Frag tank build

[al&burke]

Well I had some technicies earlier so I am trying again. I am starting a frag tank for the basement. Dimensions 32 x 32 x 16 high. I had a drawing but it is on the other computer (work). I am going to have a center overflow about 8" x 8" - I have a 250 watt MH light to use and I will build a simple sump out of a 20 or 35 gallon spare tank I have. What do you guys think of the height and will the MH be OK - tank will finish about 70 gallons. I am using 3/8 glass

 

[acrylic51]

16" would be fine, but you could easily do 12", but the 250 would be perfectly fine with the 16" depth......

 

[al&burke]

Thanks Shawn - I have a buddy that has a glass shop - I am going to try this for the first time with glass, 3/8 thick should be alright don't you think.

 

[acrylic51]

Your not talking a rimless are you?????

 

[acrylic51]

If it would be a rimless tank; no I wouldn't do it.....If your going to brace the tank I think it would be fine.....I think you'd be ok dropping to 12" rimless, but I wouldn't trust pushing crazy waves or flow through it though......

 

[1guydude]

i know a guy whos doing a rimless tank right now! He has a eurobrace along the bottom but another guy was trying to talk him into putting some braces at the corners as well...i cant remember wat size glass he used!

 

[acrylic51]

Hey Al doing a little checking IMHO wouldn't even consider using anything under 1/2". Personally I'd check with a company such as Miracles or what not. 3/8" just isn't enough support for a true rimless tank.

 

[al&burke]

You are probably right - I used one of those online glass calculators, maybe I will go with a 3 inch eurostrip on top, would be nice if it was rimless though.

 

[acrylic51]

Al the more I think about it 3/8" euro braced still seems a bit skimpy....I think 3/8" material is out even euro braced. You'd need some type of cross bracing as well IMO!!!!

 

[al&burke]

So 1/2 inch sides, 3/8 bottom (??) - with strips siliconed on the bottom edges (or as guy said) eurobracing on the bottom.

 

[acrylic51]

I'd use 1/2" sides and bottom...yes reinforce the bottom, as you mentioned. I'd still do a small euro bracing!!!

 

[1guydude]

so i think he did use 1/2" glass and it was "Beveled" (SP)
his eurobrace was quite thick! Same glass i thinks, just like 3" or 4" wide!
If he ever starts a thread on it, ill pm it to u Al!!!!

 

[snakeblitz33]

I used to have two 48x48x12 tanks for corals. It was eurobraced around the outside edges. The glass was 1/2" thick, even at only 12" tall.

 

[acrylic51]

That's my thinking 1/2" euro braced!!!! Any reason other than wants for the 16" height Al? True rimless I think you'd be 3/4".

 

[al&burke]

I was kinda questioning the height would 12 inches be enough?

 

[acrylic51]

IMHO 12" would be a good height.

 

[al&burke]

Here is the drawing

 

[2quills]

Looks good Al. Any particular reason why you're going with glass on this tank over acrylic?

 

[1guydude]

Quote:
Any particular reason why you're going with glass on this tank over acrylic?
Cuz glass is better! doih

no offense of course!

 

[2quills]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1guyDude http:///t/387437/frag-tank-build#post_3409320
Cuz glass is better! doih

no offense of course!
Yeah they both have their pros and cons. Just wondering. Al does some good acrylic work. Wondering if he wants this for a display or just simple frag tank.