Aquarium Building

[AdaJe5]

Tired of looking at multi-hundred dollar aquariums in stores, I've begun to
think about building my own. Is there a formula for determining the thickness
of the glass? What is the best method for framing odd shaped aquariums or any
aquarium for that matter.For the larger aquariums is a special formula of
silicon sealant needed (other than aquarium safe?) Anyone who has built one got
any advice?

[Dinky]

"AdaJe5" > wrote in message
...
> Tired of looking at multi-hundred dollar aquariums in stores, I've begun
to
> think about building my own. Is there a formula for determining the
thickness
> of the glass? What is the best method for framing odd shaped aquariums or
any
> aquarium for that matter.For the larger aquariums is a special formula of
> silicon sealant needed (other than aquarium safe?) Anyone who has built
one got
> any advice?

Well, first, I'd recommend using silicone rather than silicon.

/me ducks, and dons flame-proof suit.

[AdaJe5]

A terribly useful suggestion from the inestimable letterman.

[Dinky]

"AdaJe5" > wrote in message
...
> A terribly useful suggestion from the inestimable letterman.

I know it was mean, I apologize. I've been terribly grumpy today, that
cheered me up.

[AdaJe5]

I was not offended. I just have a bizarre sense of humor.

[RedForeman ©®]

As did almost everyone who wants a tank... I thought about building one,
just then realized it was better to buy than build... Some ppl have the need
to build, special fits, certain shapes, etc, but most often, it IS better to
buy....



> > Tired of looking at multi-hundred dollar aquariums in stores, I've begun
> to
> > think about building my own. Is there a formula for determining the
> thickness
> > of the glass? What is the best method for framing odd shaped aquariums
or
> any
> > aquarium for that matter.For the larger aquariums is a special formula
of
> > silicon sealant needed (other than aquarium safe?) Anyone who has built
> one got
> > any advice?
>
>

[Jeff Pratt]

Bassett wrote:

> Really, to be practicial, by the time you obtain your glass, Have it cut
> to size,
> have the edges ground, make a jig, obtain clamps, and aquire your
> sealant, Be it Silicone, or what ever. Your better of buying a tank, save
> yourself a lot of work, running round for stuff, at least if your bought
> tank leaks or falls apart you can take it back..
> bassett
>

Not necessarily. If you can obtain your glass "creatively" (Ie: scavenge
it) the cuts/bevels aren't that expensive. You don't NEED a jig, it just
makes it a lot easier if you're building a bunch of tanks. My 55 gallon
was put together with silicone (Crappy tire brand. clear, the stuff that
says aquarium safe) and masking tape to hold the glass tight until the
silicone cured.

Obtaining glass is a lot easier than you'd think. you just need to look
for offices undergoing renovation. The ugly "all glass and steel" look is
on its way out, so you can usually find a glass door or somesuch that if
you ask politely (and don't be afraid of a little graft (but only a
little)) the company doing the renos will usually be happy to set aside for
you (otherwise they have to carry it to the dumpster).

The cuts and bevels can be done at most any glass shop. Some people bevel
all edges. I just got the top edge beveled. All the side pieces need to
sit on top of the bottom piece, with the short ends being inside the long
ends.

Once you've got your glass home, you can start building. First, clean you
work area. This should be somewhere where your tank can sit assembled for
about a week while it cures (I used a corner of my kitchen, ymmv, it
depends on how "accomodating" your SO is). Then clean all you glass (I
used water and white vinegar, some suggest acetone). Put strips of masking
tape half under your base glass, sticky side up, and lay down the base.
now add a long side (using the tape that's half under your base glass to
hold it in place) then keep adding sides and silicone until it's all
together. Let the silicone cure for a couple days more than reccomended on
the package (not strictly necessary, but I'd rather wait a couple of extra
days than have a failure due to undercured silicone).

Now you leak test. This is simply placing the aquarium on a STRONG, FLAT
surface and filling with water (don't bother with declor). and watching
for any leaks. I usually do a 5 day leak test.

If there ARE leaks, I redo ALL of the silicone for the affected seam.
Silcone's cheap, water damage isn't.

This is also the only way to get some form factors of tanks.

Jeff

> "AdaJe5" > wrote in message
>> Tired of looking at multi-hundred dollar aquariums in stores, I've begun
> to
>> think about building my own. Is there a formula for determining the
> thickness
>> of the glass? What is the best method for framing odd shaped aquariums or
> any
>> aquarium for that matter.For the larger aquariums is a special formula of
>> silicon sealant needed (other than aquarium safe?) Anyone who has built
> one got
>> any advice?

