Land/water divide in a FBT setup - glass or acrylic?

[Mr Bee]

I think when I start converting my aquarium for a FBT tank, I'm gonna use a divider to separate the land and water areas. But does this have to be aquarium glass, or will a sheet of acrylic (Perspex) work just as well in terms of strength to hold the land mass up, ease of cleaning, and is there any issues with aquarium sealant not sticking to it or anything?

It would just be a bit easier than glass as I could cut it to size myself. Oh, if it is suitable what sort of thickness would you reccomend to give the proper strength needed?

[bobrez]

Acrylic is horrible i did my first split didnt last long. Window pane glass is probably the best, can get it at most any hardware store. Its like 3/16ths to 1/4. Also i've used aluminum and works great 1/8" easy to cut and shape. Street signs are good.

There is silicone for aquariums that works the best for this, some pets stores will carry it. I've just used 100% silicone works pretty good but aquarium silicone is probably better.

Oh and the hardware store will cut the glass cheep. Just bring your measurements.

[John]

You could try lexan - it won't warp like acrylic, but it's hard to stick it to things without roughening a surface first.

[ScubaTalonAWD]

Any type of acrylic will not truly stick using silicone. The silico.ne basically just blocks the piece in. This isn't the best solution for something you want to remain water tight, or provide structural support.

[flybyferns]

I have had 1/4" lexan in mine w/ silicone on both sides. It has been place for over a year. ( holding up about 4" of water w/ 2 pumps and a heater)
No problems, no leaks. MUST wait over 24 hours before adding the water and certainly before adding inhabitants.

Adding plants? re-pot them and wait at least 2 weeks before adding into the enclosure so that any perlite ,vermiculite, insecticide and fertilizer is gone.
I have always used cocoa husk for my plants. I'm new to the forum. I think I saw a plant safe list?

Have fun!

[Kreamcheese]

I use glass and cut my own. Pretty easy actually. Buy a glass cutter, think they're like 3 bucks or something. Have gloves on and eye protection. Make a score line across the entire piece that you want to cut and then snap it off on the end of a table.