DIY aquarium

[NL146]

I've read a lot about building your own aquarium and have seen two basic methods of applying silicone to seams. One suggestion was to apply silicone to the edge of the first piece of glass, then allign the second piece, pushing into the silicone.

The second suggestion was that a stronger joint would be created if you first place the edges together and apply silicone to the seam. This would mean that there would be no silicone between the glass panes, just in the seam.

Which would really be the more structurally sound method? Also, is there an alternative glue that is stronger than silicone? I built my 28g sump using the first but I'm planning to build a larger tank and would like your feedback.

 

[DHaut]

i actually combine those methods. the strength of the seal comes from the silicone in the second method - silicone between the glass is just additional protection.

 

[NL146]

i actually combine those methods. the strength of the seal comes from the silicone in the second method - silicone between the glass is just additional protection.

What's the largest tank you've built that way, what glass thickness and how long have you had it running?

 

[DHaut]

not large. 25g is the largest, running for 8 months so far. i have a 10g that's been up a year. i think it's 1/4" glass if iirc.

if you're going larger i'd say definitely combine both methods. have you considered acrylic?

 

[NL146]

Yes, but I'm concerned about scratches.

 

[jf2381]

What size tank do want to build? Where are you buying the glass?

 

[NL146]

What size tank do want to build? Where are you buying the glass?

120g. Looking at two places in brooklyn but their glass is not cheap, especially starphire. Any suggestions?

 

[jf2381]

Have you looked at bearglass?

 

[NL146]

"Bearglass" and "All City Glass and Mirror" are actually the two glass shops I'm looking at. Does anybody know of any glass shops in brooklyn/queens that might have good prices?

 

[jf2381]

So far, Bearglass' customer service has been great. I have been talking to Mark and he is very helpful, you might want to ask him the question about gluing the glass. Also I believe then can you you the silicone as well.

J

 

[DHaut]

"Bearglass" and "All City Glass and Mirror" are actually the two glass shops I'm looking at. Does anybody know of any glass shops in brooklyn/queens that might have good prices?

I used http://crystalglassny.com/. Nice guys and a quality job. They carry low-iron.

 

[Imbarrie]

:p Dude the last time I used Beerglasses I woke up and regretted it. Well only for a little while.

 

[NL146]

I used http://crystalglassny.com/. Nice guys and a quality job. They carry low-iron.

I'll check them out. Thanks

 

[NL146]

:p Dude the last time I used Beerglasses I woke up and regretted it. Well only for a little while.

lol - I think you've got too much time on your hands!

 

[tosiek]

Check out Glass Impressions in greenpoint/williamsburg.

If your planning on building a 120 yourself and asking about the difference between both methods i think you should go to someone thats built tanks before to at least glue the glass up for you. You want the silicone between the glass and on the inside corner or the tank is gonna blow out. 120's alot of weight on the side panels @ 19-22" up. And there is something better than 100% silicone, a silicone adhesive thats reef safe but the name escapes me atm.

What glass thickness are you going? Its going to determin how your going to support the middle of the tank. Are you planning on rimless?

 

[NL146]

Check out Glass Impressions in greenpoint/williamsburg.

If your planning on building a 120 yourself and asking about the difference between both methods i think you should go to someone thats built tanks before to at least glue the glass up for you. You want the silicone between the glass and on the inside corner or the tank is gonna blow out. 120's alot of weight on the side panels @ 19-22" up. And there is something better than 100% silicone, a silicone adhesive thats reef safe but the name escapes me atm.

What glass thickness are you going? Its going to determin how your going to support the middle of the tank. Are you planning on rimless?

Thanks for the input. I'm just in the planning stages so I have not yet decided to build it myself. I'm kinda exploring the options. In fact, one thing I've also considered is that a purchased tank at least comes with some warranty, but if you build your own you're on your own. As I said I'm just pulling the pieces together and researching the merits of one method over another.

I'm thinking of 1/2" thickness with tempered bottom; with glass strips (3" wide) siliconed across the center and sides as braces for the top. More than likely I'll end up purchasing a tank though.

 

[tosiek]

yeah for the price 3/8+ or 1/2" starfire is gonna run you you can get one made without the hassle. Check out miracles or glass cages. Its really not worth it for a standard size tank.

 

[jf2381]

I know bringing this back from the dead but I just got a quote from Cliftonglass.com for starphire glass size 48"x20" 1/4" thick with polished edge for $60.00.

I'm going in person tomorrow to see a sample of the glass because I find that to be super cheap compare to $120 from bearglass.

 

[NL146]

I know bringing this back from the dead but I just got a quote from Cliftonglass.com for starphire glass size 48"x20" 1/4" thick with polished edge for $60.00.

I'm going in person tomorrow to see a sample of the glass because I find that to be super cheap compare to $120 from bearglass.

Wow. If that's accurate it's the lowest price I've heard. Let me know what you find out.

 

[NL146]

It's 10pm and I just finished adding the first layer of primer/paint to the stand.

It is still bare, I still have to add trimming.