[NetMax]

"AdaJe5" > wrote in message
...
> Tired of looking at multi-hundred dollar aquariums in stores, I've
begun to
> think about building my own. Is there a formula for determining the
thickness
> of the glass? What is the best method for framing odd shaped aquariums
or any
> aquarium for that matter.For the larger aquariums is a special formula
of
> silicon sealant needed (other than aquarium safe?) Anyone who has built
one got
> any advice?

re: thickness of glass:
http://www.thekrib.com/TankHardware/glass-thickness.html

re: methods of framing: (plywood or concrete)
http://members.shaw.ca/wmastop/bigtank/Startb~1.htm
http://www.marksfish.f9.co.uk/diy/plywood.htm
http://www.garf.org/news21p3.html#jake
http://www.athiel.com/lib6/tank.htm#CUT
http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/aquariumdiy/
http://www.garf.org/sitemap.html
http://nucalf.physics.fsu.edu/pfohl/Fish/Diy/tanks
http://ozreef.org/diy/index.html
http://www.garf.org/news19p3.html#wood
http://www.garf.org/news18p2.html#plan
http://www.thekrib.com/TankHardware/wood-tank.html#0
http://www.mr4000.com

re: silicone formula:
My understanding is that the theoretical maximum for silicone adhesion in
all glass tanks occurs around 48". Leaving a 12" margin, this explains
why aquarium typically are not taller than 36" unless an external framing
system is used to hold the glass in.

re: advice:
I think that constructing a tank of less than 55g would be done for
novelty rather than economics. The availability & expense of the thicker
glass used and needed for large aquariums becomes your main design
constraint. This is the factor which makes plywood/concrete tanks
popular, limiting yourself to potentially, one sheet of glass/acrylic.

re: glass unavailability & alternatives: acrylic:
http://www.tanked.netfirms.com/acrylic.html

re: holding that tank up:
http://www.fishandtips.com/index.php
http://www.rmgconstruction.com/stand.htm
http://www.aquariacentral.com/diy/stand.shtml
http://www.thekrib.com/TankHardware/stands.html
http://burger.surfthe.net/180reef/construction.htm
http://www.homestead.com/geosreef/diystand.html
http://www.saltreef.com/projects/propsys/stage.5.htm
http://www.eparc.com/diy/stand/scubaraven/stand.shtml
http://www.mindspear.com/reef/stand/
http://www.garf.org/stand.html
http://www.kaotica.com/frag/diy/stand/
http://members12.clubphoto.com/net579284/751809/guest.phtml
http://members12.clubphoto.com/net579284/guest-1.phtml

re: inspiration :o)
http://cichlidinspiration.net3services.com/
http://www.aquariumdesigns.com/aquariums.html
http://www.livingcolor.com/
http://showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/
http://www.saltvandssiden.dk/birger_kim_rylander.htm (marine, Danish)
http://www.aquariumdesigners.com/gallery/index.php?currDir=./Aquariums

re: while you are at it, lighting for big tanks:
http://faq.thekrib.com/plant-lighting.html
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/2637/spectra.html
http://www.aquabotanic.com/lightcompare.htm
http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/aquainfo/lighting1.html
http://www.mnsi.net/~waj/Lighting.html
http://www.trueaquariumplants.com/articles/aboutlight.asp
http://www.thekrib.com/Lights/faq.html
http://www.thekrib.com/Lights/lights-wozniak.html
http://www.calgaryaquariumsociety.com/Articles/Light_Part_1.html
http://www.calgaryaquariumsociety.com/Articles/Light_Part_2.html
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/apr/features/2/default.asp
http://www.ahsupply.com/
http://www.science-projects.com/PhotosynPigments.htm
http://www.life.umd.edu/classroom/bsci124/lec7.html
http://www.lkraven.com/Aquarium/DIYLighting.htm
http://www.giesemann.de/GB_Leuchten.html
http://www.thekrib.com/Lights/reflectors.html

re: and then you need an interior:
http://cichlidinspiration.net3services.com/show_articles.asp?category='Co
nstructions%20-%20Background'
http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/panis/pu_background.html
http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/aquainfo/invent1.html
http://www.goddijn.com/aquarium/index.htm
http://www.thekrib.com/TankHardware/janne.html
http://www.african.uklinux.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?topic=1926&forum=8&153
http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_other_netmax_styro.htm

re: for your calculations:
http://www.esbconsult.com/esbcalc/esbunitconv.html ESBUnitConv v4.1

hth
cheers
NetMax

[Bassett]

