DIY tank build thoughts?

[chickendirt]

I mulling over building my own cause I dont like the dimensions of standard marineland and aqueon tanks. Was thinking something that give more surface area but not a huge footprint. Kinda between frag tank height and the usual dimensions. I also dont want to pay 2k plus for a custom build.

H 18 w 30 or 36 and L 60

Currently have and aqeuon 75 and I dont like the width. Its a stuggle with the rockscape I want to do.. i feel like shallower gives a little more versatility with lighting and the 4 to 6 inches or so in front of the glass should be left open for flow.

Would a stand for this require a lengthwise brace to support the bottom?

Using an aquarium calculator Im looking at 1/2 inch thick glass? Water volume at minimum is 155 gallons.

 

[oreo54]

I mulling over building my own cause I dont like the dimensions of standard marineland and aqueon tanks. Was thinking something that give more surface area but not a huge footprint. Kinda between frag tank height and the usual dimensions. I also dont want to pay 2k plus for a custom build.

H 18 w 30 or 36 and L 60

Currently have and aqeuon 75 and I dont like the width. Its a stuggle with the rockscape I want to do.. i feel like shallower gives a little more versatility with lighting and the 4 to 6 inches or so in front of the glass should be left open for flow.

Would a stand for this require a lengthwise brace to support the bottom?

Using an aquarium calculator Im looking at 1/2 inch thick glass? Water volume at minimum is 155 gallons.

This is the results from another calculator..The "what if" uses 1/2" bottom and 3/8" sides (used 36" w/ 30" it goes from 9.9mm (.39") to 10.4mm (.409") for the bottom. Less surface area so more pressure)

Next choice is a floating base (bottom is "inside" the sides) or regular base (sides rest on bottom).
Believe floating is the preferred choice for large tanks but ???
Note that the joint is under tensile pressure with a floating base.. . Sides pulling on the bottom glass edge vs sides sliding sideways out.
Well that's how I see it.

Tank only needs edge support supposedly.

JUST for discussion..

 

[chickendirt]

Less surface = more pressure?

Thats seems kind weird. So if I did 36 inches in width it would mean I can use thinner glass?








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[oreo54]

Less surface = more pressure?

Thats seems kind weird. So if I did 36 inches in width it would mean I can use thinner glass?

Yea I've got to think about that a bit.
What I know is the calculator requires thicker glass for the base.
Difference was only 0.5mm.

Your restricted by available standard sizes.

Glass Thickness – Exploring Glass Options | LuxuryGlassNY

Browse our guide for using different glass thickness for your home & office glass projects. We offer custom glass size and shape. Call us for a Free Quote.

www.luxuryglassny.com

9.5 too thin for the bottom.
12.7 mm " too thick"
9.9-10.4 calculated.
Either size..1/2" glass for bottom

Recommended 8.4mm for the 4 sides
so 3/8ths (9.5mm).

If course this is all based on the "recommended" safety factor and no bracing.

 

[chickendirt]

Yea I've got to think about that a bit.
What I know is the calculator requires thicker glass for the base.
Difference was only 0.5mm.

Your restricted by available standard sizes.

Glass Thickness – Exploring Glass Options | LuxuryGlassNY

Browse our guide for using different glass thickness for your home & office glass projects. We offer custom glass size and shape. Call us for a Free Quote.

www.luxuryglassny.com

9.5 too thin for the bottom.
12.7 mm " too thick"
9.9-10.4 calculated.
Either size..1/2" glass for bottom

Recommended 8.4mm for the 4 sides
so 3/8ths (9.5mm).

If course this is all based on the "recommended" safety factor and no bracing.

So I suppose just going with half inch all around, even the bottom, isn't going to hurt if its overkill?

 

[oreo54]

So I suppose just going with half inch all around, even the bottom, isn't going to hurt if its overkill?

no..
8.8 , 6.3 safety factor sides/bottom
Generally used sf...3.8

Aquarium Glass Thickness Calculator

The aquarium glass thickness calculator finds required aquarium thickness, volume, glass surface area, and weight for any given measurements.

www.omnicalculator.com

 

[bradreef]

Not your specs but a good option for a complete system
https://waterboxaquariums.com/produ...n=sag_organic&utm_source=google&utm_campaign={CampaignName}&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=17553404636&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4MjwpNH7jAMVdiZECB2xJR0NEAQYBiABEgKfpPD_BwE

 

[BeanAnimal]

Save yourself the hassle (honestly) and call @Joe Glass Cages

You will be spend nearly on DIY what you can have him ship you and have peace of mind that it will not fail.

 

[chickendirt]

no..
8.8 , 6.3 safety factor sides/bottom
Generally used sf...3.8

Aquarium Glass Thickness Calculator

The aquarium glass thickness calculator finds required aquarium thickness, volume, glass surface area, and weight for any given measurements.

www.omnicalculator.com

I see

 

[chickendirt]

Not your specs but a good option for a complete system
https://waterboxaquariums.com/produ...n=sag_organic&utm_source=google&utm_campaign={CampaignName}&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=17553404636&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4MjwpNH7jAMVdiZECB2xJR0NEAQYBiABEgKfpPD_BwE

I was looking at a glass place that with all cut I can have all the parts for about 1,000.

Was looking to do a drill on back over flow on the side so I can use the flow to suspend feeding better and push through the weir lengthwise.