How-To Build A 200g Glass Aquarium
- Thread starter psusocr1
- Start date
turningtim
Active Member
Hold your shorts on fella, who was the one who said "start small"!
PSU, what about using the 2x4 jigs that you used and use a couple of band clamps around the tank. I mean NOT King Kong tight but just a thought. Also any suggestions on how to get my new/old beasty apart? mitzel suggested trying to get something down through the seams (thin wire) what do you think?
mitzel it sound like its coming together, keep those ideas coming and we'll get it done.
Gotta unload the beast, be back soon.
Tim
BTW mitzel sounds like this will have to be built on site so I'm sorry but I'll have to double my rate from $0.00 to 2 X $0.00 which = BEER!!!!!
:hilarious
Later
PSU, what about using the 2x4 jigs that you used and use a couple of band clamps around the tank. I mean NOT King Kong tight but just a thought. Also any suggestions on how to get my new/old beasty apart? mitzel suggested trying to get something down through the seams (thin wire) what do you think?
mitzel it sound like its coming together, keep those ideas coming and we'll get it done.
Gotta unload the beast, be back soon.
Tim
BTW mitzel sounds like this will have to be built on site so I'm sorry but I'll have to double my rate from $0.00 to 2 X $0.00 which = BEER!!!!!
Later
turningtim
Active Member
I got it yesterday! I guess I should have stopped by, I think I went right by you!
Its beat up pretty bad. Lots of chips, scratches and poorly done repairs. Hey now that I think about its kinda like me! :hilarious
In any case it will be taken apart and see whats left. I also have some more glass to pick-up and then I'll figuire out what if anything I can do. I know I'll have to buy a tempered bottom, well at least I think I do. I think I'm gonna go 55-60" long, 16-18" deep and 24-26" high. So do you think 1/2 plate bottom would handle that? I just really have to see what I have left and if its nothing then so be it. This is for fun and if it works great. If not then I'm sure to learn a few lessons. I told my wife that this will at the very least add to my "Jack of all trades Master of none" resume. First I'm gonna get my dremel and pop some small holes and see if it explodes :scared:
Sounds like you had some fun on the boards last night! I'll have to join you for the Friday night thing. If I'm invited?
What do you think I should do?
Tim
Its beat up pretty bad. Lots of chips, scratches and poorly done repairs. Hey now that I think about its kinda like me! :hilarious
In any case it will be taken apart and see whats left. I also have some more glass to pick-up and then I'll figuire out what if anything I can do. I know I'll have to buy a tempered bottom, well at least I think I do. I think I'm gonna go 55-60" long, 16-18" deep and 24-26" high. So do you think 1/2 plate bottom would handle that? I just really have to see what I have left and if its nothing then so be it. This is for fun and if it works great. If not then I'm sure to learn a few lessons. I told my wife that this will at the very least add to my "Jack of all trades Master of none" resume. First I'm gonna get my dremel and pop some small holes and see if it explodes :scared:
Sounds like you had some fun on the boards last night! I'll have to join you for the Friday night thing. If I'm invited?
What do you think I should do?
Tim
mitzel
Active Member
What ? who said anything about beer? Thats a deal though .
I was thinking too that for the sake of maybe moving it ten twenty years from now. could we build the stand so its one piece but with a few revoed braces it would come apart into two or three sections ? I was thinking this but also thought about it might give it flex and rupture the seams.
I was thinking too that for the sake of maybe moving it ten twenty years from now. could we build the stand so its one piece but with a few revoed braces it would come apart into two or three sections ? I was thinking this but also thought about it might give it flex and rupture the seams.
turningtim
Active Member
Mitzel, I don't think either the sump or the stand is a problem. The stand without a doubt can be able to break-down into smaller sections. Thats what bolts are for! The only problem I see with the sump drawer is the only slides I know of are metal but there are powder coated which may work.
I mean really with all the weight from the water and all it should shatter the stand in a million pcs so I don't think thats a problem!
:hilarious J/K J/K!
I'm still thinking about that octo, I have to go back and read it again.
What are the thoughts on rigid insulation under the tank? anybody?