Really, to be practicial, by the time you obtain your glass, Have it cut to
size,
have the edges ground, make a jig, obtain clamps, and aquire your sealant,
Be it Silicone, or what ever. Your better of buying a tank, save yourself a
lot of work, running round for stuff, at least if your bought tank leaks or
falls apart you can take it back..
bassett


"AdaJe5" > wrote in message
> Tired of looking at multi-hundred dollar aquariums in stores, I've begun
to
> think about building my own. Is there a formula for determining the
thickness
> of the glass? What is the best method for framing odd shaped aquariums or
any
> aquarium for that matter.For the larger aquariums is a special formula of
> silicon sealant needed (other than aquarium safe?) Anyone who has built
one got
> any advice?

[Bassett]

I really think your deluding yourself,, The older glass gets, the harder
it gets,
and your talking about used "Plate Glass" doors, that you cut up on the
kitchen table.. Also convincing a Glaseing Company to grind // machine 2nd
hand glass, that has not come from them , is not an easy thing to do..

But if your happy, and it works for you, who am I to question your ability.


bassett

"Jeff Pratt" > wrote in message
>
> Not necessarily. If you can obtain your glass "creatively" (Ie: scavenge
> it) the cuts/bevels aren't that expensive. You don't NEED a jig, it just
> makes it a lot easier if you're building a bunch of tanks. My 55 gallon
> was put together with silicone (Crappy tire brand. clear, the stuff that
> says aquarium safe) and masking tape to hold the glass tight until the
> silicone cured.
>
> Obtaining glass is a lot easier than you'd think. you just need to look
> for offices undergoing renovation. The ugly "all glass and steel" look is
> on its way out, so you can usually find a glass door or somesuch that if
> you ask politely (and don't be afraid of a little graft (but only a
> little)) the company doing the renos will usually be happy to set aside
for
> you (otherwise they have to carry it to the dumpster).
>
> The cuts and bevels can be done at most any glass shop. Some people bevel
> all edges. I just got the top edge beveled. All the side pieces need to
> sit on top of the bottom piece, with the short ends being inside the long
> ends.
>
> Once you've got your glass home, you can start building. First, clean you
> work area. This should be somewhere where your tank can sit assembled for
> about a week while it cures (I used a corner of my kitchen, ymmv, it
> depends on how "accomodating" your SO is). Then clean all you glass (I
> used water and white vinegar, some suggest acetone). Put strips of
masking
> tape half under your base glass, sticky side up, and lay down the base.
> now add a long side (using the tape that's half under your base glass to
> hold it in place) then keep adding sides and silicone until it's all
> together. Let the silicone cure for a couple days more than reccomended
on
> the package (not strictly necessary, but I'd rather wait a couple of extra
> days than have a failure due to undercured silicone).
>
> Now you leak test. This is simply placing the aquarium on a STRONG, FLAT
> surface and filling with water (don't bother with declor). and watching
> for any leaks. I usually do a 5 day leak test.
>
> If there ARE leaks, I redo ALL of the silicone for the affected seam.
> Silcone's cheap, water damage isn't.
>
> This is also the only way to get some form factors of tanks.
>
> Jeff

> > Bassett wrote:
>
> > Really, to be practicial, by the time you obtain your glass, Have it cut
> > to size,
> > have the edges ground, make a jig, obtain clamps, and aquire your
> > sealant, Be it Silicone, or what ever. Your better of buying a tank,
save
> > yourself a lot of work, running round for stuff, at least if your bought
> > tank leaks or falls apart you can take it back..
> >
bassett
> >
> > "AdaJe5" > wrote in message
> >> Tired of looking at multi-hundred dollar aquariums in stores, I've
begun
> > to
> >> think about building my own. Is there a formula for determining the
> > thickness
> >> of the glass? What is the best method for framing odd shaped aquariums
or
> > any
> >> aquarium for that matter.For the larger aquariums is a special formula
of
> >> silicon sealant needed (other than aquarium safe?) Anyone who has built
> > one got
> >> any advice?
>

[Bassett]

You really have excelled yourself ""net-max"" this would have to be a
world record, for information links on a news group..
Thanks very much,, All transfered to my faverate list, and when I get a
week to spare, I'll look at them all..

