Quote Originally Posted by BPelizabeth View Post
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.