Want To Build A Tank

[kramers]

Eventually I'm planning on building a custom tank. Does anyone have any good pointers on what I'll need to do this other than the glass and sealant? What would I need to use as for bracing to keep everything together etc. Any comments or advice is greatly appreciated. Royce

 

[Die_Grinder]

you will need.

Glass (thickness depends on size of tank)
silicone (100% pure silicone made for use fish tanks, normally maked as fish safe)
masking tape (so you dont get silicone all over, keep neat edges on the seal lines and you can keep it in place with this)

make sure to test your tank for leaks, if you plann on doing the thing in one go (its best as new silicone dont stick to well to old silicone) i would leave the tank to dry for about 3days. altho if its a big tank i would leave it longer.

hope it helps

DG

 

[SkiFletch]

You can buy corner clamps from hardware stores, those can be invaluable

 

[kramers]

Ok so far a good start. Once the seams are together, are there any types of edgings etc, such as the plastics rims on the top and bottoms of commercially manufactured tanks or would I just need some clamps on the corners to lock everything in place as SkiFletch was saying.

 

[SkiFletch]

Actually, I think you're misunderstanding what a corner clamp is . Its a clamp that is angled and used to hold pieces in a corner shape when they're drying. They're pretty bulky and not for a completed tank . You woll need some kind of bracing around the edges to prevent the glass from breaking away from the silicone seams under the outward pressure of the water. Those rims are decorative and functional...

 

[kramers]

Ok, thats what I was kinda thinking as for the clamps, but wasn't for sure. As for the rims, can they be bought at maybe a specialized lfs or ordered online? thanks