Tim
I mean really with all the weight from the water and all it should shatter the stand in a million pcs so I don't think thats a problem!
I'm still thinking about that octo, I have to go back and read it again.
What are the thoughts on rigid insulation under the tank? anybody?
Tim
madman133
Member
Maybe do the dremel in the back sinece its already ruined then put on a new bottom and a new back but make it the front so its not all scratched up. And yes you can join us on friday nights anyone who wants to. Dont be affraid of space geek hes only 13 but have found him to be much more mature than some of the other ones. jcrim rgmason and i all get off on baby stuff so maybe you can give us some tips since you have older kids dont you? you should also take some videos of the drilling the glass thing just incase it does explode. I love explosions
madman133
Member
oh and mitzel hows the puffer doing? I looked at the pics and i couldnt tell you if its ich or not but im leaning towards yes because they almost have sort of a blueish tint which i dont think sand normally does unless its the lights. But then again im not an expert on this and beth is so i would wait to see what she says.
turningtim
Active Member
Thanks for the support! That makes feel great I'll blow up the tank just for you!
I feel real bad for space. I read his post and offered some unsolicated (sp?) advise.
There isn't a panel on the tank thats not damaged. Its has to be cut down and I want to use the pumps and stuff I have so I'm bound by 85-100 gals. I really want some more length and a little more depth. I really don't think its tempered b/c it should have blown up by now after all the damage. have any thoughts on a plate bottom?
Yes I have 2 kids, girl 4 and boy 7! I stay at home with them and work PT.
Tim
I feel real bad for space. I read his post and offered some unsolicated (sp?) advise.
There isn't a panel on the tank thats not damaged. Its has to be cut down and I want to use the pumps and stuff I have so I'm bound by 85-100 gals. I really want some more length and a little more depth. I really don't think its tempered b/c it should have blown up by now after all the damage. have any thoughts on a plate bottom?
Yes I have 2 kids, girl 4 and boy 7! I stay at home with them and work PT.
Tim
madman133
Member
Originally Posted by TurningTim
Yes I have 2 kids, girl 4 and boy 7! I stay at home with them and work PT.
Tim
ha haaaa you can give us all help then! Theres a 1 year old a 2 year old a little under a month old and one on the way! if you dont want the tank and want to have some fun bring it to my place and we'll see if its tempered or not by dropping it off the roof :joy:
Yes I have 2 kids, girl 4 and boy 7! I stay at home with them and work PT.
Tim
ha haaaa you can give us all help then! Theres a 1 year old a 2 year old a little under a month old and one on the way! if you dont want the tank and want to have some fun bring it to my place and we'll see if its tempered or not by dropping it off the roof :joy:
mitzel
Active Member
whats this friday night party I'm missing out on? I have a daughter too she turned 2 on friday. I have a little boy and he would have been 8 tomorrow but he passed when he was very young.
You have a good point about the rollers. even stainless would start to rust up over time. I'll keep brain storming though.
take care guys and P man have a good trip if I don't talk to you before then.
You have a good point about the rollers. even stainless would start to rust up over time. I'll keep brain storming though.
take care guys and P man have a good trip if I don't talk to you before then.
mitzel
Active Member
Originally Posted by Madman133
ha haaaa you can give us all help then! Theres a 1 year old a 2 year old a little under a month old and one on the way! if you dont want the tank and want to have some fun bring it to my place and we'll see if its tempered or not by dropping it off the roof :joy:
Better yet bring it to my house and we can throw rocks at the neighbors. what that has to do with the tank I don't know but throwing rocks at the neighbors could be fun. Whats better than that we could throw empty beer cans at them. that would be real fun. we would just have to aquire some ammo first
ha haaaa you can give us all help then! Theres a 1 year old a 2 year old a little under a month old and one on the way! if you dont want the tank and want to have some fun bring it to my place and we'll see if its tempered or not by dropping it off the roof :joy:
Better yet bring it to my house and we can throw rocks at the neighbors. what that has to do with the tank I don't know but throwing rocks at the neighbors could be fun. Whats better than that we could throw empty beer cans at them. that would be real fun. we would just have to aquire some ammo first
psusocr1
Active Member
If you could just give me the low down on the weld on and basically how it works please. also would it help in your opinion to and some acrylic dowels in the seams ?
