building my own tank

[Marvin]

Can anyone tell me what type of glue i can use to piece together the glass walls and base? I order glass directly from the glass manufacturer and can get whatever size i need. I eventually want a larger tank 75 or so but want to start small (maybe 20g or so.)

Also does anyone know if there is a formula for how thick the glass needs to be in relation to tank size.

Last thing, Sealant??? what type of sealant should i use?

Thanks

[marks69]

for glue you can use silicone, just make sure it's safe.
check out kingvinnies or garf for dyt tips

[Marvin]

kingvinnies or garf ? whos that or wheres that?

[OrionGirl]

Are you wanting to build your own tank to save money, or get a custom shape? It's actually not cost effective until you get to the big tanks--more than about 200 gallons.

However: http://www.garf.org/ under DIY:Tank building will help you out with plans and supply lists.

[Marvin]

Interesting place (garf.org), Thanks.

One more thing, is 12" wide too narrow for a FOWLR or Reef tank?

Planned size is 24-30" h x 12" d x 64" L

Oh, I wanted to build this myself because of the awkward size of the area and because i thought it would be a good learning experience.

[OrionGirl]

12 inches won't leave you with a lot of space for live rock, and will restrict you on fish--tangs, puffers, lions, triggers, large angels, many wrasses, most butterflies--any fish that gets about 8 inches or bigger--won't work. I prefer tanks with more surface area than that will give you as well--you're really restricting the amount of surface area by going that narrow, and that too will limit the amount of fish you can keep, even with a larger volume of water.

[Marvin]

Please advise further.

the space where the tank is going is between my kitchen and dining room. It basically is a 12" thick wall with a large cutout about 38" from the floor. Dimensions are about 12" x 64" long x 42" high. A custom tank will look really good there. I know 12" is small but that is all the space i can go (maybe 14-16 if i get really creative).

Im still new to this hobby but i like it so much.

As for the tank size. I currently have 2 clowns, a powder blue, a yellow tang, and a golden head goby. I plan to get another LMB (my other one didn't make it) in the future. I will add some coral later (not much though).

Heres the question? Should i spend the time (it will be alot of time and money) for something that is only 12" wide?

Thank you

[OrionGirl]

For those fish, I wouldn't. If you could put in a support that would allow you to go up to about 18 inches, then it would be okay. The 12 inch width won't be enough for the tangs.

[Marvin]

Thanks for the valuable input OG!

I will see if i can go up to 18".....if not maybe somewhere else in the house :)