Started Cement Monstertank Build 16ft x 9ft x 3.5 - 4ft
- Thread starter Mikedr
- Start date
WARNING PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING!!!!!!!!
As my username suggests I am a 4th year Architecture major in a 5 year professional degree program. Please heed my warnings (it will save you many headaches and probably lots of money).
1. Concrete of any type will never be waterproof.An additional layer will need to be placed on the concrete surface to accomplish this as well as protect the animals from the chemicals and salts in the concrete.
(This will also protect the tank against cracks because concrete "either has cracked or will crack." It is not a matter of if it will, just when.)
2. NEVER Place glass directly against concrete. Movement in the concrete as well as swelling of the concrete when it gets wet will cause the glass to break due to the pressure exerted on its edges. An L-Angle frame should be used around the edges with a gap between the glass and metal for silicone. Imbeds (metal studs similar to bolts) should be welded on the back of the angle to anchor it into the grout filling the cmu blocks. The best suggestion would be to have these assemblies made of 316 or 316L stainless steel even though 304 and 304L is significant for fresh water.
3. All drilling of the concrete slab should be done prior to laying the first row of cmu block. The REBAR you intend to place in these holes needs to be epoxied in place with a commercial grade concrete compatible epoxy. (Normally the REBAR will be placed in the slab prior to the pour making the connection between walls and floor much stronger.)
NOTE: These are suggestions based off of my knowledge of construction which is significant. This is based off book knowledge as well as experience. I am however not responsible for any decisions or designs.
Thank you for reading and hopefully this helps.
As my username suggests I am a 4th year Architecture major in a 5 year professional degree program. Please heed my warnings (it will save you many headaches and probably lots of money).
1. Concrete of any type will never be waterproof.An additional layer will need to be placed on the concrete surface to accomplish this as well as protect the animals from the chemicals and salts in the concrete.
(This will also protect the tank against cracks because concrete "either has cracked or will crack." It is not a matter of if it will, just when.)
2. NEVER Place glass directly against concrete. Movement in the concrete as well as swelling of the concrete when it gets wet will cause the glass to break due to the pressure exerted on its edges. An L-Angle frame should be used around the edges with a gap between the glass and metal for silicone. Imbeds (metal studs similar to bolts) should be welded on the back of the angle to anchor it into the grout filling the cmu blocks. The best suggestion would be to have these assemblies made of 316 or 316L stainless steel even though 304 and 304L is significant for fresh water.
3. All drilling of the concrete slab should be done prior to laying the first row of cmu block. The REBAR you intend to place in these holes needs to be epoxied in place with a commercial grade concrete compatible epoxy. (Normally the REBAR will be placed in the slab prior to the pour making the connection between walls and floor much stronger.)
NOTE: These are suggestions based off of my knowledge of construction which is significant. This is based off book knowledge as well as experience. I am however not responsible for any decisions or designs.
Thank you for reading and hopefully this helps.
OK its been over a month. Where is our update??
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