My Carbon-Fiber 230 gal Tank
- Thread starter salt lick
- Start date
BonsaiNut
Premium Member
I missing something major here. Why is it necessary to make the tank joints flexible?
I can understand flexibility with large structures like buildings, etc, but with a small (under 6') aquarium isn't it better just to overengineer the thing and make it super rigid?
Also, my biggest concern with my tank in an earthquake is water loss and rock shifting. So many reef tanks have the water come up within 2" of the rim -- you should have seen my pool after our last major quake in Southern Cal and you would know that isn't sufficient. Also, I would think the greatest risk for glass panel breakage would come from the reef rock inside the tank crashing into the glass panels...
Just my thoughts.
I can understand flexibility with large structures like buildings, etc, but with a small (under 6') aquarium isn't it better just to overengineer the thing and make it super rigid?
Also, my biggest concern with my tank in an earthquake is water loss and rock shifting. So many reef tanks have the water come up within 2" of the rim -- you should have seen my pool after our last major quake in Southern Cal and you would know that isn't sufficient. Also, I would think the greatest risk for glass panel breakage would come from the reef rock inside the tank crashing into the glass panels...
Just my thoughts.
salt lick
Member
joint flex
joint flex
Standard glass tanks have 'structural' silicone joints. The silicone in the joint reacts all the loads that the glass (sloshing water) generates. When the tank rocks, the load is not uniformly distributed on the bottom, when the glass bows and pulls, it tends to peel the silicone bond line at the glass. My tank is a frame with the glass retained by the laminate flanges, the silicone is only a sealant. In a conventional tank, once the joint starts to peel, the water acts like a wedge and pow the joint fails. In my design, even if the glass peels from the silicone, when shaking, it will re-seat and probably reseal (an o-ring is not bonded typically, but it seals under load). the glass is extra thick (3/4") for impact of rocks or kids.
joint flex
BonsaiNut said:
Standard glass tanks have 'structural' silicone joints. The silicone in the joint reacts all the loads that the glass (sloshing water) generates. When the tank rocks, the load is not uniformly distributed on the bottom, when the glass bows and pulls, it tends to peel the silicone bond line at the glass. My tank is a frame with the glass retained by the laminate flanges, the silicone is only a sealant. In a conventional tank, once the joint starts to peel, the water acts like a wedge and pow the joint fails. In my design, even if the glass peels from the silicone, when shaking, it will re-seat and probably reseal (an o-ring is not bonded typically, but it seals under load). the glass is extra thick (3/4") for impact of rocks or kids.
salt lick
Member
Just finished re-plumbing second sump to hold Aerofoamer 836 skimmer. Completed bubble free surge tank! pump is constantly filling tank, motorized 1.5" ball valve opens when full, and closes before it empties. Because the ball valve closes gradually (compared to a toilet flapper) there is no water hammer. virtually silent too! also built a Nielson reactor with Hanna magnetic stirrer.
I'll post some pics soon, when the water is back in for the final circulation trials.
I'll post some pics soon, when the water is back in for the final circulation trials.
reefrubble
Premium Member
Super job. Beautiful tank. I tip my hat to you sir. Ted
STREAMLINEGFX
New member
Very cool idea. Can't wait to see some new pics.
Lucky Strike
New member
Do a search for all his posts he has posted with pics of the tank up for 2 - 3 years recently.
DheereCrossing
New member
Would that neoprene backer also be bonded to the glass edge or only the siicone?
Rhodophyta
New member
I thought if I win the lotto, I might build a tank out of transparent aluminum. It is real, not scifi any more, but super expensive.
