Need Help Building Frag Tank

[pappasmurf]

I read a thread on R\C about using the pin method to build an acrylic frag tank. I understand how to glue the side pieces to the bottom, but how do you glue the side pieces together?
Do you turn the tank on its sides once you have the sides attached to the bottom and glue them the same way? The thread didn't really mention how to attach the sides to each other.

I am using 1\4" acrylic and Weld-on #4. The tank will be 38"L x 24"W x 12"h.

Any help would be apprieciated. Tim

 

[sammie]

What thread are you following? Going into the business? How big of a tank are you making?

 

[geo]

Hey Tim,
You will want to join the four sides together first. then the sides to the top, join the bottom last. You will need a fixture to hold the parts at a 90 degree angle while joining.

 

[pappasmurf]

To late George, I glued the sides to the bottom before I reallized the thread didn't mention putting the sides together. I think the only possible cure will be to turn the tank on its side and try glueing it that way.

It looks like he did the sides to the bottom first on the thread. Here it is, check it out and see what you think. Tim

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=169326

 

[AcroSteve]

Help us out here. Start over with your description of what you have done but keep in mind there is a botton, 2 sides, front, back and top or eurobrace.

You should always assemble acrylic so your jounts are horizontal when gluing them.

 

[geo]

so you have two sides joined to the bottom panel? and you now need to add the other two sides and the top. correct?

 

[pappasmurf]

Sorry for the incorrect discription.
I have already glued the 2 sides, front and back to the bottom.
I need to glue the 2 sides to the front and back.

 

[geo]

You will need to lay the tank down to make those joints.

 

[AcroSteve]

Yes, lay the tank on the front, then do 2 joints. Then turn it over to the back, and do the other two.

Unfortunately, the bottom corners will not be 100%, due to the way you built it.

 

[pappasmurf]

Thanks guys,

I took your advise and laid the tank on its front and back and glued the sides to them. I also cut strips and glued them to the side, back and front, of each inside corner to try an reenforce them.
I'll let you know if it blows apart when I fill it up with water.
Live and learn, at least I'll know the right way to do this if I have to do it again. Thanks again, Tim

 

[pappasmurf]

Tank is full and still together. Thanks for the help. Tim

 

[geo]

:thumbsup:

 

[szwab]

how's it holding up?
I assume it's good since there were no flood posts :lol:

 

[pappasmurf]

Tanks holding up, its full with no leaks. Thanks for all your help.

Tim