I'm thinking about building something like this this, except as a stand alone unit. Acrylic sides approx 7' high, 1' wide, 2" thick, with a nice wooden base and a matching cover. I'm planning on installing several sets of high power LEDs at the bottom, as well as storing a pump in the bottom. There are several things I'm not sure about:
1) Looking through the pieces at Home Depot, I noticed the acrylic, especially the larger pieces, have a tendency to bend. What thickness should I get?
2) I'm not experienced in building furniture, so I don't know how big the base should be so it's stable. Anyone have links to websites with different designs or have personal recommendations? I was thinking about a triangular base, with all four sides slanted outwards and 4 pieces connecting them, but I think the design would be too hard to do unless the stores can cut it for me.
3) Related to question 2, I know that for something this heavy, I should use some joints for the base (no screws, don't like the look), but I don't know which joints. Also, will the store cut them for me?
4) I was considering of using wood as the bottom piece of the actual aquarium instead of acrylic, but I wasn't sure of what chemical sealant I should get that can protect the wood indefinitely. It doesn't have to be fish-safe, I'm still thinking about adding the fish.
5) I think I will drill through the bottom piece (wood or acrylic) to put my LEDs. I need to find a sealant that is secure but easily removable just in case one of the LEDs die and I want to replace it.
That is all I can think of for now. Any advice or foresight will be greatly appreciated.
1) Looking through the pieces at Home Depot, I noticed the acrylic, especially the larger pieces, have a tendency to bend. What thickness should I get?
2) I'm not experienced in building furniture, so I don't know how big the base should be so it's stable. Anyone have links to websites with different designs or have personal recommendations? I was thinking about a triangular base, with all four sides slanted outwards and 4 pieces connecting them, but I think the design would be too hard to do unless the stores can cut it for me.
3) Related to question 2, I know that for something this heavy, I should use some joints for the base (no screws, don't like the look), but I don't know which joints. Also, will the store cut them for me?
4) I was considering of using wood as the bottom piece of the actual aquarium instead of acrylic, but I wasn't sure of what chemical sealant I should get that can protect the wood indefinitely. It doesn't have to be fish-safe, I'm still thinking about adding the fish.
5) I think I will drill through the bottom piece (wood or acrylic) to put my LEDs. I need to find a sealant that is secure but easily removable just in case one of the LEDs die and I want to replace it.
That is all I can think of for now. Any advice or foresight will be greatly appreciated.
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