Have Glass, will Build. But what size?

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T

takagari

Candiru
MFK Member
Jan 13, 2009
221
23
48
Manitoba
Good day guys. In the hunt for glass for my American Alligator enclosure. I came across some free glass.
18"x60"...

and 3/8" thick!

I was thinking of making a 200 gallon plywood tank. but unsure what would be best. I have thought 7 foot wide, but that would leave me a foot of dead space on each end..? Worth it? Or would I hide to much?
I was thinking I could lay the bottom 6 inches bellow and give 4 inches above the glass. giving me 28" tall tank?
And maybe 3' to the back?

With glass like this. I'm thinking I need 1/2" over lap onto the plywood? Could some one confirm this? I'm also considering building my front face by stacking 2x2 glue/screw for a solid face.
And thinking of using pond armor. but have seen mention of this liquid rubber? I even saw another poster mention it can be purchased at home depot in Canada. But unable to find a name?

any help would be appreciated guys. 200 seems nice, but than I think.. "what about 250".. "ooh 300"... lol

Thanks
 
Don't go higher than 24" w 3/8, personally i think 22 would be better especially since you are concerned about having unviewable dead space. As for total size i'd design it out of the most efficiant use of plywood. Do you have room for a tank that's 4' front to back?
 
4'? don't think so. I was considering doing 2x2 2x3 would be another sheet, at that point may as well go 2x4.

It's not that I dont have the space for it. I don't have a good place to put it, where 4' would stick out really far and be a pain in the ass. lol

I think 24 tall will be best. 8' long... still trying to figure out my width.
 
8x2x2 would be an efficient use of the plywood. I would search around for another smaller piece of glass say 18X30ish so you don.t have so much unviewable. I usually on c-list at glass coffee/end tables
 
C L O W N K N I F E said:
Leave the alligator in the wild...
Click to expand...

Unsure where you get off telling me that? This whole site is based of keeping wild animals in captivity. Some wild caught mind you.
My Alligator is 4th generation captive bred, Already hand tame, and unlikely able to survive in the wild. Not only that, But I have the training and knowledge, as well as space and money to raise him. So please Butt out.

imusuallyuseless said:
8x2x2 would be an efficient use of the plywood. I would search around for another smaller piece of glass say 18X30ish so you don.t have so much unviewable. I usually on c-list at glass coffee/end tables
Click to expand...
I have a second piece of the same size, Wondering if maybe I should just cut it down and put two pieces in at 4' with a brace in the middle. Wouldn't give me such a big single pane, but would give more overall viewing area, and as you say could be done with a single sheet of plywood and some smaller pieces.
I'm wondering If I should build the face from plywood, or try for something a bit stronger.

I'm currently looking into the pond armor, since I can purchase this locally. But have seen so many methods for install I'm a bit confused which method to go with so far.
 
If its not tempered and you have the ability to make the cuts i probably would. Had you considered making one of the sides w a glass window as well? as for sealer i've not used that product so can.t advise. I'm currently using max acr. Anywhoo plywood should be sufficient, but i know many prefer to overbuild. I personally prefer to keep it simple so there's less chance of errors.
 
After speaking with the wife, seems a built in Bar tank is my decision ""mine""

So 6' long by 2' tall and 3' wide will be the goal. after everything It should allow for 200+ and I think I will put an end window in :)
 
Glad you have an understanding wife best of luck w the build :)
 
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