Building a glass tank

[snakeblitz33]

Seems pretty straight forward concept, doesn't it? I've seen quite a few youtube videos on the subject, and I have made a few repairs in my day, but I've never built a tank from scratch.

I'm toying with the idea of building a rimless cube tank.... 20x20x20" which puts it right at 34.5 gallons. ... actually less then that if you consider that the water line will be below the top mark. It would be considered a "nano" by other forum standards.

I got a price quote at a local glass shop for $24 a glass pane (20x20) by 1/4" thick and $15-20 a hole to be drilled. For a 35g cube, would it be necessary to temper the bottom glass? I'm also thinking a small C2C overflow in the center - just wondering how I can make the system run pretty silently.

To make life simpler, I was considering building a custom glass sump as well for underneath the tank, including a 3 - 5g ATO reservoir.


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I am still selling the 75g tank. I'm just not satisfied with the dimensions or the overflow or general design of it all. After seeing the professional setups at MACNA this year, I know that I want it to look a lot more professional and "up to date" and if that means that I have to take my time and for the time being concentrate on my 10g tank to figure out how to keep SPS corals while I am building this new system, then so be it. I'm kind of looking forward to a slow build finally.

 

[bang guy]

I wish you the best of luck! I'm not that brave.

The bottom is not required to be tempered but tempered glass is harder and therefore more difficult to scratch. Scratched glass is weaker...

 

[snakeblitz33]

I might should consider having the bottom tempered then, because I would really prefer the nice clean look of a bare bottom.

Anyone want to propose an overflow system?

 

[sweatervest13]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/396287/building-a-glass-tank#post_3530430
I might should consider having the bottom tempered then, because I would really prefer the nice clean look of a bare bottom.

Anyone want to propose an overflow system?
Did you read anything or see that Ghost Overflow that was highlighted at MACNA?? I read a few blogs and they said it was a nice surprise of the show. Sounds like they can handle a ton of flow.

http://blog.aquanerd.com/2013/09/reef-savvy-ghost-overflow.html

Bean or Herbie would be the others to consider.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Id like a beananimal overflow. Never had one. I think it might be fun.
Im trying to research leds as well but i am still at a standstill. Im starting to realize its the quality of the light, not the quantity. Unsure if i want to build an led unit or buy a nice sleek professional lookin one.
Im goin to use google sketch tonight to design the cube and then post a few design ideas.

 

[sweatervest13]

IMO, if this is a build that wont see water for at least a year. I would not even start to think about an LED build yet. The technology is moving so fast, things will be different in a year. Why waste time and energy planning a build that might be out of date before you even start building it. Think about what kind of LED system you might have built a year and a half ago verses the build that you would do today. Again, that is just my opinion. I would say the same thing with purchasing a nice name brand fixture. Still research, but give it time before you decide on the exact route... Things will change.

That ghost overflow seems like it is similar to the Beananimal overflow, but with some extra features (removable teeth, held by magnets). I am interested to see if they catch on.

 

[2quills]

May want to step up the thickness just a bit Seth for a rimless. 1/4" seems a little thin even for a large nano.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Are you thinking 3/8"? Anything thicker than 3/8" and i have to get it custom ordered from the glass shop. My 75g is built out of 1/4" thick glass--- if i eurobrace the 1/4" glass it should hold well.
The reason im going with glass instead of acrylic is because i can do it myself. If i had a kick butt table saw and router i would diy an acrylic tank. If i could make a few tanks and some $$ then that would be an option.

 

[2quills]

Yeah I was thinking 5/16" or 3/8" just so you wouldn't have to brace it.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Ok. I called the glass shop. Its $50 a panel. So about $250 just in glass at 3/8" thick. Its half that for 1/4"p

 

[2quills]

Pretty pricey for glass. Take a look at glass cages, you can get cut glass from them, even the starphyr stuff I believe.

 

[lubeck]

Before my upgrade I looked into building from scratch. In the end it really isn't cheaper when all said and done. Especially if you dont have the tools. That doesn't mean the payoff isnt worth it though.