Free glass tank build

D

davidgnome

New member
So I just found 6 panels of glass that are 36" x 36" and are 1/4" thick. Could I build a shallow reef thats euro braced on top and bottom? Say 36"x 35" x 14-18" high? I would save a ton of money since the 1/4" glass was free. I should mention the glass has a mirror print that needs removed, but if I can clean it up...PS I live on the small island of Guam and tanks here are WAY overpriced and DIY is my only option. Thanks for the help

I am concerned about the 1/4 " thickness, and wonder if being shallow and double bracing helps the safety factor go up. Currently at 16 inches high the safety factor is 3.4ish. So bracing would put me in a safe 4 range????
 
I was planning to just order 3/8" glass for a 48x 36x 20 tank. Could I even just salvage the 1/4" glass for my euro brace to save money?.....anyone
 
Yes, I think 1/4 inch is too thin for that big of a tank. Also removing the mirror print may cost more than just buying good glass. With 3/8" glass, I'm not sure for those measurements. There should be a aquarium glass thickness calculator on the web somewhere. Google it.

I think the best use of the free 1/4" stuff would be for bracing on the bottom of the tank. It'll be buried under sand, so the print won't show.
 
You could do the 1/4 at 14 inches. I would euro brace the top and the brace the bottom also. Can you post a pic of the glass

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If its mirror good luck removing it with out scratching the hell out of it and the amount of time. I know glass might cost more but you will have more peace of mind knowing 3/8 wont bow out on you. Unless you went 12 inc height. I made a sump for my buddy 30x30 out of 1/4 glass and it was fine but at only 12 inches heigh. If you really want go for it go 13 height but have the water level at 12 inches

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MarAquatic said:
You can use the 1/4 glass for the bracing

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Click to expand...

Ok MarAquatic. So, I keep changing things up. That's only because I have been trying to hunt down glass for cheap. The island of Guam has poor disposal of trash, since its a island...

Today I found some really good glass. Attached are the pictures. The measurement is 41" x 19 1/4" that's 1/2" thick. 4 pieces of this were sold to me for 30$. My only issues are, getting a bottom that is 41" x 41" to build a cube, and adding a brace.

My questions are if this glass is tempered is that a problem using it for front/back and sides? Also if the corners are chipped slightly will this weaken my seal/or the glass itself. Should I use this? Considering I will add a hang on back overflow from BRS or Marine Depot, and I will only need to order one sheet it seems like a very cheap tank. See pictures for the few chips in the corners.
 

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If I order a 41" x 41" bottom does it need to be tempered and 1/2"? I'm guessing it doesn't need to be tempered. Also, the euro bracing, could I get away with it being 3/8" to save money or does it need to be 1/2"? Thanks a lot for the help! When I silicone I will be putting all the pieces on top of the bottom panel and then styrofoam underneath that for the stand, correct?
 
Michael Hoaster said:
Yes, I think 1/4 inch is too thin for that big of a tank. Also removing the mirror print may cost more than just buying good glass. With 3/8" glass, I'm not sure for those measurements. There should be a aquarium glass thickness calculator on the web somewhere. Google it.

I think the best use of the free 1/4" stuff would be for bracing on the bottom of the tank. It'll be buried under sand, so the print won't show.
Click to expand...

What about the glass pictured? Are those chips a problem if its tempered glass? Can I still use these 1/2" panels...? Thanks
 
Those chips would be a concern to me. If anything I would use the chips on top. And a good way to see if it is tempered is look for the stamp. If it has no stamp turn your phone screen pure white and bright get some polarized sunglasses and put your phone on the other side against the glass if it has waves or lines its tempered. You can use it for the sides and for the bottom you can use 3/8. The euro bracing can also be 3/8. But first find out if it is tempered. Online you can find glass triangles that can be also uses in the corner scenes.

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I'm thinking if they were tempered, the pieces with chips wouldn't have chipped, they would have broken into a million pieces...
 
outssider said:
I'm thinking if they were tempered, the pieces with chips wouldn't have chipped, they would have broken into a million pieces...
Click to expand...

Would the edges be really smooth if its float glass? Every piece of regular glass Ive seen doesnt have such smooth finishing on the edges.
 
MarAquatic said:
Those chips would be a concern to me. If anything I would use the chips on top. And a good way to see if it is tempered is look for the stamp. If it has no stamp turn your phone screen pure white and bright get some polarized sunglasses and put your phone on the other side against the glass if it has waves or lines its tempered. You can use it for the sides and for the bottom you can use 3/8. The euro bracing can also be 3/8. But first find out if it is tempered. Online you can find glass triangles that can be also uses in the corner scenes.

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Click to expand...

Thanks man for the help. So, if a piece has chips only on one corner and I can put it at the top the seem breaking may not be as concerning right?

Also you said I could use the panels for the sides, does that mean because they're tempered I shouldnt use it for front/back as well? Just sides n bottom only?
 
You can use them for any side front back or sides. Did you find out If they are temp?

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The reason for that top corner to be a concern is because it can be a point for it to leak. You will need to make sure it is properly sealed

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