How to build an glass aquarium?

[tfetter]

I have searched around for a while and have not been able to find any information on how to build a glass aqaurium . (except very basic ones).
Is there anybody out there who has built their own glass aquarium?
I am looking to build a L36"xW24"H24" which, to my knowledge no manufactor makes that size.
One of my other questions is do people that build their own aquarium use the plastic braces on the top and bottom, or are they custom made or can you buy them, and do you need them?
Is there a certain thickness of glass I should use?

I am just thinking things out before I jump into something without knowing fully about it, (if thats possible ). Wondering if it is also cost effective as well, my LFS will custom build one for about $480.00. I know thats not a lot of money to some, but I am trying to cut corners without sacrificing quality. I am also planning on building my own stand and canopy.

The more inputs and ideas the better. Pros and cons on sizes?
Thanks for everybodys help, I really apprciate it
Oh ya, if any body has pics of their DIY aquariums if you can post them to get ideas, thanks.

 

[tfetter]

^

 

[Starscream]

This should get you started.

http://www.aquariacentral.com/diy/aquarium.shtml
http://www.fnzas.org.nz/articles/technical/glassthickness/
http://www.austinglass.com.au/The secret.htm
http://www.firsttankguide.net/calculator.php

 

[kakan]

Look at the how to pages at www.garf.org They have great step by step info on bilding your tank. They alsp have instuctions for bilding stands.

HTH
Kakan.

 

[jrcastro]

I say go for it. How do you think tanks get built??
All it takes is glass cut from your local glass shop & sealant thats it. For that size you would need 3/8" glass. It should only cost a little over a hundred bucks. No need for special tools. go to www.about.com and search for aquariums. they have basic plans there. or www.garf.org

good luck

 

[tfetter]

Thanks for the information, keep the ideas coming.

 

[ilango]

Building glass tanks is really simple all u need is 5 pieces of glass and a bottle of silicone, and some scotch tape for tolding the glass together for some time...

I whould suggest to make up your mind on what you r building the tank for. I mean a reef or FOWLR and what is your budget for lighting !!! This will help you to make the right dicision about the size of your tank.

 

[Saltybob]

I just gone through with my cube. Here are a few pics in my gallery as well as a short post in the cvr forums.
http://www.cvreefers.org/v/CVR_members/Saltybob/?g2_page=2
http://www.cvreefers.org/showthread.php?t=3520

 

[tfetter]

I am doing a reef tank I plan on using mh w/ pc. A question I have is on the garf.com it says to cut (2) 34 1/4" and (2) 23 1/4" pieces and use that for my bracing, do I use the bracing on the edges (euro bracing) or do I have to use the 23" pices in the middle?

Thanks again for everybodys help.
I want to go with 36x24x25 with 1/2" glass.

 

[ilango]

Use the bracing for the front n back glass and sides. It strengthens your tank and the glass dosent tend to bend.

 

[tfetter]

Saltybob, sweet tank thanks for sharing the photos.

 

[ReefWaters]

Has anyone out there tried to build a braceless tank? Like the Japanese tanks you always see. Do they do anything differently with in the manufacturing process or do they simply leave off all bracing and wish for the best?

 

[areze]

thicker glass.

 

[ilango]

Reefwaters, if your glass is thick enough and and the tank is not too long you can avoid the bracing... I preffer bracing so that I can sleep well at night

 

[ReefWaters]

Okay, I know that GARF has the thickness calculators but that is with bracing.

What do you guys think about a 48x36x24 without bracing?
Is the 48" length too much? Would 36x36 be that much better?
Also, what thickness glass do you think I would need? Would 3/8 be enough or would I want to go to 1/2?

Thanks guys

 

[areze]

without bracing? and sleep at night?

Id probably be pricing 3/4"

perhaps that is major overkill; just how I like it.

 

[Saltybob]

I would not use anything less then 3/4"

 

[ilango]

You can manage with 1/2" but if $ is not a major issue then I will go for the 3/4" too

 

[jeffb3t]

Kinda funny you mentioned braceless japanese tanks. They do come with plastic braces that set on top but unfortunatly there is no instructions on how to use the braces so most people don't thinking that they aren't needed. Thus the thicker glass.

 

[ReefWaters]

jeffb3t, do you have any info or links to some Japanese tank manufacturers? I just want to see if they have some pics or other construction info.

Thanks again for all the info guys. And dont worry, if and when I actually get around to building a tank, I will be taking my sweet time and it will be water tested outside for a minimum of a week or two before it ever sees water inside my house.