I started working with acrylic and found it is pretty easy once you get
the hang of it. I stared of with having some extra acrylic in the
garage and went to the local acrylic shop and bought some glue. I
did a little reading about it and started my first DIY project....The
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Like i said i went to the local acrylic shop and purchased some glue. I got the #4 and the #16, both of which you will need in order for the acrylic to bond. Also you really need to have your cuts perfect. If you have access to a CNC machine i would recommend having it done there. The ATO i made hold 6 gallons of water and i can go 7 days without having to add any water to it. This is great because i can go on vacation and not worry about someone coming over to add water to the tank.
I figured out the size the ATO needed to be to fit in my stand, and cut the acrylic. Then i spent the time gluing the acrylic...you should have clamps to hold the acrylic for the bond to take effect. The #4 starts to dry in about 5 min, but does not fully cure for 48-72 hours. Once i have all the sides up i let the glue dry over night. The next day i apply the #16 which is like model glue, thicker type of glue, which is used to seal any imperfections there might be with the cuts on the acrylic.
The #4,
and #16 Glues
The ATO kit came from Bulk Reef Supply
After is was all said and done i have a great ATO and it cost me $50, and i have the satisfaction of knowing that i did it!! This is the final product and what under my stand looks like now.
Like i said i went to the local acrylic shop and purchased some glue. I got the #4 and the #16, both of which you will need in order for the acrylic to bond. Also you really need to have your cuts perfect. If you have access to a CNC machine i would recommend having it done there. The ATO i made hold 6 gallons of water and i can go 7 days without having to add any water to it. This is great because i can go on vacation and not worry about someone coming over to add water to the tank.
I figured out the size the ATO needed to be to fit in my stand, and cut the acrylic. Then i spent the time gluing the acrylic...you should have clamps to hold the acrylic for the bond to take effect. The #4 starts to dry in about 5 min, but does not fully cure for 48-72 hours. Once i have all the sides up i let the glue dry over night. The next day i apply the #16 which is like model glue, thicker type of glue, which is used to seal any imperfections there might be with the cuts on the acrylic.
The #4,
and #16 Glues
The ATO kit came from Bulk Reef SupplyAfter is was all said and done i have a great ATO and it cost me $50, and i have the satisfaction of knowing that i did it!! This is the final product and what under my stand looks like now.