Check Out My New Clam Tank

[Yam]

I built this with just a rotozip, a straight edge, a heat gun, and some acrylic.

http://www.geocities.com/danny_yam/clamtank1.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/danny_yam/clamtank2.jpg

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http://www.ereefers.homepage.com

[RicoJ]

Nice work Yam,

How do you like the rotozip? I just saw it at homedepot as a new item. I am not sure how much it cost but it looks like it does a fine job at cutting the acrylic.

Rico.

[fishylongstocking]

Thats cool I want one too!! :D I was looking for something just like that for observing clams and nothing seems to exsist!! I want to have all the clams in the world muwahhahahaha!! one meeellleon clams! muwahahaha! muwahahah! Uh okay anyway great job how many gallons is that? Are you going to drill it or use an overflow. Hey why not use a opaque blue backing :) Great job! When can I get mine??

[bjmumy]

Yam,
I'd like to hear your thoughts on the use of the rotozip for cutting acrylic also. It looks like it could be a handy tool for that. I wonder if my Dremel or router fitted with the right bit would work as well.....

[newreefman1]

I am curious about the estimated cost...withn the rotozip too..

Jason
Nice looking tank...have you water tested it yet?

[Yam]

It's between 40-50g, probably closer to 50. The dimensions are 26" wide, 19" deep, and 24" tall. I used 1/4" cell cast acrylic. I got the Rotozip revolution (I feel this model is worth the extra cost. It has sensors and a microcomputer built in. When it detects the rotation slowing down, it increases the power to keep a constant speed. Also, it can cut through 3/4" thick wood. Costs about $130 for the basic model. I got the one that has the sanding/cutting attachments, and the circle cutter. I still would have prefered to use my table saw, but it's not easy handling a 4'x8' sheet of acrylic all by yourself. I didn't use a black or blue backing because I'm too cheap. I would have had to buy an extra piece, although smaller. A while back, http://www.cadillacplastics had a free shipping promotion. I ordered this sheet of acrylic for ~$100, and they had this 80# item trucked to me for free. I wish I had gotten more. I don't plan on drilling it. On my other tank, I cut a slot all the way across the top back, and built an external overflow box with bulkheads to save space. I think I'm going with a 6" dsb, thus the reason for a 24" high tank. It's going to be skimmerless too. It has been leak tested and no leak has ever been found...so far at least. A dremel does not spin nearly fast enough, or have the torque. A router will work the same, except its bulkier and more difficult to handle for complex shapes.

[RicoJ]

Yam,

Can't wait to see the finished product with clams and all.

Rico.

[Bigal24]

Hay, Yam, do you notice the crack on the bottom of you clam tank? :D
Just kidding, nice tank!!!

[RicoJ]

Yam,

What thickness did you use for this project? I think I would like to experiment with some acrylic myself.

Rico.

[Yam]

I used 1/4" cell cast acrylic. Although the tank is quite tall, the front does not bow much due to the curve, but the back panel does. On the other hand, it bows much less than other tanks I've seen, and the distortion doesn't affect the viewing at all since it is the back panel.

[Joe Kelley]

What did you use for cement? Weldon 16? Nice job, your clams are gonna be hi-vis!
joe