Diy Tank Build / Sizing

[Cord]

Can anyone help a complete newbie? I've always fancied an aqaurium, and now i've got my own place it's time I took the plunge.

I have an unused service hatch between kitchen and dining room and was thinking of building a tank to fill this void. The size of the hole is 27" long, 18.5" high, and 7" deep (but with a "window sill" that is 8.5"). I would like to utilise the full 27" length, but am unsure of height, how much room above the tank will i need for lighting, pumps, access etc..? Also would it be possible to make the tank wider than the 8.5" sill so that it overhangs maybe 1" into each room? If so how do i make it strong enough to support it's own weight, or will it need metal/wood underneath it?

What about the actual construction? I'm assuming 4 sides cut to the correct length that they sit ontop of the base, then glued together with some form of sealant? Can anyone tell me what sealant to use? Is just 4 sides enough, or does it need something across the top to add structural strength? How do i calculate what thickness of glass? Is it a special kind of glass, or just visit the local glaziers?

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[vfg10]

hi

welcome to the forum

I just made me one.
you have to get your sizes first and then you see the thickness
for the sizes you have go with 6mm you use silicone to stick the glass together and just let is dry plain glass works
about the overhangs I don't think its a good idea. get a good base for all of it and maybe you can even go bigger

http/www.ehow.com/how_2291808_build-own-fish-tank.html

heres a link so you can read and now more about building a tanks

good luck

 

[Peggers]

There's a nice pictorial guide in the marine and reef chit chat section take a look at that.