custom nano builder?

aquadonkey

aquadonkey

New member
Hi friends - I'm starting up a tiny tank and just looking into possibilities still. Right now my top choice is the standard 5.5g - 16x8x10. However, I'm interested in exploring other shapes - ie, a little longer and shallower.
Two requirements:
1) I need a rim, because I'm going to screen the top.
2) I would prefer the aquarium is glass - I'm guess it would take me, ooohhh, about 3 minutes to ruin an acrylic aquarium.
So, with those stipulations, is it possible to find someone who builds small tanks?
 
check for Bently23 in the "southern tier reef society". He did a 14" or 16" rimless cube that came out pretty nicely. He just ordered his glass cut to size and then siliconed it himself. He is building another nano soon that's 30x30x14. If you went that route you could just find a local glass/mirror shop and they should be able to get any thickness and any size glass for you. I think all the glass for the 30x30x14 is going to be under $100, so it's WAY cheaper than having somebody build it for you.
 
Thanks for the tip. I checked out this guy's threads - pretty cool. I just don't know if I would trust myself to do that correctly.... Maybe I should just stick with the 5.5g.
 
Hmmm... I think you should go for it Lizz. I think this would be fun to watch too. And with pieces of glass if you make a mistake when sealing you can just clean the silicone off properly and try again. Once you've got it together you could always put it in a water safe place and let it sit full for a while until your comfort level is reached. :)
 
lol oh dear - I feel myself being egged on. Maybe I should just do it..... You're right, I can try getting it sealed correctly as many times as I like!
 
Hey not only would you have extra Reefer Chic pride in being able to say "heck yea, I built that!" but I'll even sweeten the deal and get ya over here to pick out a coral from my tank to put in it.

Got the glass ordered yet? :D
 
I didn't check the guys build thread, so this might be a duplicate - make sure you use quality silicone like the GE RTV108 or better. I replaced a pane on my sump and it was easier than expected!
 
Just ordered my glass.
I blame you Mel. I know exactly where to send my unhappy husband when he gets home from Europe to find his house transformed into a workshop.
Yay!
I'm excited!
 
And thanks Blurry for the silicone recommendation. I used silicone from the lfs to install my baffles, because I wasn't positive which home depot silicone was safe. That'll help cut costs even more on this project.
 
aquadonkey said:
Just ordered my glass.
I blame you Mel. I know exactly where to send my unhappy husband when he gets home from Europe to find his house transformed into a workshop.
Yay!
I'm excited!
Click to expand...

Heh... I'm building a cage in the garage for unhappy husbands. They'll be getting fed once a week. ;)
 
On second thought... Les Miserables would probably be best kept off my property so as to not upset the balance over here. Did they fill in the subway tunnel yet?

I kid, I kid. Glad to hear you ordered the glass Lizz. If you need any help (not that I've done this before), someone to take pics as you go or just moral support feel free to holler. :)
 
Just picked up the glass (they were a little too fast!). When I have all the materials, I may well give you a buzz. I read that it sometimes helps to have an extra pair of hands when the tank is actually being put together.
I'm so excited about having the exact dimensions I want! Now if only they made lights that are 22.5 inches long....
 
So the length is 22.5". What are the other dimensions you decided on? I'd suggest we could build a custom light fixture too but I'm afraid you'd want to punch me in the arm next time ya see me. lol
 
Exactly 7 gallons....
I thought about the custom light thing, but I don't know the first thing about it. I was thinking maybe a 24" with adjustable legs.
 
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