"sophie" wrote in message
...
In message , NetMax
writes
"Cris" wrote in message
ws.com...
snip
The front and side panes
should be attached on top of the bottom pane rather than around the
outside.

why? Both methods are conventional construction techniques in use on
1000s of aquariums.

If he seems to know what he's doing, and has made several of his own
tanks, it's most likely going to be ok. But I wouldn't fill any
tank
for the first time in the house.

If filling the tank elsewhere (lawn, driveway, garage) make sure that
you
have a very flat strong surface. With 600 lbs of water, the tank will
shift to close any gaps, and may cause damage & leakage which would
otherwise not occur.

and here is the problem I'm currently trying to address! I bought the
tank (it wasn't new or home made and had previously been used for
keeping chiclids, but it was being sold to make room for the tanks he
and stuff he now needs, I hadn't quite understood); the silicone seems
to be in good condition (squidgy), the glass is two thinner sheets
laminated together per side totalling 9mm for the verticals and 11mm
for

I've never encounter a production-built aquarium which used 2 thinner
sheets of glass.

the base, and I thought yes, I'll test it by filling it with water in
the conservatory - which, I now discover, doesn't have a flat floor.
Looks flat, but isn't. I think what I'll do is get it into the right
place (once I've got a stand for it) and fill it there. I'll need to

On a slightly uneven floor, put the tank on a sheet of 3/4" plywood which
is on top of a sheet of 1/2" styrofoam.

cycle it before I put the fish in (although I was wondering about
transferring the filter sponge to the new filter and hoping that
worked,

This is how I cycle tanks all the time. Cycling is really only a
nuisance with the first tank in your house. After that it's just moving
filters around, don't overstock and under-feed for a few weeks.

but I really don't think I'll risk it), so that should give me a chance
to see if it springs any leaks. The seller is obviously a fish
obsessive
(in a good way) and assured me it was fine.
Now I just need to be reassured that if it does leak, it will do so
slowly and in one place rather than exploding... And also I need to do
research into h.o.t. filters for this size tank... And also I need to

I have a custom glass top design for this tank which adapts to a variety
of filters.
http://www.2cah.com/netmax/diy_proje...asscover.shtml

work out if I am in fact certifiably insane to want to keep goldfish
with a sand substrate and some plants (I have some that they don't eat)

Yes, I think this is a certifiable offence in some states, but we won't
tell anyone ;~)

and some weather loach... And also I need to work out if I want a
cabinet thing to go underneath or a metal stand... And also I need to
be

If you haven't already gone pricing, you will find that the cabinet might
be your most expensive component. Steel stands are stronger, but kids
can climb them so they should be fastened to the wall joist to prevent
sway (depends on your child's age). Wood cabinets have the advantage of
being able to hide a canister filter (so the tank can almost go right up
against the wall) and it keeps your fish-stuff close but hidden
(child-proofing the cabinet door can be important with 'helpful' children
;~).

very patient with my very small son as he demands every day for the
next
few weeks if we can put all the fish in the new tank yet.

I'm on his side "let's do it mom". With your aged filter, you should be
able to proceed quite quickly.
--
www.NetMax.tk


wish me luck.

thank you again for your advice.
--
sophie