Building a 180. input please

[yourbestfriend]

ok wo me and my grandfather are gunna to start building a 180g aquarium this week and before we start i just want so input on everything were gunna be doin. ok so the demensions will be 6x2x2. the glass is 3/4" thick. we are getting 2 large peices of plate glass and then getting them cut to the right dementions. once we get the glass cut we are gunna silicone the peices together wich brings m to my first question. what is good, fish safe, silicone?

after we silicone it together and test for leaks and what not, we are goin to weld a steal frame around it to use as the base for the stand. there will be some sort of cushion between to tank and the metal so the glass wont break(hopefully). the we will take the tank off the fram and weld the legs and supports to the steel frame. then the tank will go in my room=]]

does my plan sound ok? and suggestions? also, what filter should i use and what would u guys suggest for stock?

 

[yourbestfriend]

bump

 

[RedTailKinG]

yes aquarium safe silicone you'll need alot but be carefull very with this project

 

[yourbestfriend]

can i get aquarium safe silicone at like home depot?

 

[RedTailKinG]

nope lfs if silcone is used on the outside you can use reg silicone clear of coarse but on the inside it has to be aquarium safe which is at your lfs

 

[mcox3]

YES! You can buy your silicone at home depot, just make sure its GE Silicone 1 for window and doors... NOT THE BIOSEAL!

 

[Anythingfish]

If you use 3/4" plate glass, in all likelihood you will be spending more that the price of a new 180 gallon aquarium from the pet store. The glass in most 24" high aquariums is 1/2" thick. If you have people hitting it with a hammer them 3/4" is better.

Constructed the steel frame, and then cut the glass after measuring carefully and allowing for the thickness of the glass on the ends. This is critical and you want to be sure you have it right.

GE Silicone XST, $5.00 a tube at Home Depot and Lowes, is very strong, adheres well to glass and contains no "Bio-Seal" or other toxins. Purchase extra tubes and take back any unused for a refund.

Good luck.

 

[yourbestfriend]

nope lfs if silcone is used on the outside you can use reg silicone clear of coarse but on the inside it has to be aquarium safe which is at your lfs

alright thanks a lot.

filter/stocking ideas?

 

[yourbestfriend]

If you use 3/4" plate glass, in all likelihood you will be spending more that the price of a new 180 gallon aquarium from the pet store. The glass in most 24" high aquariums is 1/2" thick. If you have people hitting it with a hammer them 3/4" is better.

Constructed the steel frame, and then cut the glass after measuring carefully and allowing for the thickness of the glass on the ends. This is critical and you want to be sure you have it right.

GE Silicone XST, $5.00 a tube at Home Depot and Lowes, is very strong, adheres well to glass and contains no "Bio-Seal" or other toxins. Purchase extra tubes and take back any unused for a refund.

Good luck.

i already took into consideration the pesurments at the end.


also. i guarentee it isnt gunna cost me more than it would at a lfs becasue i got the glass and the steel for free

 

[its_an_obsession]

im no expert with DIY... but ive read some where welding the steel frame could melt the glass. unless your welding the frame elsewhere and then putting the tank in the frame. just something to consider.

filter... got any spare tanks lying aroudn to do a DIY wet/dry something in the range or 30-55g.

stocking ideas... crenicichla pair. and some SA/CA cichlids.