Starting again. I want to build a 8 foot tank.

It's been a while. Sad to see the site so empty. But if we don't post we can't complain right.

On my other post I was planning a 5 foot. Took my time gathered everything, I mean I had everything beside the fish. And the weekend I was planning to complete it, something possessed me, lmao and I sold everything. I still don't know why.

Anyway I'm inspired again. I'm getting back into the he hobby. I spotted a 2.5 m cupboard with nothing on it and said yes I want a 2.5m tank. But I want a low tank, so it's going to be 45 high and 45 wide. That settles that. So I'm getting quotes now and it's eye watering lmao. Tanks are more expensive than gold. I know businesses need to make a profit, and they can charge what they want but I don't want to pay 3 times the amount the cost of materials before labour. So I made the brave decision to build the tank myself. I never built a tank before but I'm super confident I can. I literally watched 145 videos and I'm doing this.

But I love to get some input from guys who DIY their own tanks, before I submit the cutting list from the glass supplier. I especially want thoughts on

1. The top bracing. On which is the best way to do it. Do I need cross bracing, I like to just do the long bracing front and back? I will be using 10mm glass for the whole tank. In the drawings I just placed 3 pieces, it's not final. Must I put the bracing on top. Should it go below the long bracing. Should I just do a top euro bracing, without a middle piece. Hope the drawings make it make more sense.

2. Should I use clear Bostik marine silicon or Den Braven. Is there a better brand.
3. Is 15mm polystyrene enough for the bottom.

I'll be doing a open top natural planted tank. With plants growing out the top. I'm still at research phase. I already saved up for the glass and got a general glass cutting list. But I won't pull the trigger until I know all the details. Thanks in advance. Hoping to get some good info here.

 

It looks like an interesting project. Go for it, buddy.

 

Can't comment on the tank building bit definitely following along! Good luck

 

Sump. I am still working out the overflow system.

 

I was thinking the same. But I want the level of water to be high. I will draw the suggestions and post some drawings. I want to be 100% sure. I was hoping I didn't need a middle brace. But can live with it.

 

What about a thicker glass for the bottom. Or it's advisable to just double the bottom.

Then will I still need those bottom inside bracing. As the surface area for the sides to attach is bigger.

Apologies for the hundred questions.

 

I have seen huge glass tanks without middle bracing,

But:

1. They use 12-14mm glass
2. Bracing bottom and top
3. Bracing on the sides goes in the middle of the bracing for front and back to create a rim and not a lip if it makes sense

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For the glass thickness, most calculators I used suggests 8mm glass. So 10mm was a step up with a higher safety factor. I will check on the price of 12mm. Let's see what's the price difference.

I understand point 3. And will make for a cleaner look. But in terms of strength. Is it enough. Can I do the centre brace like that also.

Thanks.

 

Just a question or two:

- Was the cupboard made for supporting this much weight? This will aquarium when filled with water and rocks, etc. will weigh in excess of 600 kg.

- Have you built large aquariums yourself before? This might be jumping in the deep-end a bit if not. Part of what you pay professional aquarium builders for is their experience and their previous mistakes.

Good luck and have fun.

 

1. I will be building an internal metal frame inside the cupboard. And secure with metal 90degree supports where I need too. So I gave it some thought.

2. You are correct. It is jumping in the deep end. But I'm up for it. I know all the research won't give me the experience. Therefore I'm prepping and getting all the info I can. I believe the way my glass is cut and the way it is placed and handled. The correct thickness etc. will get me there. There is method to this. We'll see I guess. Lol

 

This is something I think I am going to change in my design and go with a thicker base.

But again, should I leave out the internal bottom braces?

 

Rather be safe than sorry

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Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to seeing this project unfold.