Complete DIY Custom 144x15x15

Status
Not open for further replies.
Eric
looking good.
the solid surface guy was talking about a matched seam.
in the counter biz. you can clamp the material together and route it off together. you end up with what is called a matched seam.
i dont think that will help with your problem. i was thinking maybe a very small 45 deg fillet front and back on acrylic sheet before glue up might help hide it . in general i have no idea! :)
keep up the good work and the pics . i enjoy reading about these builds
 
Have you tried asking a plastic company for their thoughts? I don't see what a email or 2 would hurt. could get a trick ot trade type input eh?
 
yeah, it certainly wouldn't hurt to email "Acrylics" who is a member here and that's what his business is. I'm sure he'd know what to do if theres a way to get it to disappear.
 
I know some tank manufacturers can and do butt join panels together. In pictures I can't see the seam perhaps in person you can. I also hear that as the tank ages the seam can become visible/ more visible.
 
at the atlanta aquarium, they used huge sheets of acrylic for their huge viewing window, you can see the seams if you look at them from the side, but it's not that noticeable. That arcylic is like a foot thick.
 
Thanks for the feedback and thoughts guys... Actually I already asked James for his thoughts and he said the same.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=390652&perpage=25&pagenumber=22

The only thing I'm not doing is cutting it at a 45 and I didn't go that route because if there is still a line, I would see two lines 1/2" apart. Hope that makes sense, if not I can draw a picture. Either way, it looks like a line is not uncommon so I'll have to live with it. I'll post more pics when I have an update on tank construction and or to answer any other questions.

On a side note, if you haven't seen it already, our local club was featured this month in the Club Showcase in ReefKeeping Magazine that just came out! We're pretty stoked about it!!!

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-06/cs/index.php
 
Good job so far. I have never seen a "large" acrylic tank where you could not see the seems. Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas, Atlanta Aquarium, etc, you always see the seam.
 
this is gong to be an awesome setup for sure! I love the long shallow and narrow look! Have you planned out you flow yet? there are so many interesting things you can do...
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12705763#post12705763 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SWINGRRRR
Good job so far. I have never seen a "large" acrylic tank where you could not see the seems. Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas, Atlanta Aquarium, etc, you always see the seam.
Click to expand...

Ditto, you can even see the seams in pictures, but I wasn't sure it was fair to compare the seam on this panel to ones where each section weight 20 tons. ;)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12707840#post12707840 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Chibils
Loving the way this tank is coming along.
Click to expand...

Thanks!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12707888#post12707888 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JDigital
Wow... impressive build! That is an insane amount of sanding... :eek2:
Click to expand...

That's nothing... That was just to do one side of one panel, multiply that by 8 and then add all the finishing work on the tank itself (sanding and polishing all the edges!!!). ;)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12708563#post12708563 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rocmtnreef
Hey Eric, looks like you got yourself a project there. Can't wait to see you putting the water in.
Click to expand...

Thanks bud, I can't wait either!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12709579#post12709579 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tigerarmy40
this is gong to be an awesome setup for sure! I love the long shallow and narrow look! Have you planned out you flow yet? there are so many interesting things you can do...
Click to expand...

Yes, the sump will be fed by an overflow on the side near the wall, and returned through an overflow on the side near the support post. The overflow on the side near the support post will have teeth cut lower to ensure it stays flooded (don't want air in it) and feed the CL pump. The CL will pump 3600 GPH (Dart) through 5 return ports drilled through the bottom. Each CL bulkhead will likely be T'd off to provide constant flow in one direction and opposite flow on the other side. Basically the lower half of the tank will have a wirlpool effect going on, while the surface flows from the CL overflow to the other (drain to sump).

Hope that makes sense.

Thanks for all the feedback guys, I have to get working on the basement again soon as the permit is due to expire soon and I need to get this thing done.
 
That's nothing... That was just to do one side of one panel, multiply that by 8 and then add all the finishing work on the tank itself (sanding and polishing all the edges!!!). ;)
Click to expand...
Would it really be necessary to work that hard on all 8 sides. It would seem like the bottom wouldn't need much sanding if any sanding at all. Same thing with the top if it's just for bracing. Depending on how you aquascape, the back may not need much work either, right?
 
The back is viewable as well, as for the top and bottom, I won't know what pieces will be used for the top and bottom until all 4 pieces are finished and then the worst two will be used for the top and bottom. Either way, I'm stuck doing lots of sanding. Really I don't mind it, it helps make the project last longer and allows me to continue to direct funds appropriately... :D I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I love the build as much if not more than the finished project.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12714011#post12714011 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by calvin415
I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I love the build as much if not more than the finished project.
Click to expand...

+1
 
Great work Calvin,glad I have a chance to follow this one from the start.

The build seems to always be my favorite part :).
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

F
Tank stand on castors
Replies
4
Views
368
albano
albano
E
4x2x2 Acrylic reel tank and stand for sale
Replies
4
Views
303
ebe
E
D
DIY Stand Help
Replies
6
Views
436
kharmaguru
kharmaguru
D
Which sump would you choose?
Replies
5
Views
372
Devilphish
D
scuzy
FS: complete setup
Replies
3
Views
1K
ashburn
A
Back
Top