180 build from scratch!

[michika]

My husband and I are tired of small tanks, so after an unproductive hunt for a used tank we have opted to build our own, from scratch.

We priced out built tanks in our area and were greeted with prices anywhere from $500 to $750CDN for a standard 180, no overflow, no holes, no nothing. We then opted to build our own tank. We've done it before, so we figure why not do it this time! For $300 we picked up glass from a local aquarium shop. An additional $20 paid for our silicone and taxes. The glass is 1/2", and the measurements are a standard 72"Lx24"Hx24"W.

This tank is going to eventually be a grow out reef while we prepare to do our dream tank/system. We are planning it out like we would a reef, however it will be FOWLR at first.

Glass at home and in the living room.

Part of the bracing provided

Silicone (Ignore my stockings please)

 

[77railer]

Looks good so far...will be interesting to watch...

Leroy

 

[BLKTANG]

I know you were trying to match the silicone container.Right?

 

[michika]

We purchased corner clamps, which we covered with felt to prevent scratching.

Next we cleaned all the panes with vinegar then wiped them down with a lint-free cloth.

We taped off the bottom and side panes leaving 3/4" between the edge of the glass and the edge of the tape.

Then out came the silicone

 

[michika]

The panes then went on and we used a square to ensure they were placed properly. The corner brackets held them in place along with some additional clamps.

One of the seams

The finished box

Our dilemma now is the bracing that came with the tank.

I think we are going to put out the money for eurobracing. I worry too much about how that large pane pictured above will impact the ability of our chosen lighting (3x250 MH) to penetrate the tank.

 

[77railer]

Keep going...its getting interesting!!!

Leroy

 

[michika]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12207874#post12207874 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BLKTANG
I know you were trying to match the silicone container.Right?

:lol: Yes, I must have been subconsciously planning it.

 

[BLKTANG]

Interesting.I would have drilled the glass for a closed loop before putting it together.

Anyhoot great job.

 

[michika]

We think we may go with a manifold option. There are plans to drill the bottom pane, however they were not my plans. If it was up to me the holes would have been put in first, and then all of the rest of this.

 

[BLKTANG]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12208127#post12208127 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by michika
We think we may go with a manifold option. There are plans to drill the bottom pane, however they were not my plans. If it was up to me the holes would have been put in first, and then all of the rest of this.

Your idea was right on.

 

[jnarowe]

very cool. I am watching you.

 

[michika]

We are planning out are stand based on inspiration from Cprowler's tank.

Tomorrow, its off to get floor reinforcement materials.

 

[Cprowler]

And I based mine from the January 2003 TOTM .

As I mentioned in my thread, I'm looking forward to seeing what you guys do with yours.

 

[kar93]

Nice Tank, Be interesting to see how it all turns out

 

[psteeleb]

That's quite the undertaking and looking great so far. I'd probably go with a double layer eurobracing myself. Maybe a 3" with a 2 1/2" on top. In the long run the eurobracing is much easier to deal with and doesn't obstruct the lights nearly as much as the center brace.

have you decided on lights yet?

 

[michika]

I am pretty sure I will do eurobracing now. I just need to order the glass on Monday. I'm also going to be ordering smoked glass for the overflow baffle. I also need to price out the cost of my desired sump.

We have tentatively decided on 3xMH 250s SE in luminarc reflectors. I'm thinking of doing T5s for additional lighting.

 

[Chaloupa]

Tagging along to watch your progress Catherine!

 

[psteeleb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12210713#post12210713 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by michika
I am pretty sure I will do eurobracing now. I just need to order the glass on Monday. I'm also going to be ordering smoked glass for the overflow baffle. I also need to price out the cost of my desired sump.

We have tentatively decided on 3xMH 250s SE in luminarc reflectors. I'm thinking of doing T5s for additional lighting.

good choice on lighting, you may also want to consider the lumenbrights, from what I learning they are a better fit for narrower tanks and allow you to have them elevated a bit cutting down on the heat.

 

[Chaloupa]

and I completely agree on the eurobracing...I curse my centre bracing DAILY..it's a huge PITA! (PLUS I specifically ordered it with eurobracing...but that's another story!)

 

[new_world_disor]

looking good so far. nice sox are you just using silicone to put it all together ? id have thought it would move under the stress of the water. ? but im no expert at all.

mermaid pics.....
ad