Calling Uncleof6... Aquarium build help! Questions...

[Bristle_Worm]

I want to know the proper way to build an aquarium. For this discussion, I would like to exclude anything large. I think that both large and small should be built in the same manner. I may be wrong, but it seems logical.

So before we get into and huge debate talking about a 450/G build. Let's talk about building a 75 gallon the proper way. When I say proper way, I'm referring to the steps that need to take place. Example...build the whole aquarium at one time, or could this process be done panel by panel?

Are 1/4" Dow Rods a must under the bottom glass?

Plan to use Momentive 100 series. Do they make black in the same strength?

Is Momentive 100 Series actually RTV 108? Is black silicone weaker than 100 series or does Momentive even make a black silicone for tank building?

How much pressure on the bar clamps. Are right angle clamps necessary? I found them very helpful on a 250/G I built. The only thing was I wasn't sure if the right angle clamps went first or the bar clamps? I think I did the RA clamps first.

Any suggestions or tips would be a huge help.

 

[Gorgok]

Plan to use Momentive 100 series. Do they make black in the same strength?

Is Momentive 100 Series actually RTV 108? Is black silicone weaker than 100 series or does Momentive even make a black silicone for tank building?

RTV102: White
RTV103: Black
RTV108: Translucent
RTV109: Aluminum


From an absolutely 'technically correct' point of view, i believe clear is the strongest by an infinitesimal amount. Unless clear also has a filler added to it, where the others have color added, that is. Their spec sheet groups those together though, because its not significant if there is indeed any difference.

 

[mcgyvr]

^^.. hey you aren't uncleof6 :worried:

 

[erndog1001]

I will offer my own experience building my 400 gal tank. When the time came to put it together. I gathered 4 helpers just to hold things while I put the silicone on joints and lined things up to be clamped.
My tank has a plywood bottom so I only had the 4 panels to deal with. And I used 3 long strap clamps(top,middle,bottom)to hold everything in place while the silicone dried for 3-4 days I forget exactly how long I waited at the moment .
Was this the "proper" way? Beats me But it worked. When i filled it. i had 2 small leaks From the bottom Not the glass seams. They were easily fixed. Fast forward almost 2 years and all is well. Hope this helps

 

[mcgyvr]

^^ hey you aren't uncleof6 either.. the nerve of some people.. he clearly wasn't asking you two

 

[uncleof6]

RTV102: White
RTV103: Black
RTV108: Translucent
RTV109: Aluminum


From an absolutely 'technically correct' point of view, i believe clear is the strongest by an infinitesimal amount. Unless clear also has a filler added to it, where the others have color added, that is. Their spec sheet groups those together though, because its not significant if there is indeed any difference.

There is no difference in the specs or actual properties between the RTV 102, 103, 108, 109, from the horses mouth, (Tech Reps.) Not even insignificant differences. The properties do not change until you move beyond these (106, 112, 116, 118) Colors other than transparent, have a dye in them, similar to food coloring, however it does not have any impact on the "strength" of the silicone. They all have a filler in them, usually fumed silica, @ 5 - 10%.

Strength is ambiguous at best. Even if there were even an insignificant tensile strength, or shear strength, they are irrelevant to holding a tank together, only the adhesive strength matters, as it is the weakest property.

 

[uncleof6]

I will offer my own experience building my 400 gal tank. When the time came to put it together. I gathered 4 helpers just to hold things while I put the silicone on joints and lined things up to be clamped.
My tank has a plywood bottom so I only had the 4 panels to deal with. And I used 3 long strap clamps(top,middle,bottom)to hold everything in place while the silicone dried for 3-4 days I forget exactly how long I waited at the moment .
Was this the "proper" way? Beats me But it worked. When i filled it. i had 2 small leaks From the bottom Not the glass seams. They were easily fixed. Fast forward almost 2 years and all is well. Hope this helps

Strap clamps are inadequate for use in aquarium construction. The panels must be held motionless, tape and straps clamps are not capable of keeping the panels motionless. These things are unpredictable even for those of us with years of hand on experience.

I am certainly glad your tank passed the two year test. That is a credit to your abilities. However, for every anecdote of success, there is an anecdote for failure:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=27814

Silicone requires a minimum of 7 days to fully cure. Often it can take as long as 14 days, depending on the amounts used, and longer is preferred. 3 - 4 days is not adequate cure time, especially for a 400 gallon tank...

If your tank leaked on first fill up, the tank needed to be taken down and rebuilt. It cannot be actually fixed, while assembled. If it did not leak from the glass seams where else would it leak from?

I hope you continue to have success with this tank.

 

[uncleof6]

I want to know the proper way to build an aquarium. For this discussion, I would like to exclude anything large. I think that both large and small should be built in the same manner. I may be wrong, but it seems logical.

So before we get into and huge debate talking about a 450/G build. Let's talk about building a 75 gallon the proper way. When I say proper way, I'm referring to the steps that need to take place. Example...build the whole aquarium at one time, or could this process be done panel by panel?

Are 1/4" Dow Rods a must under the bottom glass?

Plan to use Momentive 100 series. Do they make black in the same strength?

Is Momentive 100 Series actually RTV 108? Is black silicone weaker than 100 series or does Momentive even make a black silicone for tank building?

How much pressure on the bar clamps. Are right angle clamps necessary? I found them very helpful on a 250/G I built. The only thing was I wasn't sure if the right angle clamps went first or the bar clamps? I think I did the RA clamps first.

Any suggestions or tips would be a huge help.

See reply to pm.

 

[Bristle_Worm]

Thanks brother.

Great to hear about the silicone. I've been wanting to use black but wasn't sure.

Appreciate the expert advice!

How tight does everybody agree that bar clamps should be? Sticky subject!