Tank Re-Build

[Names Brucey]

I have an opportunity to pick up a used 220 ($50) that needs glass on the rear as well as bottom trim replacement. How difficult of a job is this to do? I know cleaning the old silicone is critical but other than that?

The tank was also built without any cross braces? Does this seem right for a 72x24x30? My current 180 Oceanic has the annoying huge center brace.

Lastly, is it possible to just do away with the bottom trim and just reinforce with glass?

 

[uncleof6]

I have an opportunity to pick up a used 220 ($50) that needs glass on the rear as well as bottom trim replacement. How difficult of a job is this to do? I know cleaning the old silicone is critical but other than that?

Tank building is a huge undertaking, and every facet of it is critical: From cleaning the glass, to how and how much silicone is applied and type of silicone used, how the panels are placed and clamped during curing. It is not a project I would recommend for someone with no tank building experience. If wishing to pursue this , I would suggest that you start small and work your way up to the 220.

The tank was also built without any cross braces? Does this seem right for a 72x24x30? My current 180 Oceanic has the annoying huge center brace.

Unless the glass is very thick (above 15mm more likely 19mm) I would say that the cross braces have been removed (just a guess.)

Lastly, is it possible to just do away with the bottom trim and just reinforce with glass?

yes, assuming the bottom glass is 19mm thick, you could place an internal bottom euro brace probably 3" wide and 19mm thick and be fine without the bottom trim. A lot of work.

If I were to advise you at this point, I would say don't buy someone Else's problem.

 

[spieszak]

I don't know enough about doing this to comment on the skill level, but if you have someone in your area that repairs tanks, I'd get a quote from them on repairing it with starphire and making the back panel the front.

 

[schrader]

Buy it and cut it down to a differant size tank so you dont have to buy more glass for it.The glass could make one nice 24x30x24 rimmless tank.The glass on larger tanks are very heavy.It would take 2 or 3 people to put it together with ease.There is alot to it and it has to be put together quik.The silicone with start setting up with in a few minutes and you have to work fast.I have worked putting together several small tanks from 1g and the latest is a 48g frag tank.I will be doing a 135g frag tank next.The largest piece of glass wieghs in about 100LBS. I will be getting help building this one!!
Me myself I would buy it just for the glass to make other tanks.

 

[Names Brucey]

If I were to advise you at this point, I would say don't buy someone Else's problem.

Thanks Uncle. The tank glass is near perfect except that back which looks like someone banged it into something while moving as both sides at the edge have a chip about the same height up. The tank was used as a reptile cage so the caulk all needs to be ripped out. It's hard to pass up such a good deal on a tank that size. I looked at this a while back when it was going for a higher price but now I can get it for $50. I am pretty sure the glass is 3/4". Waiting on confirmation. I currently run a 180 that is pretty scratched up. The plan was to upgrade the chipped rear and make the front with some starphire. But if you think there is too much risk then maybe I will shy away from this. I have never built a tank but am very comfortable with DIY things.

 

[Names Brucey]

Buy it and cut it down to a differant size tank so you dont have to buy more glass for it.The glass could make one nice 24x30x24 rimmless tank.The glass on larger tanks are very heavy.It would take 2 or 3 people to put it together with ease.There is alot to it and it has to be put together quik.The silicone with start setting up with in a few minutes and you have to work fast.I have worked putting together several small tanks from 1g and the latest is a 48g frag tank.I will be doing a 135g frag tank next.The largest piece of glass wieghs in about 100LBS. I will be getting help building this one!!
Me myself I would buy it just for the glass to make other tanks.

I know it's heavy. Not a bad plan to use it to construct something smaller and fully rimless. I hate passing up on opportunities like this. Thanks for the ideas.

 

[uncleof6]

Thanks Uncle. The tank glass is near perfect except that back which looks like someone banged it into something while moving as both sides at the edge have a chip about the same height up. The tank was used as a reptile cage so the caulk all needs to be ripped out. It's hard to pass up such a good deal on a tank that size. I looked at this a while back when it was going for a higher price but now I can get it for $50. I am pretty sure the glass is 3/4". Waiting on confirmation. I currently run a 180 that is pretty scratched up. The plan was to upgrade the chipped rear and make the front with some starphire. But if you think there is too much risk then maybe I will shy away from this. I have never built a tank but am very comfortable with DIY things.

A tank needing this type of work is not a good deal anyway you look at it. The replacement glass can cost you more than a new tank. Building a tank is not a trivial thing as some would mislead you to believe. You don't know the can of worms you want to get into. Its all good though, because I do!

 

[Names Brucey]

Reply thanks everyone. Still might pick this up for the glass.

 

[coralnut99]

Reply thanks everyone. Still might pick this up for the glass.

Before you you do, make sure you have a glass shop in your area that will work with you cutting glass of such thickness if you plan on doing so. Otherwise you'll just end up with very large heavy glass panels sitting around. Not every shop will cut down a piece you bring in, and lots don't work with thick glass.

 

[Names Brucey]

Before you you do, make sure you have a glass shop in your area that will work with you cutting glass of such thickness if you plan on doing so. Otherwise you'll just end up with very large heavy glass panels sitting around. Not every shop will cut down a piece you bring in, and lots don't work with thick glass.

Good point. I will have to check into that.

 

[schrader]

Before you you do, make sure you have a glass shop in your area that will work with you cutting glass of such thickness if you plan on doing so. Otherwise you'll just end up with very large heavy glass panels sitting around. Not every shop will cut down a piece you bring in, and lots don't work with thick glass.

Thats why you go and buy a glass cutter and DIY.It isnt hard if you get a good glass cutter and have a staight edge to cut from.