you can put the acrylic dowels in the seams for added support its up to you, but if you do i would put them in last. Also weld-on is basically a thin liquid and a thicker paste(two different kinds) and youll be using both. What happens is you set all your acrylic in place using alot of tape and/or clamps, once it is butted together nicely then you go ahead and apply the thin weld-on which will run inthrough your seems and melt all the acrylic together, after you let that dry for about 20 seconds( if you evan have that much time) youll take the thicker weld-on and apply it to the seems which will make a bead, completey sealing everything!! its such neat/fun stuff to work with.
And BTW make sure you have VERY GOOD ventialtion in the room when working with this stuff(lots of fans etc.) and make sure your little girl isnt around cause this stuff is strong!! and it will throw you for a loop(wear a mask) when ur ready shoot me an email and ill give you the site and products youll need
No not really. Im getting double the size for half the price.
Thats what im talkin about!~! and wait till you see how good you feel after you do it, not to mention everyone will think your awesome!
One of the major advatages with this is that I can plumb it to fit the exact needs of the tank. no crazy plumbing in the tank everything can be drilled fitted and hid in the stand.
the site i have for the weld-on also has lots of acrylic cutting bits. you dont NEED them as you can use a reg. bit but i would reccommend them. i dont know if you know or not but when cutting acrylic it melts instantly around your bit, hole saw etc. and they have some bits that take care of that.
MITZEL
PSU, what about using the 2x4 jigs that you used and use a couple of band clamps around the tank. I mean NOT King Kong tight but just a thought. Also any suggestions on how to get my new/old beasty apart?
thats sounds great, ic ould have added the clamps i had in the picture for my tank to hold tightly , i didnt because they are metal and old, so the clamp part in some spots where sharp, but they sell the clamps with rubber on them now, or just put a piece inbetween the clamp and the glass. The only way ic an think of getting that glass apart as mitzel said is a wire, but i would use the cheese cutting wires witht he two wooden handles ont he end. Honestly its ALOT harder than anyone thinks. Dont pull on the glass in anyway because youll shatter it and cut your hand before you evan budge that seem!
you can put the acrylic dowels in the seams for added support its up to you, but if you do i would put them in last. Also weld-on is basically a thin liquid and a thicker paste(two different kinds) and youll be using both. What happens is you set all your acrylic in place using alot of tape and/or clamps, once it is butted together nicely then you go ahead and apply the thin weld-on which will run inthrough your seems and melt all the acrylic together, after you let that dry for about 20 seconds( if you evan have that much time) youll take the thicker weld-on and apply it to the seems which will make a bead, completey sealing everything!! its such neat/fun stuff to work with.
And BTW make sure you have VERY GOOD ventialtion in the room when working with this stuff(lots of fans etc.) and make sure your little girl isnt around cause this stuff is strong!! and it will throw you for a loop(wear a mask) when ur ready shoot me an email and ill give you the site and products youll need
No not really. Im getting double the size for half the price.
Thats what im talkin about!~! and wait till you see how good you feel after you do it, not to mention everyone will think your awesome!
One of the major advatages with this is that I can plumb it to fit the exact needs of the tank. no crazy plumbing in the tank everything can be drilled fitted and hid in the stand.
the site i have for the weld-on also has lots of acrylic cutting bits. you dont NEED them as you can use a reg. bit but i would reccommend them. i dont know if you know or not but when cutting acrylic it melts instantly around your bit, hole saw etc. and they have some bits that take care of that.
