I really need a window!

[JD7.62]

I have been drawing up plans for building an indoor pond for weeks now. I think am going to use 4x4s notched and bolted together for the sides. I will then line the inside with plywood, then cardboard and then the pond liner. The bottom, filtration, and heating I have figured out as well. At first I decided I wasnt going to need a viewing window, but now I dont think I will be happy if I went through this much work not to add one! I hear you cant adhear (lol that sounds funny) glass or acrylic to the liner. I am thinking of using acrylic. Size of the window is not an issue as long as I can see in it. I was thinking I could layer the pond liner, then have a rubber stripping of 1/8"-1/4" thick and about 1/2" wide, then have the piece of acrylic drilled and bolt it to the side with the pondliner and rubber stripping in between. Silicone will be placed between all the layers. The bolts will hold tight while the silicone is curing. Once I fill up the pond I also figure the pressure from the water will also hold it tight.

So again will a layer of pondliner, siliconed to a layer of rubber stripping, siliconed to a piece of acrylic and all bolted together hold water?

My pond will have dimensions of 7ftx4ftx2.5ft. The inside dimension will be 6'4"x3'4"x2' so about 315 gallons.

[Oddball]

I've used just the silicone sealer between the liner and acrylic without any leaks. The silicone doesn't adhere to either material but, it forms a seal. The window was held in place with stainless steel bolts/nuts/wide washers.

[Nic]

how thick/wide a bead of silicone is needed 1 inch or bigger

[JD7.62]

Thanks for your input oddbal. Do you think I should leave the rubber or not worry about it like in your case?

[Oddball]

Couldn't tell you. I never tried it with an additional rubber strip.

[guppy]

There is a polyvinyl pond adhesive available that should adhere to both, I'll try to remember what it's name is.

[fishnthings]

id go with the rubber stripping to be safe;)

[Rex Karr]

The rubber stripping sounds like an unecessary step that will just end up being an extra weak point. Be sure to research it thoroughly before attempting it.