8' Ply and glass tank

[momo33]

Ok, I am thinking of building a 8'x3'x4' tank, now I was thinking of building a carcass of plywood with an open front, then cutting some old 4mm glass I have to fit each side of the ply and sealing it into the ply carcass ( yeah I know 4mm on its own is no way strong enough hence the carcass), then getting a piece of say 15mm for the front pane.

Apart from the danger of cracking I cant see any real problems, as its going to be placed on a rather strong stand I dont see it cracking so what do you all think ?.

As for 4mm glass cracking why did the old style metal frames around the glass die off ?. Purely aesthetics ?.

 

[Pharaoh]

I would suggest using something like ABS plastic sheets instead of the 4mm glass panes. The ABS would flex with the wood. I would seriously worry about the glass cracking.

The meatl framed tank went out most likely because they weren't as cost effective to make and the stainless steel wasn't really necessary to support the tank. Molded plastic is a lot cheaper and easier to manufacture.

 

[Gator]

Yeah bad idea to try and use glass to line the tank. laying glass on a flat surface then applying pressure is a bad idea. Even in aquariums the bottom pane isn't resting flat on what ever stand its on, the sides are whats in contact with the stand and the bottom pane is siliconed to the sides and does not rest flat its at least 1/4" up. better off doing as Pharaoh suggests and using some type of plastic sheeting and using a potable water safe adhesive to apply it to the wood and seal the seams as well as the glass viewing window to the plastic.

 

[Dr Joe]

Let me see if I got this right...

You want to line the box with 4mm glass and put a 15mmm window in the front?

If so, as long long as the box is braced properly to prevent any flex and a waterproof sealer is applied to it, cut and lay the glass panels in with 2-3mm gap between them and silicone together. It's not necessary to really adhere the glass to the box as the water pressure will hold it in place. Just make sure you silicone seal the glass to the wood around the top.

Use suction cups to handle and place the glass.

I don't suggest drilling this setup for bulkheads.

Keep us posted if you decide to undertake this endever,

Dr Joe

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[NiceGuyNick]

another thing that would suck if you did crack one of the 4mm paines you woulnt know it right away and once the water leaked through the entire space between the wood carcass and thin glass it would be hell to fix the warped carcass due to water absorption