300g Starphire Room Divider
- Thread starter hdtvguy
- Start date
HDTV Guy,
I am also about to assemble a tank. This one is a 180 gallons.
I was hoping you might share some tips on assembly. I think there are a few of us that are quite curious about the details.
How did you set the pains of glass? I am wondering how many people I will need or if building a jig would help to hold it up. It looks to me that setting the last pain is the tricky part. Any advice would be helpful for my planning.
As far as the seams, was all of the silicon applied at once, or did you come back to do the insides after it was dry?
Can we get some datails about how you sized,ordered the glass?
Last question, where did you get the foam the tank is on, and what is it?
Looks sweet...
I am also about to assemble a tank. This one is a 180 gallons.
I was hoping you might share some tips on assembly. I think there are a few of us that are quite curious about the details.
How did you set the pains of glass? I am wondering how many people I will need or if building a jig would help to hold it up. It looks to me that setting the last pain is the tricky part. Any advice would be helpful for my planning.
As far as the seams, was all of the silicon applied at once, or did you come back to do the insides after it was dry?
Can we get some datails about how you sized,ordered the glass?
Last question, where did you get the foam the tank is on, and what is it?
Looks sweet...
hdtvguy
New member
Well here is how we did it. At least I think it is
1.) Of course start with the bottom pane of glass. (My tank was built on the stand.)
2.) Run a thick bead of silicone on top edge of the bottom pane of glass. You want to start with the large viewing pane of glass first ( front or back.) It took all three of us to lift the 96 x 30" pane onto the top. When you place the glass on top be very careful to place it square on both ends. You do not want to move the glass to much. This will cause air bubbles to form not good for adherence, strength etc. Have someone hold this pane straight without moving to much.
3.) Next do a side pane same step as above. Make sure the edges are square. At this point you do not really need to hold the glass as the silicone has enough strength to hold in place.
4.) Next do the same on the next side.
5.) Last put your front or back ( large pane) on. Walk around all 4 corners and make sure all your ends are square. You may need to make a few very small adjustment to square everything up. You must use some big clamps and snug the front to back this will do two things. It will squeeze out any air that was trapped between the glass and will make sure you have good contact for the silicone to cure. I forgot to mention if you want nice clean edges (silicone.) Tape the glass before you apply the silicone.
6.) You must move fast on all these steps last run your finger along the seams to get a nice uniform seal. Last peel off your tape if you used it.
This gives you a little idea of how to construct a tank. I may have missed a few thongs but this covers most of it.
One more thing get out of the house after all is done the smell is overwhelming. 24hrs should be good have all windows open and a good fan.
1.) Of course start with the bottom pane of glass. (My tank was built on the stand.)
2.) Run a thick bead of silicone on top edge of the bottom pane of glass. You want to start with the large viewing pane of glass first ( front or back.) It took all three of us to lift the 96 x 30" pane onto the top. When you place the glass on top be very careful to place it square on both ends. You do not want to move the glass to much. This will cause air bubbles to form not good for adherence, strength etc. Have someone hold this pane straight without moving to much.
3.) Next do a side pane same step as above. Make sure the edges are square. At this point you do not really need to hold the glass as the silicone has enough strength to hold in place.
4.) Next do the same on the next side.
5.) Last put your front or back ( large pane) on. Walk around all 4 corners and make sure all your ends are square. You may need to make a few very small adjustment to square everything up. You must use some big clamps and snug the front to back this will do two things. It will squeeze out any air that was trapped between the glass and will make sure you have good contact for the silicone to cure. I forgot to mention if you want nice clean edges (silicone.) Tape the glass before you apply the silicone.
6.) You must move fast on all these steps last run your finger along the seams to get a nice uniform seal. Last peel off your tape if you used it.
This gives you a little idea of how to construct a tank. I may have missed a few thongs but this covers most of it.
One more thing get out of the house after all is done the smell is overwhelming. 24hrs should be good have all windows open and a good fan.
Thanks, that is exactly what I needed to hear. I was mostly concerned with the assembly, but taking the thing apart has proven to be far more difficult. Fortunatly I got it apart without destroying it. The next question is how to support it. It sounds like you have yours sitting on plywood with the foam over it. Do you feel it is better to support the whole tank rather than only the edges? My glass is only 1/2", but there are no holes in it. I am prett concerned about it cracking if it is not supported correctly. How well are you supporting the center of the tank? Has your foam compressed much?
hdtvguy
New member
No my foam is very dense. I used 1.5" thick foam. You don't need to use that thick but I wanted to raise the tank a bit more. I'm 6' tall and the tank is taller then me standing in front of it.
Yes support the whole bottom of the tank. I assume your tank is all glass no trim around the base? Tanks with trim on the bottom do not need foam under them.
You can click my homepage button above and see how my stand was constructed. I used my old stand from 240g tank that cracked. Long story short I was doing a epoxy sand bed in that tank and the bottom cracked after the cure.
Yes support the whole bottom of the tank. I assume your tank is all glass no trim around the base? Tanks with trim on the bottom do not need foam under them.
You can click my homepage button above and see how my stand was constructed. I used my old stand from 240g tank that cracked. Long story short I was doing a epoxy sand bed in that tank and the bottom cracked after the cure.
Yes, I have been tagging along for some time now. Dont usually post. I got this tank for a bill, but it was trashed. It is pretty scratched and the trim had to be pitched. That is why I am looking into the foam. It is a transitional tank and will allow me to build up some more livestock, so it just needs to hold water for a while. Looks like the foam you are using is the kind for insulating houses. I Wwould love to hear any info about how/where you got the glass and the difference in price for the starphire. Thanks for sharing your experience...
