DIY aquarium

[ycrazyy]

What are the dimensions of the tank that you are trying to build?

As for silicone on the glass, the structural strength comes from the silicone BETWEEN the glass, the joint inside the tank itself is simply for water sealing purposes. Also, you better make sure to use the proper silicone. GE Silicone I and AGA Aquarium Silicone are both commercial grade SEALANTS (and GE Silicone I is NOT FDA approved). That means that they are not strong enough for your needs. You should be using either GE/Momentive RTV100 series (available at Grainger) or GE SCS1200 series silicone. These are both FDA approved and are both industrial strength adhesives.

If you are building a 120g, I promise you that 1/4" glass is not enough. I would use 1/2" with a bottom euro brace at a bare minimum.

 

[NL146]

I'm going to buy my 120, not build. My only question is whether to buy a rr tank (with bottom drilled) or drill the back. I would prefer to buy an undrilled tank and drill the back, but I'm sure I'd lose warranty.

 

[jaa1456]

You can most likely buy a tank pre drilled for the back also. The LFS I deal with offers both bottom and back drilled tanks on certain sizes. I have seen them in person. And I know a guy who built 2 tanks. A 750 gallon "L" shaped tank "takes a lot of balls for that shape" and build it yourself and also a 650 which is 10 feet long and 3 feet wide, not sure what the height was though. He is getting ready to build another 11 foot tank also.

 

[NL146]

You can most likely buy a tank pre drilled for the back also.QUOTE]
I'm planning a 120g upgrade (48x24x24) and I haven't found a back drilled option.

 

[kaOzGrUnT]

Drilling

If you plan on drilling, get the overflow and drillbits from glass-holes.com
I drilled my 90 Gal. without prior experience.

 

[NL146]

Stand build continues

Going is still slow, not that I mind. Still outstanding: add molding, one more coat of paint inside and out, and laquer.

 

[dubs]

nl146 going slow is the best way to go u will make less mistake and bad choice that way and looks good so far keep up the good work cant wait to see the tank

 

[NL146]

Thanks. It's really coming together now.

 

[UnknownWaters]

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

You mean beergoggles. and how big was she? and dont lie.