Thinking of biulding a tank

Hey guys,

I've been thinking about buying a new tank for quite a while now, but I'm quite keen to build my own tank rather as I've seen some amazing ones in the forum.

If I do make my own tank, what is the best DIY tank to build? I was thinking of one with a sump at the back.

I also want to go bigger than a 3ft and go up a notch from tetras and the other hardies, any suggestion on sizes, filtering, and fish?

Lastly, is it difficult to build a square tube stand or are there better DIY stands?

I research things to death so please help me on this, it will be appreciated!:smile1:

 

To much thinking and planning equals no building. Do it the other way around - draw the money you are willing to spend. (Cash since it hurts more) go the the shops and price raw material add to that your time that you will spend researching and doing it. While you are down - drive past a LFS and pay an outrages for a eastern import (tank that is).

At least now you can fill the tank and research what to put in it.

Most of my DIY die in the think stage.

Later Ferdie

 

Build a cube like mine But go 500x500x400high

 

LOL I'll believe you on that. The only reason I do this much research is because my dad pays the bills for my fish.
And I'm very determined and precise, so if I set my mind on something and make it a goal, I'll ALWAYS finish it.
But thanks Ferdie, that info is useful to other people haha.

Kind regards,
Kenneth

 

@Lowflyer nice try! But it ain't gona work haha! I actually want to go big, aprox. 1200Lx750Wx500/600H. What do you think?

 

hehehe think you a fiesty fellow...
like the way you think...but thats not big enough i got 1.5m and its starting to look like a 1.2m ...go 2m x 700 x 700 thats like a thousand litres...i bought the glass, 12mm it cost me about R1000 (was amazing deal) then bought more glass this week, 12mm for a 1.6m x 700 x 700 for like R600...

will make them both once i've moved(bought house) with the help of my friend @duran who will help me build the stands in the next two weeks...bigger is better...

 

This links should help a bit:

http://www.theaquatools.com/building-your-aquarium to calculate your tank size

http://www.austinglass.com.au/aquariums.html info on building a tank and glass specs

 

Thanks @dragon8. Unfortunetly I really don't have space and because I'm still in school and live with my parents, thats the biggest I'll get away with!... Maybe one day though...
Please pm me where you got the glass from.

I fully agree on bigger is better! Good luck with the moving and buliding.

 

Thanks Rickus! These are quite nifty sites.

 

yaa Aqua
i feel i'm doing the maintenance anyways so a little more wont hurt...so it's really about the initial outlay...

the glass is a "dude of a dude" kinda deal, here in cpt, i noticed you're in EC,but i also meantion those prices so you can find similiar deals cos glass CAN work out expensive...let me know if you're ever coming this way...

on the size you've chosen the height and width is awesome and i think that from now on i'll stick to those myself...
enjoy your build

 

AAhh I see haha, because I'm still in school I really don't have much time (trying to do grade 11 and matric in a year and a qaurter) I'll see if if I can some pros to do it (only if the price is cheap). I also don't want the thing to leak or burst because I did something wrong, but I will try and make my own tanks eventually starting with smaller sizes though. Could you maybe tell me what would be the best filter to use, I was thinking of an internal sump.

Regards,
Kenneth

 

I suppose it depends on how much time you have and how much patience you have. I've just built my 900 x 400 x 300 tank using the sites Rickus also provided. If you're building it yourself, take your time. Leave a day for the silicon to dry (every time you lay new silicon). I've put silicon on the inside (necessary) as well as on the outside of the joints. For the size tank you are talking about you will probably need another pair of hands to help out holding the glass together while you tape it. I put another sheet of glass under the whole tank, and a sheet of 15mm styrofoam (maybe a little overkill, but my tank is standing stably ) Seriously shop around for glass - some places wanted to charge me double what I eventually paid for my glass. Aqua silicon should cost you around R40 for a 280ml tube at Builders Warehouse. My local fish shop wanted R80! Oh yes, did I mention you need patience?

 

Hi

With respect to everyone's opinions,whatever anyone here say,just do it.(Build the tank)
After building it fill it with water and cycle it.
Do not add any fish yet.
If there is any problems with your tank (building or design)it wil be visible within a week or two.
Buying a tank or having someone else build it for you is just NOT the same as DIY and the satisfaction you will get from showing off your OWN tank!!

 

totally agree....

just do itttt....proper!!!!

 

Thanks guys!!! Would 14mm glass be right for 1200Lx700Wx700H??? And the internal sump at the back, can someone give me some tips for that please.

 

14mm bit of an overkill.
Use 14mm for the tank bottom and 10mm for the sides.Do Braces though.
Internal sump.....................mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
There was a post not too long ago here.

Found It.
http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/s...lp-with-built-in-sump&highlight=internal+sump