pvc bottom need feedback

[thesaent14]

well i see more and more people making big tanks with PVC bottom can some one please tell me whats good whats bad how well the PVC is with silicon and if they bond good and last long i am on the planing of my 390g or 400 and i will like to diy my self and PVC bottom is one of my options


thanks

 

[thesaent14]

bump

 

[psyco_guy_abd]

I'd like to see some info on this too. I think PVC bottoms are the way of the future. Maybe even some of you with custom built tanks with PVC bottoms could help out by posting a couple of close ups of glass/pvc joint.

 

[thesaent14]

that is a good way to say it we need close ups and i like the way they look and i think if you rout the ends will hold meaning making a brace with the pvc bottom

 

[gws294]

thesaent14,
you posted on my thread the other day... I referred you to naka and invincible. I don't have pics yet, but the construction is simple.
A groove is routed around the edge of the PVC and the glass is simply siliconed into the groove. I'm sure that the silicone is a specail kind, but I don't know what the brand is.
Geoff


The PVC on my tank is 1" thick.. Big stuff

 

[thesaent14]

thanks gws294 and ones more your tank is amazing i will be making my tank in like 3 Weeks or so i am planing to use black silicon the type they use for plains which is type 999 and is reef safe i want it to see pics of your tank to get a better idea i still want to see the pics lol


i will post the making of my 400g tank it will be all diy including the equipment

 

[tbone28]

I just ordered a PVC/glass tank from A.G.E, and asked them how they make a strong bond between the 2 materials...answer to me: It's a secret. But, it's not normal silicone.

 

[thesaent14]

so is top secret wow nowthis make it hard for me gsw294 how are thos pictures coming

 

[CMcNeil]

for all you know they may not be useing silicone at all.it could be some other type of sealant they found works.maybe they used 5200 to glue the glass to pvc.anyone have any pics of the seams of these tanks?

 

[tbone28]

Tom (from A.G.E) told me this technique of bonding the 2 materials together was actually developed in the 1970's, but was never popular due to the higher cost.

 

[gws294]

I'll get some pics tomorrow... sorry for the delay, got called into work this weekend.. no time.

Geoff

 

[invincible569]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10025395#post10025395 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tbone28
I just ordered a PVC/glass tank from A.G.E, and asked them how they make a strong bond between the 2 materials...answer to me: It's a secret. But, it's not normal silicone.

be proud to be in the secret society.

 

[tbone28]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10035012#post10035012 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by invincible569
be proud to be in the secret society.

Oh yeah, I am! It's exciting! Just imagine: I was shopping for a prefab tank (cost) and ended up with an A.G.E tank!...and who's idea was this?? my wife's! .... of course, it didn't help to show her pics of your guys' tanks and those clean, beautiful silicone seams. Your tank and Naka's are truly inspirational...keep up the great work!

 

[tbone28]

double post

 

[Zoa]

how pricey are the tanks from Aquarium Environments as compared to other custom manufacturers? to keep it simple if possible--I am just referring to rectangular tanks....

 

[tbone28]

I priced out the custom tank builders you read about here on RC. My tank is rectangular (6x2x2).

Cheapest = Glass Cages
Most expensive = A.G.E

Miracles and AO = in the middle and similarly priced

I've not heard good things about Glass Cages. A.G.E was $200-$300 more than miracles and AO. What sold me was the PVC bottom

 

[yaktop]

I think if you want holes in the bottom, pvc is a consideration. if your like me and rather have no drain points at the base then it doesnt matter. IMO, wave boxes, tunzes, or vortecs eliminate the need for close loops and hungry pumps to drive them.

 

[tbone28]

I'm not doing a closed loop system, but went with A.G.E because:

1) They've never had a tank leak on them
2) the PVC will eliminate pressure points from the rock (I don't want to use Starboard)
3) I wanted Eurobracing, and don't like how the (4) pieces of glass looks when it's siliconed together - A.G.E uses a single piece of acrylic for their Eurobracing
4) Nice seams
5) Tom has great service

 

[thesaent14]

hey guys i just got a good deal on a tunze wave box with the controller and tow 6080 tunzes will that do for my new tank 84/36/30 i will go with the pvc bottom i already know where to get it now i have to get the glass tomorrow and need to know what glue i will use that's still a secret lol

 

[thesaent14]

i think i found it take a look at this

http://www.technologylk.com/product_view.aspx?product_ID=7823

please tell me what you think