DIY Tank Building Question

[aquahokie]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and have a question about assembling an all glass tank. I've been interested in building my own glass tank for a while now and have been researching the idea on the web quite a bit. A problem arises when it comes to putting the pieces of glass together.

Almost all sites seem to agree that the sides of the tank fit inside of the front and back pieces. Disagreement arises when it comes to the bottom piece. Some say the sides and front pieces sit on top of the bottom piece. Some say that the sides and front pieces are glued "around" the bottom piece. One even says that the sides sit on top of the bottom piece while the front and backs are glued to the edges of the sides and bottom.

What is the best/safest way to assemble an all glass aquarium? Does anyone know how aquarium manufacturers do it?

-George

[oingbingboing]

I say, front back and sides on top of the bottom. I just built a 75 gallon , and thats how I did it.

Why? Because it makes sure that the front back and side pieces are resting on a flat surface.

[Dtman]

Are you building a standard sized tank? If so you can usually find the top and bottom frames at the lfs. At least mine has them in stock. If so the glass slides right into them. I've torn down and rebuilt a couple tanks, but always found that its about the same cost to just buy one. That is unless you are a tinkerer, and just get satisfaction out of building something. I can relate to that. Personally I would build a jig out of wood with a small strip at the bottom that would keep the glass panes equidistant on all sides. Same with the bottom. I saw plans for it on the Krib....I'm inclined to trust the info I see there as much as anywhere else. If I find it I'll post it here for you.

If it were me I'd probably take a look at how they are done on an Oceanic tank and replicate that.

[aquahokie]

Thanks for the replies!

I'm planning on building an all glass 14" cube tank. My reasons for building it are purely for fun so I guess you could call me a tinkerer :) I looked around on The Krib for the site you were talking about Dtman but I didn't have any luck. I am planning on building a kind of jig to support the bottom anyways so if you don't find it no big deal but thanks.

Oingbingboing, I would assume that to be the correct way as well. How long has your 75g been set up and have you had any problems so far? Did you make your tank with glass or acrylic? Did you use anything to support the sides of the glass along the bottom such as trim?

While poking around on the web I ran into www.garf.org. A lot of people who where interested in building tanks where directed to go there. On the site they have a calculator that gives you your cut list when you put in the dimensions of the tank you want to make. This is where I find contradictions. The cut list that is spit out by the calculator has it so that the sides, front, and back pieces do NOT sit on top of the bottom piece. Instead the bottom piece is glued inside of the sides, front, and back pieces.

Considering the tank I wish to build is going to be much smaller than your 75g, perhaps it doesn't even matter which way I do it. However, if you are having success with your 75g tank then I will do it the way you did.

Thanks for the help,
George

[oingbingboing]

Oingbingboing, I would assume that to be the correct way as well. How long has your 75g been set up and have you had any problems so far? Did you make your tank with glass or acrylic? Did you use anything to support the sides of the glass along the bottom such as trim?


I just built the 75 out of acrylic, but Ive built other smaller tanks, and they were all built with everything resting on the bottom piece.

If you didnt do it this way (sides resting on bottom) there is a possiblity that you could have stress points right in the seams along the bottom. Not a good idea.

THe only thing I have for trim is an acrylic trim on the top to keep the thing from bowing.

I guess since you are using glass, you arent planning to drill the bottom of the tank, and arent planning on building a sump?

[aquahokie]

I guess since you are using glass, you arent planning to drill the bottom of the tank, and arent planning on building a sump?

Nope, I'm not planning on drilling the bottom or building a sump or anything like that. Just trying to keep it simple. And I'm definitely going to build the tank as you suggested. Thanks for the advice.

The next day I get off from work I'm planning on going out and doing some pricing on glass and other materials that I will need. Hopefully everything goes well and I'll be able to begin my project soon!

Thanks,
George