bassett

"NetMax" > wrote in message >
>
> re: thickness of glass:
> http://www.thekrib.com/TankHardware/glass-thickness.html
>
> re: methods of framing: (plywood or concrete)
> http://members.shaw.ca/wmastop/bigtank/Startb~1.htm
> http://www.marksfish.f9.co.uk/diy/plywood.htm
> http://www.garf.org/news21p3.html#jake
> http://www.athiel.com/lib6/tank.htm#CUT
> http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/aquariumdiy/
> http://www.garf.org/sitemap.html
> http://nucalf.physics.fsu.edu/pfohl/Fish/Diy/tanks
> http://ozreef.org/diy/index.html
> http://www.garf.org/news19p3.html#wood
> http://www.garf.org/news18p2.html#plan
> http://www.thekrib.com/TankHardware/wood-tank.html#0
> http://www.mr4000.com
>
> re: silicone formula:
> My understanding is that the theoretical maximum for silicone adhesion in
> all glass tanks occurs around 48". Leaving a 12" margin, this explains
> why aquarium typically are not taller than 36" unless an external framing
> system is used to hold the glass in.
>
> re: advice:
> I think that constructing a tank of less than 55g would be done for
> novelty rather than economics. The availability & expense of the thicker
> glass used and needed for large aquariums becomes your main design
> constraint. This is the factor which makes plywood/concrete tanks
> popular, limiting yourself to potentially, one sheet of glass/acrylic.
>
> re: glass unavailability & alternatives: acrylic:
> http://www.tanked.netfirms.com/acrylic.html
>
> re: holding that tank up:
> http://www.fishandtips.com/index.php
> http://www.rmgconstruction.com/stand.htm
> http://www.aquariacentral.com/diy/stand.shtml
> http://www.thekrib.com/TankHardware/stands.html
> http://burger.surfthe.net/180reef/construction.htm
> http://www.homestead.com/geosreef/diystand.html
> http://www.saltreef.com/projects/propsys/stage.5.htm
> http://www.eparc.com/diy/stand/scubaraven/stand.shtml
> http://www.mindspear.com/reef/stand/
> http://www.garf.org/stand.html
> http://www.kaotica.com/frag/diy/stand/
> http://members12.clubphoto.com/net579284/751809/guest.phtml
> http://members12.clubphoto.com/net579284/guest-1.phtml
>
> re: inspiration :o)
> http://cichlidinspiration.net3services.com/
> http://www.aquariumdesigns.com/aquariums.html
> http://www.livingcolor.com/
> http://showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/
> http://www.saltvandssiden.dk/birger_kim_rylander.htm (marine, Danish)
> http://www.aquariumdesigners.com/gallery/index.php?currDir=./Aquariums
>
> re: while you are at it, lighting for big tanks:
> http://faq.thekrib.com/plant-lighting.html
> http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/2637/spectra.html
> http://www.aquabotanic.com/lightcompare.htm
> http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/aquainfo/lighting1.html
> http://www.mnsi.net/~waj/Lighting.html
> http://www.trueaquariumplants.com/articles/aboutlight.asp
> http://www.thekrib.com/Lights/faq.html
> http://www.thekrib.com/Lights/lights-wozniak.html
> http://www.calgaryaquariumsociety.com/Articles/Light_Part_1.html
> http://www.calgaryaquariumsociety.com/Articles/Light_Part_2.html
> http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/apr/features/2/default.asp
> http://www.ahsupply.com/
> http://www.science-projects.com/PhotosynPigments.htm
> http://www.life.umd.edu/classroom/bsci124/lec7.html
> http://www.lkraven.com/Aquarium/DIYLighting.htm
> http://www.giesemann.de/GB_Leuchten.html
> http://www.thekrib.com/Lights/reflectors.html
>
> re: and then you need an interior:
> http://cichlidinspiration.net3services.com/show_articles.asp?category='Co
> nstructions%20-%20Background'
> http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/panis/pu_background.html
> http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/aquainfo/invent1.html
> http://www.goddijn.com/aquarium/index.htm
> http://www.thekrib.com/TankHardware/janne.html
> http://www.african.uklinux.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?topic=1926&forum=8&153
> http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_other_netmax_styro.htm
>
> re: for your calculations:
> http://www.esbconsult.com/esbcalc/esbunitconv.html ESBUnitConv v4.1
>
> hth
> cheers
> NetMax
>
>

[Donald Kerns]

NetMax wrote:

[snip 6 gazzillion links]

> hth
> cheers

That's NOT fair NetMax. You KNOW I've got time on my hands, updating the
NetMax links page is gonna cost an hour or two... ;-)

Why doncha just send me your bookmarks file... Sigh.

