Questions about a 4'x4' frag tank build

[abeaudry87]

Hey guys,

I'm planning on building a small frag tank. I would like it to be a 4'x4'x14" rimless tank without the use of any euro bracing. All the glass will be 1/2" plate glass with polished edges. I'll also be building the stand myself, so I'm not worried about it not being strong enough or level. I'll also end up running it though my spray booth and spraying it with 2 coats of black and 3 coats of conversion varnish since I have a ton of it in stock already. My glass supplier will also be drilling the bottom piece for the overflow and return lines, (2) 1 1/2" drain and (1) 3/4" return. The overflow will also be placed in the middle. So far from just tossing the idea at them over the phone. They are charging $8.75 a square foot and 20 cents an inch to polish the edges.

I've been doing a lot of research but I still have a few questions. I just want to make sure I'm covering all my bases before I continue.

Okay so the few things I have questions about:

Where do I place the glass for the build? On the sides of the bottom piece, on top of the bottom piece, or a float bottom like most tank manufacturers?

Depending on the glass placement, should I use styrofoam under the tank? Why type of styrofoam and thickness should I use?

I'm planning on using Momentive RTV108 or SCS1200 for my silicone. Which one would you guys recommend?

Is this something I will be able to pull off without any bracing?

Aquatools.com says I would have a safety factor of 16.

If you guys have any more input I'm always open to changing things up a bit and any suggestions you can provide!

Thanks,
A fellow tank enthusiast.

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

Okay so the few things I have questions about:

Where do I place the glass for the build? On the sides of the bottom piece, on top of the bottom piece, or a float bottom like most tank manufacturers?

i prefer the glass around the bottom, without a floating bottom

Depending on the glass placement, should I use styrofoam under the tank? Why type of styrofoam and thickness should I use?

with glass flat on the stand yes you need foam, 1/2" pink rigid is fine
wides sides on top of the bottom, yes you need foam, again 1/2" is fine
with floating bottom, no you don't need foam, and no you should not use foam in this situation as it will put undue stress on the bottom of the tank

planning on using Momentive RTV108 or SCS1200 for my silicone. Which one would you guys recommend?

both are black and essentially the same adhesive, choice is yours, choose the one you can get locally and check the manufacturing date, both of these have shelf life of about 1 year.

this something I will be able to pull off without any bracing?

yes but use corner clamps and bar clamps to assemble it properly.

says I would have a safety factor of 16.

that sounds awfully high"¦but 12mm glass should be good

If you guys have any more input I'm always open to changing things up a bit and any suggestions you can provide!

Thanks,
A fellow tank enthusiast.[/QUOTE]

 

[abeaudry87]

Awesome thanks for the input! Excited to get started on my build. Glad you were able to basically reassure me on what I already had planned out. It's helpful to make sure I'm doing everything right -- and I won't have water all over my floor!

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

i forgot to mention your bottom piece will likely need to be in the neighbourhood of 1" thick…so if you are not willing to pony up for a 48x48" piece of 1" glass i would strongly suggest a 3-4" wide euro brace around the entire bottom inside

 

[abeaudry87]

I have to stop at my glass supplier Monday to pick up an order for work so I'll ask them how much 1" would be. Otherwise if I go with the euro bracing on the inside bottom should I go with 12mm or could I bump it down to 6mm? Would it be the same strength if I just run the euro bracing to the top and not on the bottom?

I stole this picture from http://www.oceansbydesign.com/aquariums.html

 

[Theokie]

I have a 48x48x20 tank that was built by a respected local builder up here in Alberta and the bottom pane is only 1/2 thick. Granted my top is euro braced, but still i see such a thick bottom pane as major overkill, 1" is not even used on tanks 48" tall