How to brace a DIY sump

[bqq100]

Since I can't find any decent sized tank that will fit in my stand I've decided to build a custom sized sump. Since I couldn't find any reasonable prices on 1/4" glass sheets I'm going to try and use a recycled tank, break it down, and cut the pieces to size. Since the recycled tank will probably be a rimmed 20 tall tank, I expect the glass to be 3/8. Will that be thick enough for a rimless 13x9x14? If not what is the best way to brace it to prevent bowing? Strip of glass siliconed across the type? Some sort of band around the top? Doesn't have to be pretty just needs to get the job done.

I'm sure when it comes time to build i'll have more questions! :spin1:

Thanks!

 

[uncleof6]

A full euro brace will suffice, but will not be needed for either 6mm or 9 - 10mm glass, at the given dimensions. I would however, in case it is 6mm glass, (1/4") put a euro inside at the bottom of the tank. This is somewhat subjective, as the baffles will help out with the bottom seam. The bottom for either should be 9 - 10mm, for a semi-floated bottom. a 9 - 10mm bottom euro, would make up for the 6mm glass.

 

[bqq100]

A full euro brace will suffice, but will not be needed for either 6mm or 9 - 10mm glass, at the given dimensions. I would however, in case it is 6mm glass, (1/4") put a euro inside at the bottom of the tank. This is somewhat subjective, as the baffles will help out with the bottom seam. The bottom for either should be 9 - 10mm, for a semi-floated bottom. a 9 - 10mm bottom euro, would make up for the 6mm glass.

Sorry I typoed... it will probably 3/16" (5mm) thick glass. And 2 dumb questions.... How do you go about making a euro brace? And whats a semi=floated bottom?

 

[CrazyEyes]

Eurobracing is glass strips along the outside of the tank whether its on the top an/or the bottom. It takes the place of the regular plastic trim. Semi floating is where the sides/front/back are built around the bottom.

 

[CrazyEyes]

Here is a top eurobraced tank.http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/5157571380_6c445ea799_o.jpg

 

[bqq100]

Here is a top eurobraced tank.http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/5157571380_6c445ea799_o.jpg

Thanks for the pic. In that picture it looks like a square cutout of a single pane of glass, but 4 strips would work too? With eurobracing the bottom, does the bracing go on the very bottom with the tank sitting on the bracing, or is it a band around the outside?

 

[woodnaquanut]

Without really fancy, read expensive, tools you cannot make a cutout in a sheet of glass. All eurobraced glass tanks use strips.

To EB the bottom, use strips just like the top. They go on the inside, flat against the bottom pane.

 

[bqq100]

Without really fancy, read expensive, tools you cannot make a cutout in a sheet of glass. All eurobraced glass tanks use strips.

To EB the bottom, use strips just like the top. They go on the inside, flat against the bottom pane.

Does the bottom EB require a cross brace since the middle of the bottom panel is now 1/4" off the ground? And would a semi-floated, bottom EB'ed tank still required a poly pad to sit on?

Thanks for all the help everyone

 

[CrazyEyes]

^ nailed it. Using a single glass piece would be awesome though. Expensive but killer. And yeah the bottom glass strips just get silicone inside along the outside. This gives the sides using silicone on the sides of the bottom, this literally attaches the sides to the bottom much better.