Fellow engineers and people that like building projects.

[starfire8472]

I have been looking at buying my leo a larger tank (currently 10 gallon), however most tanks are rather expensive. Is there any reason I couldn't build my own by hot gluing plexiglass together, and then using brackets to improve structural integrity? I believe that the reason that most tanks are so expensive is that they are designed to retain water (10 gallons of water ~ 83.4 lbm). However, the sole purpose of any tank I made would just be to hold in the leo and its substrate.
Any thoughts?

 

[GatorGirl286]

i don't see why you shouldn't be able to as long as nothing toxic is used of course and it is structurally stable (which you already mentioned). i would also make sure it can hold the heat in there well. otherwise i say go for it.

 

[starfire8472]

As far as I know, hot glue isnt toxic, but just to be sure I would only use it on the outside of the cage. I'm not worried about heat as plexiglass can easily stand any temperature that a leo could, and since most heat lost by a tank is to the air; (tanks with a screen top or similar) the heat capacity of the structure is negligible.
(As far as I am aware)

 

[starfire8472]

another idea just came to me, instead of brackets for support, use hinges, and as the base use a piece of wood with slots cut into it that the pieces will fit it. This way the cage could easily disassemble for transport.

 

[Zynx_Keekeio]

you can get the glue stuff they use on aquariums for cheap, i found some at a dollar store XD lol and that's what they use to seal and glue the stuff I can't think of the name currently

 

[paulnj]

Have fun........

http://www.duboisi.com/diy/BNdiytank/bndiytank.htm

For more ideas google " building an aquarium" or other terms such as that.

 

[daveim]

Dont use the wood bottom; it would not let the heat from the uth thru. Also while hot glue is easy to find and use, caulk is much more secure and is even less expensive than hot glue. Also gorrilla glue would work well.

 

[GeckoGathering]

aquarium rubber cement/ non absorbent bottom

Dont use the wood bottom; it would not let the heat from the uth thru. Also while hot glue is easy to find and use, caulk is much more secure and is even less expensive than hot glue. Also gorrilla glue would work well.

Repeat, no to wood bottom, also too absorbent.
Regular labeled, Aquarium rubber cement is what they put all glass tanks together with........Its strong, slightly flexable, and is non toxic.
May cost more for using Plexiglas then all glass though.
Regular glass shop will cut it for you. Price double strength.
take care....HJ

 

[Grinning Geckos]

Hot glue will peel right off of plexi glass, and gorilla glue may hold for a time but looks nasty. You can use wood routed out for the panes of plexi if you're handy. If you're doing glass, you can use clear silicone...but it won't stick to plexi.

 

[spartcus]

Actually instead of building, you can get use aquariums for really cheap now. Check craiglist or recycler if you have one. I have seen 40 gallon breeders for $20. Good luck

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

I'd advise against using plexi on a leopard gecko tank. It will scratch up pretty quick and reduce visibility through the sides. Glass is far better!

 

[starfire8472]

thanks for the ideas, I'll let you know if I get something decent made

 

[SLY]

I agree, plexi is a bad idea as it does scratch easily. Glass is the way to go. If you do go glass, do not use hot glue...it won't hold well, especially if you ever want to move the tank.

I'd use glass with a silicone rubber for the sides (the stuff you normally see used on tanks).

Good luck!

 

[project1]

i have a plexi tank i keep my gecko in when i take him with me places. i made it pretty ez man i can take pictures of what i used to cut it with and such. it doesnt scratch that ez if you spend the money on the good stuff for you sides your goin to look threw. and dont use hot glue use silicone nontoxic stuff and they make brakets that hold corners they are sold at lowes or home depot. pm me if you want some pics and stuff ill help you threw it