Complete DIY Custom 144x15x15

[calvin415]

Sorry...

It is enough time to get one of the ends setup...

Here's my prep:
For pins I use 2 strands of copper wires, twisted together.

Clamp the end at a 90* angle, and ensure it's also 90* to the edge.

Apply your solvent (I use WeldOn 3; in our climate 4 evaporates too quickly). I'm using a 16g syringe I got in the mail this week, it was supposed to be a bottle not a syringe so I'm trying it out. I think I'll be calling Tap to ensure I get a bottle next time, as I don't like the inconsitency of the plunger. Sometimes it's easy to push, sometime it's like a rock.

Once it's soaked and pins are pulled I apply 2 clamps. I don't tighten them much, just enough to keep them from falling. Once I have this side done (both ends), I can just use weights for the other side.

 

[leoslizards]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13074152#post13074152 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by calvin415
Thanks, still a long way to go... I ordered the acrylic for my sumps yesterday and will be delivered on Monday. I still need to order the acrylic tubing for my skimmer.

I got the 15g from here:
http://www.bayteccontainers.com/rcwb15.html
I got a refurbished one and it shipped for free, 32.95 including shipping! I don't think anyone can beat that deal...

Ever tried forming your own tube?

It's not bad. It says +$9.95 for the bulkhead so you actually paid $42.90. :rollface: What do you plan on using it for, a mixing tank or top off water?

 

[calvin415]

Never tried to form a tube... I can't imagine it being an easy task.

Yes you're right, forgot about the price of the bulkhead. I'll be using it for ATO, I have 2 more 55g drums to store in the utility room for fresh and salt... That is if they fit.

 

[calvin415]

Do this 4 times over the course of the day and this is what you have:

Top and Bottom (plus flush cutting, sanding and polishing) are all that is left!!!

 

[spear reef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13074753#post13074753 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by calvin415
You're kidding right? I just finished the pieces last night...

yeah I was kidding.
I'm sure you want to see it done 100x more than I do.

 

[tundra1000]

Too cool!!
One of my favorite things about this hobby is the freedom each person has to be inventive and creative, to come up with their own personal masterpiece.

 

[Jay-sun]

This tank is going to be so cool when its filled. Im in awe of how well the butt joints came out. Such a cool DIY.

Very helpful thread as well for those of us thinking about building our own acrylic tanks.

Keep the pics coming.

Jason

 

[leoslizards]

Damn, now that you see all four sides connected you can really see how huge this tank is gonna be! Any idea how many gallons it is?

 

[Kentanner11]

I got 120...

 

[calvin415]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13076233#post13076233 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by spear reef
yeah I was kidding.
I'm sure you want to see it done 100x more than I do.

Oh yeah, just wish I could get more done but trying to keep it on budget.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13076254#post13076254 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tundra1000
Too cool!!
One of my favorite things about this hobby is the freedom each person has to be inventive and creative, to come up with their own personal masterpiece.

Thanks, I agree. What is ideal for some may look rediculous to others. I know everyone lwill not ikes my style of tank, but that's what is so great about this hobby; if you don't like the way a tank looks, just move on to the next thread.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13076367#post13076367 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jay-sun
This tank is going to be so cool when its filled. Im in awe of how well the butt joints came out. Such a cool DIY.

Very helpful thread as well for those of us thinking about building our own acrylic tanks.

Keep the pics coming.

Jason

Thanks Jason, pics will keep on coming.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13078100#post13078100 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by leoslizards
Damn, now that you see all four sides connected you can really see how huge this tank is gonna be! Any idea how many gallons it is?

The exact outside dimensions will be 141.625x15.5x16.5 making it 156.799 gallons, but when you measure from the inside (ignoring the overflow box) it's 140.625x14.5x15.5 but of course water will not be to the tip top. Allowing 1/2" of air at the top puts it at 140.625x14.5x15 which is only 132.407 gallons of actual water (minus overflow, sand, rock, and livestock)...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13078229#post13078229 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kentanner11
I got 120...

Probably pretty close when it's all setup...

 

[melev]

Since you are gluing it pretty much where it will end up, what's the plan for where to route it?

 

[leoslizards]

Are you going to route the edges round or square? Round would match the stand and walls.

 

[calvin415]

Much to my wife's objection, it will also be routered in place. Plus, I'm not sure I could get it out of the basement once it's built.

Sorry Leo, edges will be square but hand sanded to knock the edge off. Even with 1/2" material I'd feel better leaving as much material as I can.

 

[melev]

Before you glue on the top and bottom pieces, route off the ends. You'll thank me later.

 

[calvin415]

LOL! Yeah, I thought about that... I hate haveing to double router the ends otherwise.

Unfortunately I discovered yesterday in the middle of flipping the assembly that the stand isn't perfectly level... The challenge is on to figure out a way to get this leveled, it appears to dip in the middle... No idea how it happened, but it doesn't really matter now. Here's an exaggeration:

 

[melev]

Do you not plan to use rigid foam underneath the tank?

How bad is the dip in real numbers? Maybe you can float some type of material on the surface that hardens.

 

[stan zemanek]

how about floating another couple of coats of joint compound to level out the dip in your stand. after laying the compound down try to find a perfectly straight float and pull it across the length of the stand to level. the straight edge will only leave the compound in the low spots:beer:
I am watching your build closely as I will be doing a similar tank (only in wall) when I finish off my basement. Best of luck to you!

 

[leoslizards]

No need to apologize. I was just stating that rounded edges would match the stand's edges. I like the flat squared edges myself.

 

[calvin415]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13080148#post13080148 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Do you not plan to use rigid foam underneath the tank?

How bad is the dip in real numbers? Maybe you can float some type of material on the surface that hardens.

I planned on it, but not sure will be sufficient with the slope I have... I didn't measure, but I'd estimate 1/2" at the lowest point so 1/2" over 6ft (middle of the stand)...

I thought about sealing some trim on the stand and then pour a self leveling cement, but if it's paper thin on the ends, I'm afraid it might crack under the weight... Many it wouldn't matter if I use stryo on top of the cement and it functions as a shim instead?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13080174#post13080174 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stan zemanek
how about floating another couple of coats of joint compound to level out the dip in your stand. after laying the compound down try to find a perfectly straight float and pull it across the length of the stand to level. the straight edge will only leave the compound in the low spots:beer:
I am watching your build closely as I will be doing a similar tank (only in wall) when I finish off my basement. Best of luck to you!

Thanks Stan, That sounds like a viable option if I can get something perfectly straight 12' long, although, I'm not sure how I would transition it with the rounded corners?

Let me know when you start your project, I'd love to see an inwall version.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13080754#post13080754 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by leoslizards
No need to apologize. I was just stating that rounded edges would match the stand's edges. I like the flat squared edges myself.

No need to apologize.

Thanks for the ideas guys, I still have plenty of time to try to figure something out. I need to find some different applicator bottles before I try to do the top and bottom. I had 1 large bottle with large needle, but the bottom cracked and I haven't been able to find any locally. As I mentioned I got syringes when I was expecting bottles so we'll see what I can find. Not even going to attempt it until I have plenty of solvent and a way to apply it quickly!

 

[calvin415]

Another idea, similar to the concrete, but instead I would just shim up a piece of OSB under the tank to support it and then use styro to help any "hot spots"... That way the stand isn't ruined if we take the tank down at some point in the future. Plus drilling through concrete would be a pain for the plumbing.