-D
--
"When you've lost your ability to laugh, you've lost your ability to
think straight." -To Inherit the Wind

[Jeff Pratt]

Bassett wrote:

> I really think your deluding yourself,, The older glass gets, the harder
> it gets,
> and your talking about used "Plate Glass" doors, that you cut up on the
> kitchen table.. Also convincing a Glaseing Company to grind // machine
> 2nd hand glass, that has not come from them , is not an easy thing to do..
>
> But if your happy, and it works for you, who am I to question your
> ability.
>
>
> bassett

Most of the glass from the "steel and glass" decorating phase (IMNSHO, that
was a truly ugly phase) is 5 - 15 yrs old. I may have had a bit of extra
luck getting my glass cut and ground, it was done by a friend of a friend,
however if you call around to different glazing companies, you should be
able to find one that will do the cuts and bevels for you. The smaller a
place is, the happier they'll be to do the work for you (small businesses
tend to have a tighter cashflow than the big corporates).

Jeff

> "Jeff Pratt" > wrote in message
>>
>> Not necessarily. If you can obtain your glass "creatively" (Ie: scavenge
>> it) the cuts/bevels aren't that expensive. You don't NEED a jig, it just
>> makes it a lot easier if you're building a bunch of tanks. My 55 gallon
>> was put together with silicone (Crappy tire brand. clear, the stuff that
>> says aquarium safe) and masking tape to hold the glass tight until the
>> silicone cured.
>>
>> Obtaining glass is a lot easier than you'd think. you just need to look
>> for offices undergoing renovation. The ugly "all glass and steel" look
>> is on its way out, so you can usually find a glass door or somesuch that
>> if you ask politely (and don't be afraid of a little graft (but only a
>> little)) the company doing the renos will usually be happy to set aside
> for
>> you (otherwise they have to carry it to the dumpster).
>>
>> The cuts and bevels can be done at most any glass shop. Some people
>> bevel
>> all edges. I just got the top edge beveled. All the side pieces need to
>> sit on top of the bottom piece, with the short ends being inside the long
>> ends.
>>
>> Once you've got your glass home, you can start building. First, clean
>> you
>> work area. This should be somewhere where your tank can sit assembled
>> for about a week while it cures (I used a corner of my kitchen, ymmv, it
>> depends on how "accomodating" your SO is). Then clean all you glass (I
>> used water and white vinegar, some suggest acetone). Put strips of
> masking
>> tape half under your base glass, sticky side up, and lay down the base.
>> now add a long side (using the tape that's half under your base glass to
>> hold it in place) then keep adding sides and silicone until it's all
>> together. Let the silicone cure for a couple days more than reccomended
> on
>> the package (not strictly necessary, but I'd rather wait a couple of
>> extra days than have a failure due to undercured silicone).
>>
>> Now you leak test. This is simply placing the aquarium on a STRONG, FLAT
>> surface and filling with water (don't bother with declor). and watching
>> for any leaks. I usually do a 5 day leak test.
>>
>> If there ARE leaks, I redo ALL of the silicone for the affected seam.
>> Silcone's cheap, water damage isn't.
>>
>> This is also the only way to get some form factors of tanks.
>>
>> Jeff
>
>> > Bassett wrote:
>>
>> > Really, to be practicial, by the time you obtain your glass, Have it
>> > cut to size,
>> > have the edges ground, make a jig, obtain clamps, and aquire your
>> > sealant, Be it Silicone, or what ever. Your better of buying a tank,
> save
>> > yourself a lot of work, running round for stuff, at least if your
>> > bought tank leaks or falls apart you can take it back..
>> >
> bassett
>> >
>> > "AdaJe5" > wrote in message
>> >> Tired of looking at multi-hundred dollar aquariums in stores, I've
> begun
>> > to
>> >> think about building my own. Is there a formula for determining the
>> > thickness
>> >> of the glass? What is the best method for framing odd shaped aquariums
> or
>> > any
>> >> aquarium for that matter.For the larger aquariums is a special formula
> of
>> >> silicon sealant needed (other than aquarium safe?) Anyone who has
>> >> built
>> > one got
>> >> any advice?
>>