Custom built tank advice

[pseudorand]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

https://www.easycalculation.com/measurement/aquarium-glass-thickness-calculator.php

http://drr.ikcest.org/app/s2909