Johnsteph10
New member
Just a comment on the smell:
I've caulked plenty of things around the house but never more than MAYBE 1/3 of a tube at the most. I would imagine this used a good bit more.
I could not imagine that much of a vinegar/acetic acid siliconey smell.
Yuck! :lol:
hdtvguy, you one brave guy.
John
I've caulked plenty of things around the house but never more than MAYBE 1/3 of a tube at the most. I would imagine this used a good bit more.
I could not imagine that much of a vinegar/acetic acid siliconey smell.
Yuck! :lol:
hdtvguy, you one brave guy.
John
hdtvguy
New member
DIYGUY said:
Good deal! Yes the foam is made by a company called Plasti-Fab. It has a R value of 5.83 SF 32.
LOLMy LFS store got the Starphire 2 panes from a company in B.C Canada. I think the cost was $1500.00 96" X 30".
No problem good luck with your tank.
Johnsteph10,
I think we used a total of 2 1/2 tubes. It was eye burning:eek2:
It was still cold outside. I just opened up the windows and left the furnace on and got the heck out of dodge!:lol:
hdtvguy
New member
I did a few changes to my pump setup. I first got rid of the dart was having problems with it. I upgraded to the Hammerhead. I moved both the Gen-X PCX-55HP and the Seq under the floor in the living room. No noise no heat very please with the outcome. I should have done this from the start My flow is crazy in the tank. I added 5 Large show pieces of LR. My water is still a little cloudy from the salt. Stable at 1.023.
I will take some new pics tomorrow of the tank.
My flow is crazy in the tank. I added 5 Large show pieces of LR. My water is still a little cloudy from the salt. Stable at 1.023.I will take some new pics tomorrow of the tank.
hdtvguy
New member
I think it was the way I had it mounted on my stand. If you look above you will see I was running it on the side of my stand. I was getting bearing noises from it. Paul @ OM was great I told him the problem and he said he would back me up on a return of the pump. I just returned the pump and paid the difference for the Hammerhead.
Knyght
New member
I am in the planning stages of a 3-side viewable starphire tank. Going to be a room divider also. I plan to go with the same dimensions that you have, only it will have entertainment center type custom cabinetry, with shelves and storage, room for the overflow plumbing and what-not, that I will build myself.
One question that I have is, would you recommend having the tank built onsite, or having it built off sight and delivered.?
I realize that if delivered weight will be an issue moving it in and setting it up. This could somewhat be eliminated by having a small hand forklift.
Also not sure if anyone in my area builds aquariums.
I read the thread where you posted about your 240 cracking. Thought to myself how bad that must have sucked.
Greg
:beachbum:
One question that I have is, would you recommend having the tank built onsite, or having it built off sight and delivered.?
I realize that if delivered weight will be an issue moving it in and setting it up. This could somewhat be eliminated by having a small hand forklift.
Also not sure if anyone in my area builds aquariums.
I read the thread where you posted about your 240 cracking. Thought to myself how bad that must have sucked.
Greg
:beachbum:
hdtvguy
New member
Well I have moved a big tank twice! My 240g into the house and out when I had the accident. After having this tank built on-site I would not have it any other way. It is much easier carrying large glass panes into the house then it is lifting a 700 lbs glass tank!
If you can source a good builder in your area I would have it built on-site.
If you can source a good builder in your area I would have it built on-site.
hdtvguy
New member
Here are a few pics of the tank got my lights up. Pics are not the best I need to box in the top of the tank. That is the next project 
The fish picked them up from my LFS. I had the regal from my old tank. The large Naso with streamers came in from Hawaii. The LR are big show pieces (Haitian) I'm waiting for more to come in from my LFS.
The fish picked them up from my LFS. I had the regal from my old tank. The large Naso with streamers came in from Hawaii. The LR are big show pieces (Haitian) I'm waiting for more to come in from my LFS.
LittleBlueGT
New member
Loving the clarity and simplicity.
hdtvguy
New member
I just placed the rocks how they are to keep the starboard down. I'm thinking 3 nice Island formations of rocks in the center. I hope to have nice overhangs on each. I have to get my butt in gear and get the stand and above the tank drywall done.
I hate to have the Living room and dinning room lite up with VHO's LOL.
I hate to have the Living room and dinning room lite up with VHO's LOL.
Northside Reef
Premium Member
I like it. it will be fun to see this progress
Knyght
New member
I especially like this shot.
Did you silicone around the starboard? Or just drop it in. You may have mentioned it earlier but I am to lazy to look. I remember you saying that it was a single piece. Can you tell us where you got it from? Pm me with the price please if you don`t care to post it.
Thanks,
Greg
:beachbum:
Did you silicone around the starboard? Or just drop it in. You may have mentioned it earlier but I am to lazy to look. I remember you saying that it was a single piece. Can you tell us where you got it from? Pm me with the price please if you don`t care to post it.
Thanks,
Greg
:beachbum:
hdtvguy
New member
No I never silicone the starboard in. I wanted to be able to remove it at a later date if I wanted without having to cut it out and risk hacking up the bottom silicone on the tank
I bought this stuff locally. Placed called GE Polmershapes they carry anything plastic. Just ask for HDPE starboard is just a brand name.
I had to buy a whole 96" X 48" sheet @ $120CDN not a bad price and I have allot left over that I have already used on other projects.
I bought this stuff locally. Placed called GE Polmershapes they carry anything plastic. Just ask for HDPE starboard is just a brand name.
I had to buy a whole 96" X 48" sheet @ $120CDN not a bad price and I have allot left over that I have already used on other projects.
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