanks out of one sheet and would like to know how big of a sheet would I need to build 10 gal. tanks to start and offer bigger sizes as needed. right now I'm trying to start off buying regular 10 gal. tanks for five buck and sell starter kits for 35 dollars minus what ever reptile they buy so if i I sell a normal bp which goes for 50 buck here I could sell for 40 depending on reptile shows prices but hypothetically 40+35 is 75 buck IF I sell 20 reptiles at this price and only invest 200 on the reptiles I'll make 800 just of the reptiles and like 1500 if I sell the custom tanks with the reptiles. so if anybody here can give me some ideas on where to look for Plexiglas or what to do that would be great

[zeke]

try calling your lumber yards some places can order sheets for you. I live in NY and one company that was used at a shop I worked was Premium Plywood Products, Inc. Home Depot might even sell it or Lowes. Are you goin to glue the plexi together or make frames? The process to glue plexi takes time and cost a good amount of cash to do so. For a strong bond you want to use a UV machine to do the bonding ( those are not cheap ) I have never used them but I worked for a company that makes display cases for museums and the bonds MUST be good... Good luck on the builds I would try to come up with a frame made from plastic..

Cheers

[BPelizabeth]

actually I have found that glass is cheaper than the plexiglass here in AZ. Talk to your local glass company and compare prices.

[Zenllama]

actually I have found that glass is cheaper than the plexiglass here in AZ. Talk to your local glass company and compare prices.

Be sure to use tempered glass!!!! Regular glass may shatter if a heat emitter or basking lamp comes in contact with it. Untempered glass cannot heat or cool too quickly or it will break. Tempered glass may still break under extreme temp change, but it is much more resistant.

I have built my own tanks and from my exp. I would recommend building only the face (front) with glass or plexi and the other sides with a water resistant material. Use screen or wire mesh for vents and or basking light cover. IMHO, this will be your most cost effective method. Also be sure to use a high quality silicon aquarium sealant. Stay away from hardware store sealant (i.e. tub and bath, window silicone caulk). Lesser sealants can give off semi-toxic vapors when heated.

Best of luck with your venture.