Custom built tank advice

pseudorand · May 1, 2021

I want a new tank that fits the space I have exactly. A local glassier can custom cut and deliver tempered glass, and I have a welder that can make a steel frame. Assuming they can both do their jobs precisely enough that it fits together tightly, is it just a matter of doing that and slapping on some silicone?

My hope is that by over-engineering it with 1/4" glass and steel it should be hard to get wrong. What do I not know that will sink this project?

mdb_talon · May 1, 2021

Over-engineering the glass and frame unfortunately does nothing for the key factor - the silicone bond that holds all the glass together. Frames are fine for helping to prevent bowing, but dont really do much for holding a tank together.

Staghorn · May 1, 2021

By the way how big is this tank going to be? I probably wouldn’t use quarter inch glass for pieces that are going to span very far

Jedi1199 · May 1, 2021

Staghorn said:
By the way how big is this tank going to be? I probably wouldn’t use quarter inch glass for pieces that are going to span very far

Agreed.. I would go with 3/8" glass for a 48" run or 1/2" for 60-72"

Mastiffsrule · May 1, 2021

Hey,

There are a few calculators out there you can use. There are a few builds here also. I have never built a tank so cannot help.

Here are 2 calculators from online that may help. Check the DIY forum also.

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