Looking for a custom aquarium built

[arielleilani]

Acrylic, glass, whatever is cheaper. I am fulfilling my childhood dream of having an old tv turned into a fish tank. Freshwater.

If glass, I'm thinking the pieces need to be:
(2) 20" x 16.5" @3/8" thick
(2) 16" x 16.5" @ 3/8" thick
(1) 20" x 16" @ 1/2" thick

I haven't accounted for shortening the sides, because looking at assembly instructions, I need to set the sides in on top of the base, yes?

Perkins Glass in Seattle has the best price, about $50 tops. A place in Everett quoted me $75. Perkins' hrs are pretty much impossible for me. So lol. What I am looking for is someone to pick up the glass in Seattle, or who has their own scrap glass. Either way, I need this cheaply. Otherwise, I'll just ask a friend go pick up the glass and do it with my dad. My Craigslist ad brought expected results lol (what IS it with Craigstlist?!), but someone there did refer me to this lovely place. Any ideas, builders, suggestions?

Once I get the tank built and the cabinet treated, I will definitely be looking for advice on filters and lighting. I'm thinking remote ballast lighting and haven't decided what kind of filter I want. There is lots of storage space under where the tank would be. I will saw the top off and add hinges.

Thank you so much for any help!!

 

[Cory]

Should be a fun build. As far as having someone build the tank for you, it won't be cheap. You'll need to DIY to keep it cheap.

For lighting I'd go with some LEds as they can run pretty cool temperature wise depending on the brand. A canister filter with in line heater would probably look the best for filtration.

 

[Caseyf]

I actually know a guy who has done this. He's looking for someone to take it from him now. He lives in Seattle if you'd be interested.

 

[arielleilani]

Thanks guys! Yeah, the only solid number I've gotten is $350 and they have their own glass. I cannot fathom spending anywhere near that on a 22 gallon tank! I'll probably just buck up and do it with my dad if I can't get a reasonable deal. I'm certainly no pro, but I've dabbled in acrylic and glass, and even at a generous $25 an hr, I just can't see the justification. Am I out of line?

I am definitely looking at LED lights. Afixing them to the lid of the cabinet, I think, would be best. Thank you for the advice on that and the filter!

Holdmybeerwatchthis, I might be...I am kind of attached to this one, but I'm open to details!