ordered a little window, just need reassurance

So I got tired of looking at the top of my 180gal tank. So for a starter I just ordered on ebay a 39x8" acrylic window. NOW my plan was to drill holes every 2" (would 3" be more appropriate?) and stick some stainless steel bolts, with nylon washers on the inside then something like a metal washer and a lock nut on the outside.

I would then leave a 1" boarder so the viewing window would end up being 37x6 (fine by me I just want a dam window!). Now the plan was to just figure out a way to cut the wood, drill the holes then slap the silicone on the window and bolt it into place. I would of course fill up the holes with silicone and put the bolts in then put silicone on the nylon washer and the bolt head itself just for a peace of mind.

I think that made sense, so now for the peeps out there, would a 1" boarder be enough? Shall I go 1 1/4, 1 1/2"? Shall I scuff the acrylic where the silicone will go just for hopes in a better "grab"?

Acrylic is 1/4" fyi. I thought it was more than thick enough since it is 8" tall.

5am;2672807; said:

fiy, silicone doesnt bond too well to acrylic/plexiglass... i had a panel siliconed to 1 side of my 90g, and it just started leaking 1 day....overtime the silicone lost its seal and water leaked right through and then onto my carpet...

Click to expand...

yup i know this, hence why I am bolting the acrylic to the wood.



So maybe a 1.5" boarder? Ill still have a 5" window then lol. Still fine.

As for silicone on the inside, u mean between the acrylic and liner? Where the holes will be drilled is where the silicone will end up being. I guess I will end up with a 1.5" "gasket" all around. One big bead then sandwich into place.

Now when i tighten this down, should I leave something like 1/16" between then acrylic and liner, or tighten down as much as I can?

As for cutting the liner, in my mind I was just going to cut the wood, drill and bolt up the window then cut the liner. i guess now just not cut it flush with the wood

Ah very good idea on the bar stock dr.

I have a tq wrench but I beleive it starts at 20 ft lbs. I am guessing that is to much for this, so I guess Ill have to break out my mini ratchet and hand tighten, then so a few spins of the ratched equally on each one.