500 Gallon Tank Build- Glass Questions.

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Steveo McNello

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Dec 30, 2010
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SW Burbs of Chicago
I have been debating about finally building an 8x4x2.5 [I think is 500] and I am unsure of a few things when it comes to the glass.

I am not looking for answers of "research" or "browse the diy section."

1. How thick should the glass be?

2. How heavy do you think this glass would be? [with thickness from #1]

3. Should I put 2 windows instead of one huge piece of glass?

4. What's the best method of installation?

I have help to build all of the wood no problem, but the glass might be a problem.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Steve
 
Steveo McNello;4779485; said:
I have been debating about finally building an 8x4x2.5 [I think is 500] and I am unsure of a few things when it comes to the glass.

I am not looking for answers of "research" or "browse the diy section."

I came up with a little more than 560 gallons.

1. How thick should the glass be?

2. How heavy do you think this glass would be? [with thickness from #1]

3. Should I put 2 windows instead of one huge piece of glass?

4. What's the best method of installation?

I have help to build all of the wood no problem, but the glass might be a problem.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Steve
Click to expand...

1. I would use 3/4" glass

2. 3/4" glass weight right about 10lbs per square foot. So, right about 200lbs

3. This is personal preference. Although ti would let you use a bit thinner glass. Somewhere right around 5/8" thick.

4. What do you mean by installation. How to put it is, or what to use?
- Installation - tip the tank on it's front and set the glass in place. Let the weight of the glass hold it in place.
- What to use. This is dependent on what materials you use to seal the tank.
 
Pharaoh, thanks for the input. I would like to have one giant piece of glass and not two viewing windows, I just thought having 2 windows would let me save on glass cost.

And by installation, let me start here... What is the recommended way to make the inside waterproof? If I use [X] to cover the wood, then I need [X] to hold the glass in place. What would you do/use? Sorry if that's confusing.
 
Steveo McNello;4781003; said:
Pharaoh, thanks for the input. I would like to have one giant piece of glass and not two viewing windows, I just thought having 2 windows would let me save on glass cost.

And by installation, let me start here... What is the recommended way to make the inside waterproof? If I use [X] to cover the wood, then I need [X] to hold the glass in place. What would you do/use? Sorry if that's confusing.
Click to expand...

Well, there are multiple ways to seal a tank. Liquid pond liner, actual pond liner, Pond Armour, fiberglass, epoxy.... You have to pick what you think will hold the best. There is no one perfect way to do it. Once you decide on the sealant, then look at what you can use to seal it.

Before you decide, I suggest you search around for all those different types and look at all the threads where people have built plywood tanks. There is also a sticky that is worth the read.

Of course, I have to say since you're so close. I'm selling a dismantled 540 gallon glass tank if you don't want to go the plywood route. all you have to do is put it back together. :D
 
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