How can I make a turtle aquarium with plexiglass?

Question

I am getting a red ear slider turtle but the tanks are expensive as heck. I want to make my own using plexiglass, does anyone know how?

Answer 1

idk, just be very careful, test the aquarium and see if it will hold water, before putting the turtle in. But i dont think it is very costly to buy one that is used, i got a 50 gallon from craigslist for $50. Saved me loads since turtle supplies cost $$$hundreds$$$!!!!!!  

Answer 2

Instead of using plexiglass where the water is, get a heavy plastic tote or similar container. You can extend the size of the overall container with the plexiglass.  

Answer 3

The Plexiglas will yellow and weaken with age, and the exposure to the UVB the turtle will need.  It will also scratch, and can't be cleaned/disinfected like glass can.  It's not a good idea.

By the time you buy Plexiglas thick enough to do the job, you're gonna end up spending more than just buying a commercially made glass tank would have cost.

Even if you did contruct the tank out of Plexiglass, you're then going to have to stablize it with a top and bottom support.  It's going to end up being an unattractive bulky endeavor.

You can surf reptile sites, or Craigslist.com for used tanks if you can't afford a new one.

Turtles are not cheap, and trying to scrimp on the tank is not the place to try save money.

Good luck, and I hope this has been helpful.

Answer 4

To tell you the truth it would be cheaper and better to buy an aquarium.

I really really really really really hope i helped  

Answer 5

I would highly recommend against it.  The amount of force exerted by the water is quite a bit and it would take a lot of work to make a plexiglass tank that can hold that much pressure, A LOT; and even then I wouldn't be too confident in its restraining propeties.  Plexiglass is fine for a terrarium, that's what I used for mine.  I didn't realize how expensive the stuff was when I set out to do it either (fortunately I had gift cards to help offset the cost).  I can't imagine it would cost much more to buy a glass tank.  Definitely look for a used, they are much cheaper.  And if by chance you get one that has a leak (filling and emptying a 40+ gal tank on the spot can be quite cumbersome) some silicone should do the trick.