MITZEL
PSU, what about using the 2x4 jigs that you used and use a couple of band clamps around the tank. I mean NOT King Kong tight but just a thought. Also any suggestions on how to get my new/old beasty apart?
thats sounds great, ic ould have added the clamps i had in the picture for my tank to hold tightly , i didnt because they are metal and old, so the clamp part in some spots where sharp, but they sell the clamps with rubber on them now, or just put a piece inbetween the clamp and the glass. The only way ic an think of getting that glass apart as mitzel said is a wire, but i would use the cheese cutting wires witht he two wooden handles ont he end. Honestly its ALOT harder than anyone thinks. Dont pull on the glass in anyway because youll shatter it and cut your hand before you evan budge that seem!
madman133
Member
Originally Posted by mitzel
Better yet bring it to my house and we can throw rocks at the neighbors. what that has to do with the tank I don't know but throwing rocks at the neighbors could be fun. Whats better than that we could throw empty beer cans at them. that would be real fun. we would just have to aquire some ammo first
hahaa nothing wrong with getting alittle drunk and having fun. we just cant let my wife know about it because shes pregnant and cant drink and you know what that means. if she cant do something you cant. along with the beer cans maybe a lysol bomb or 2. Sounds like you dont really like your neighbors. If you come here on friday nights in the aquarium section we're going to start a thread called friday night gossip(wifes name) and talk about what ever the heck we want. you'll fit right in with your 2 yr old
Better yet bring it to my house and we can throw rocks at the neighbors. what that has to do with the tank I don't know but throwing rocks at the neighbors could be fun. Whats better than that we could throw empty beer cans at them. that would be real fun. we would just have to aquire some ammo first
hahaa nothing wrong with getting alittle drunk and having fun. we just cant let my wife know about it because shes pregnant and cant drink and you know what that means. if she cant do something you cant. along with the beer cans maybe a lysol bomb or 2. Sounds like you dont really like your neighbors. If you come here on friday nights in the aquarium section we're going to start a thread called friday night gossip(wifes name) and talk about what ever the heck we want. you'll fit right in with your 2 yr old
mitzel
Active Member
Oh I don't have anything against the neighbors YET but I can speed up the hatred by littering their yards with empties.
Actually I very seldom drink any more but I very seldom drink any less. No seriously I'll have a beer once in a while . but belive me guys I'm throw a party when this tank is up and running .
madman133
Member
Originally Posted by mitzel
Oh I don't have anything against the neighbors YET but I can speed up the hatred by littering their yards with empties.
Actually I very seldom drink any more but I very seldom drink any less. No seriously I'll have a beer once in a while . but belive me guys I'm throw a party when this tank is up and running .
yeah im kind of past that age and stage and dont drink much either except for on special occasions
Oh I don't have anything against the neighbors YET but I can speed up the hatred by littering their yards with empties.
yeah im kind of past that age and stage and dont drink much either except for on special occasions
creative
Member
for a tank that size 1/2" plate is plenty. I have even used 1/4" plate on lots of tanks that size. However I do glass cross bracing 4" wide scraps of glass about 12" apart or so. The tempered bottoms are more for taking a hit if you drop a rock or something.
let me know if I can help anymore.
Todd
let me know if I can help anymore.
Todd
turningtim
Active Member
Thanks Todd, anything you want to add is very helpful.
I was planning on euro-bracing the whole thing and going with a weir style overflow. First I have to get this stupid thing apart which right now is a huge task. BTW thanks for wadeing through this post.
The CO boys have kinda taken over.
Mad,Mitzel If this "Monster Shark Tank" gets built and I have even a very small part in it, you guys gotta be kidding me, We're gonna party like Rock Stars
Don't get me wrong I don't indulge as much either (I got 10 years on ya) but this would be a very special occasion.
mitzel we have to hurry so it can be done before mad's new baby comes, that way I can make him drive!!!!
:hilarious
Tim
Mad,Mitzel If this "Monster Shark Tank" gets built and I have even a very small part in it, you guys gotta be kidding me, We're gonna party like Rock Stars
mitzel we have to hurry so it can be done before mad's new baby comes, that way I can make him drive!!!!
Tim
psusocr1
Active Member
well with all this party talk it looks like im gunna fly out to CO and bunk with someone while this tank is bieng built..with three or four of us we can knock it off in like 3 days. Then i can go snowboarding!!!! As for partying, im still in my prime
, but ill take it easy on you guys!!
in all honestly you guys are gunna have alot of fun.. still jelous!!
in all honestly you guys are gunna have alot of fun.. still jelous!!