Build your own Tank

[timlyg]

While there are many great Youtube videos out there on aquarium tank DIY, but one thing that always concern me is the quality of the glass/acrylic for the tank. Anyone know if there's a simple way to determine if I should get x-thickness of glass/acrylic for a tank of size-y? etc.? And type of glass, etc.?

The whole point is how to be sure that I don't build a tank that would fail at holding large gallons of water at some point in the future? (of course, I'm not talking about tank safety like don't bang on the tank, or where to place the tank, etc.)

Thanks!

 

[Doctorgori]

yes there is a glass strength calculator out there, I’ve seen it and I think I have it bookmarked …gimme a sec

Aquarium Glass Thickness Calculator

Given below is the online aquarium glass thickness calculator which helps you to calculate a volume of an aquarium, glass area, glass thickness, weight of glass and weight of water in a glass based on the length, width, height, and safety factor.

www.easycalculation.com

 

[bruno3047]

This is a calculator I used to determine what size thickness glass I needed for my tank.

Aquarium Glass Thickness Calculator

Given below is the online aquarium glass thickness calculator which helps you to calculate a volume of an aquarium, glass area, glass thickness, weight of glass and weight of water in a glass based on the length, width, height, and safety factor.

www.easycalculation.com

 

[Doctorgori]

@bruno3047 I think we just did a simulcast :)

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

I actually use the same calculator as the other two posters do.

As far as acrylic is concerned, almost every source I’ve looked at recommends using the same thickness of acrylic as you would glass (because this helps keep the acrylic from bowing too badly).

 

[timlyg]

Sweet, thanks for the site!

 

[apexseeking]

Not trying to hijack the thread, but what exactly does the ”safety factor” mean on that calculator?

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

It basically refers to how likely the tank is to fail/break and dump water everywhere under normal circumstances (i.e. not including the tank being unlevel, hit with a baseball, etc.). The higher the number the less likely it is to fail. The general recommended safety factor varies, but it is usually suggested to go with a 3.8 or above (it is not usually advised to go lower than 2.8-3.0).

 

[flagg37]

One of the problems I have with calculators like this is that it doesn’t show whether it is returning values values for if the tank has a frame or if it is euro braced or rimless.

 

[bruno3047]

Not trying to hijack the thread, but what exactly does the ”safety factor” mean on that calculator?

Safety factor basically means how many times the required number are you looking for. In other words, do you want to have two times the requirement, three times the requirement etc. That’s your safety factor number.

 

[apexseeking]

Safety factor basically means how many times the required number are you looking for. In other words, do you want to have two times the requirement, three times the requirement etc. That’s your safety factor number.

I’m assuming then that this is for a rimless. No trim. No braces and no euro bracing? I like the idea here but the calculator is a little vague.
And as for the “safety factor”, is it the glass deflection or the adhesive properties of the silicone being used? There seems to be a lot of variables that aren’t taken into consideration. I know different silicones have better adhesion to surfaces than others. Just trying to use the calculator correctly.

 

[bruno3047]

One of the problems I have with calculators like this is that it doesn’t show whether it is returning values values for if the tank has a frame or if it is euro braced or rimless.

All the values returned are for a basic four-sided rectangular/square tank with no bracing of any kind. Of course, any added bracing increases the safety factor.

 

[bruno3047]

I’m assuming then that this is for a rimless. No trim. No braces and no euro bracing? I like the idea here but the calculator is a little vague.
And as for the “safety factor”, is it the glass deflection or the adhesive properties of the silicone being used? There seems to be a lot of variables that aren’t taken into consideration. I know different silicones have better adhesion to surfaces than others. Just trying to use the calculator correctly.

That’s correct. Values are for a four-sided rimless tank. As far as adhesives and their influence, that is not included in this calculation. This is strictly for glass breakage.

 

[bruno3047]

I’m assuming then that this is for a rimless. No trim. No braces and no euro bracing? I like the idea here but the calculator is a little vague.
And as for the “safety factor”, is it the glass deflection or the adhesive properties of the silicone being used? There seems to be a lot of variables that aren’t taken into consideration. I know different silicones have better adhesion to surfaces than others. Just trying to use the calculator correctly.

I’m going to use this silicone for my 315 120“ x 25“ x 25 1/2“ high tank. Unfortunately, the price has doubled in the last few months. Thanks Biden.

ASI Aquarium Sealant, CLEAR, 10.2 oz

ASI Aquarium Sealant, CLEAR. High-Purity Silicone Sealant, RTV curing. Safe for Fish and Continuous Submersion. UV Resistant. Non-sagging. 10.2 oz tube. Price/Tube.

www.bestmaterials.com

 

[apexseeking]

In the past, I’ve used momentive rtv100. It’s sold as an adhesive. Rtv is some strong stuff. I’ve never tried ASI but it sounds very similar. And while $12 a tube is on the pricey side, I’ll never go cheap on adhesive as it’s what’s keeping that big glass box together for a long time. That’s worth $12. Or $24, depending on how crazy you get!

 

[bruno3047]

In the past, I’ve used momentive rtv100. It’s sold as an adhesive. Rtv is some strong stuff. I’ve never tried ASI but it sounds very similar. And while $12 a tube is on the pricey side, I’ll never go cheap on adhesive as it’s what’s keeping that big glass box together for a long time. That’s worth $12. Or $24, depending on how crazy you get!

I agree on the cost/benefit analysis. This was $5.79 a tube the last time I looked which was a couple of months ago. Maybe the price will come back down by the time I’m ready to buy. Or maybe it will keep going higher. Who the hell knows. Problem is you can’t buy silicone adhesive and just sit on it. I think it has a shelf life of around 12 months. After that, it won’t cure.

 

[apexseeking]

I’d love to think so but thanks to inflation being at record highs, I wouldn’t hold my breath. But here’s to hoping!

 

[flagg37]

I grabbed one of these to make the job a little easier.

Milwaukee 2641-20 M18 18V Li-Ion Cordless Caulk/Adhesive Gun (Bare Tool) New Amazon product

I’m going to use this silicone for my 315 120“ x 25“ x 25 1/2“ high tank. Unfortunately, the price has doubled in the last few months. Thanks Biden.

ASI Aquarium Sealant, CLEAR, 10.2 oz

ASI Aquarium Sealant, CLEAR. High-Purity Silicone Sealant, RTV curing. Safe for Fish and Continuous Submersion. UV Resistant. Non-sagging. 10.2 oz tube. Price/Tube.

www.bestmaterials.com

 

[bruno3047]

I grabbed one of these to make the job a little easier.

Milwaukee 2641-20 M18 18V Li-Ion Cordless Caulk/Adhesive Gun (Bare Tool) New Amazon product

I was thinking about that. That’s a beautiful thing. Especially since time is of the essence when you are doing a lot of silicone. You don’t want any of the silicone to skin over. The bond of silicone to silicone is not as strong then. Kind of expensive though.

 

[apexseeking]

I have shot a lot of silicone and never found a need for a powered gun. Silicone usually pumps with little pressure.

Those are more for thick mastics or butyl.

But who am I to judge someone’s tool purchases. I have bought more tools than I can even keep track of. You should let us know if it actually is easier with the powered gun. Maybe I’ll have an excuse to buy one.