glass re-inforced with plexi ?

[peettee]

Ok, I found this 3' x 1.8' tank at the dump, perfect condition,no scratches, looks home made from 6mm saftey glass with a protective film sandwiched in between the glass sheets complete with external corner braces. The problem is there is NO internal bracing on the tank, the glass bends when pushed so I would image what water will do. I wasnt game to fill it so here is what ive done.
Firstly the plexi ( perspex) is 6mm and aquarium grade silicone was used.
1.corner supports
2.base brace
3.front and back (lengthways) brace
4.main brace x 3 (LHS,centre,RHS)
5.re-siliconed the entire tank, all joins, even worked the silicone into any and all gaps, I went hard-core with the slazz, just incase.

Now any advice if this will be secure ?? have never heard of plexi being used a braces on a glass tank, nor have i seen this type of glass used in aquariums. The only reason i used plexi is it was free and along with the tank being free I had nothing to loose, just time spent.
It will be my bare grow out tank as I am over run with red devil fry at the moment.

6mm safety glass? even with beveled edge, Sandwiched film.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y130/peettee79/tankreno1.jpg

Base brace.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y130/peettee79/tankreno4.jpg

full tank.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y130/peettee79/tankreno2.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y130/peettee79/tankreno5.jpg
corners.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y130/peettee79/tankreno3.jpg

[Tylervsmith]

that was at the dumP?
lucky you..

it should work... but i would put a wood frame on the bottom for asthetical (sp?) purposes

[CHOMPERS]

The tank was probably used for reptiles rather than fish. You will find that the silicone will release from the acrylic in time. It just doesn't bond well to acrylic. Nice find though.

[Dr Joe]

You do nice work.

Continue the brace (like corners) around the top edge to help support your work (and help stave off the problem CHOMPERS described).

Keep us posted,

Dr Joe

.

[Chill-FAN]

i have a diy 270L tank made out off 6mm saftyglass without any bracing. when filled with water it bows about 3mm on each side. a couple off weeks ago i replaced the bottom piece as the outside piece was cracked ever since i built it. i learnt a valueble lesson with this...i used acetone to remove the old silicone...bigggg mistake...the acetone messed up the resin layer of the safety glass...and now i have a cracked front pane...luckily again its the outside piece that cracked so no leaks...im using it half filled with water now! nice find man imo your tank will hold up but like chompers said in time the bracing will fail.