Building my own enclosure

[Nubs]

Hello,

I am building my own enclosure. I was wondering if plexiglass is ok to use vs glass? TIA.

 

[Eavlynn]

Hello,

I am building my own enclosure. I was wondering if plexiglass is ok to use vs glass? TIA.

Absolutely, I actually prefer using plexiglass. It's lightweight and a lot more durable. I'd go with 1/4 inch plexiglass though, I used 1/8 inch on my first build, and I'm not pleased with the lack of strength, it's really easy to bend.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Nubs]

Thank you. I need it stronger. My cats sit on the tank sometimes. Do you think 1/4 will be ok? What about acrylic?

 

[Eavlynn]

You're just doing the doors in plexi or acrylic, right?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Nubs]

We wanted it to all be plexiglass with a metal frame.

 

[Eavlynn]

You'll want additional support for longer pieces of plexiglass then, to make sure it's sturdy. I usually do wooden builds with plexi sliding doors. It makes it harder for the kids to see each other and get all territorial. I find that the wooden enclosures reduce stress in general, as they can't see as much hustle and bustle around them.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Nubs]

Ok, thank you very much.

 

[Dogdayz1215]

I have heard mixed reviews about plexiglass. Did you end up using it? Others have mentioned it warping from the heat and recommended using glass (depending on the size, I have been told you can buy glass used for picture frame replacement)

 

[BeardedHippy]

Plexiglass is very expensive and it can warp if isnt thick enough. It can also dull over time with cleaning as it scratches easy but it is very strong and easy to cut.
I think glass is a superior material, it dissapates heat quickly and it always looks good with a clean, but you will need to buy it cut exactly to size. Both materials are useful but I guess it depends on their application, if you are building something really big, then weight may become an issue and plexiglass may be the better solution. If you just need a pair of sliding doors, glass would be better imo

 

[BeardedHippy]

by the way , I would go to a glaziers and buy toughened safety glass, the kind used for door panels. Use some fine wet and dry / emery paper and sand off sharp edges that will be exposed

 

[Dogdayz1215]

Ok. I am making a 4x2x2 enclosure the front will having sliding glass doors.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Dogdayz1215]

You'll want additional support for longer pieces of plexiglass then, to make sure it's sturdy. I usually do wooden builds with plexi sliding doors. It makes it harder for the kids to see each other and get all territorial. I find that the wooden enclosures reduce stress in general, as they can't see as much hustle and bustle around them.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

You mentioned you do wooden builds. Do you use a sealer for the wood or just paint?