Glas thickness on deep tanks

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I suppose since im planing on using extensive bracing I might aswell build on the bottom and avoid issues that might arise from doing the build semi-floating!

And a final question: Is 1,5mm appropriate spacing between the bottom and sides of the tank when you silicone it together?
1.5 mm should be good. I use some small rubber spacers that stop the weight of the glass from pushing all the silicone out when I’m building larger tanks.

I have also built a few tanks using injection method.
You use corner braces and spacers to set the entire tank up and inject the silicone between the panels.
It takes longer to set up but the results are pretty clean and professional looking.
 
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Yeah, Ive searched quite a bit and its hard finding a clear answer. I think im going with the semi-floated bottom (side panels on the side of the bottom panel without lifting the bottom). Unless the fine people on this forum tells me its a bad idea...?

Im definitely going with the 5/8" bottom (with 1/2" sides). Im gonna eurobrace the tank just to be extra safe. My wife would kill me if a tank 230+ gallon tank breaks in our house!

Im confident either method will work fine. One more thing if you havent considered already: you should use a layer of foam covering the entire bot
I suppose since im planing on using extensive bracing I might aswell build on the bottom and avoid issues that might arise from doing the build semi-floating!

And a final question: Is 1,5mm appropriate spacing between the bottom and sides of the tank when you silicone it together?

I usually factor in 1/16" for each seam, which is about 1.5mm.
 
  • Like
Reactions: _erik_ and BIG-G
1.5 mm should be good. I use some small rubber spacers that stop the weight of the glass from pushing all the silicone out when I’m building larger tanks.

I have also built a few tanks using injection method.
You use corner braces and spacers to set the entire tank up and inject the silicone between the panels.
It takes longer to set up but the results are pretty clean and professional looking.

Im confident either method will work fine. One more thing if you havent considered already: you should use a layer of foam covering the entire bot


I usually factor in 1/16" for each seam, which is about 1.5mm.

Thank you very much for your help!
 
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