building an oddly shapped hex tank

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Icthisapian

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Feb 18, 2012
173
24
33
Wareham, MA
Hi community

I am planning to build a octagon shaped tank in the near future. I have sourced the glass thanks to another member and have a pretty good idea how i would like to build the base and attach the glass to it. I am curious if anyone knows where i can get pvc channel to build the bracing at the top of the tank out of. I have a few pieces i salvaged with the tank but im not sure about the integrity of and if i have enough of it. Any ideas? i'm thinking about using 2x2's with pond shield coating with a routered groove to accept the glass if i cant locate pvc.
 
Fishbrains said:
I think the custom wood rim would look better anyways. Just my opinion though.
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Agreed on the wood trim...will probably be stronger in wood aswell...Or you could be classy and go with Stainless Steel for a more modern look. I favor steel over any material personally
 
well the tank im building is for my college's coral lab. my fear with wood would be the joints. i dont want to have to finger joint everything cause thats a PITA especially with the number of angles this tank is going to have, 8 sides, 8 135 degree corners.
SS is probably otu of the question because of cost and the time it takes to weld/cost to weld.
 
Ah yes, I didn't even thing about the shape of the tank! I have no idea where you could find the plastic trim though. And the stainless would be costly. Good luck to you.
 
If using pvc how do u plan on attaching your angles together? Are you farmiliar with heat welding? You can find pvc angle from any plastic supplier online. Is the pvc creating structural integrity or just for looks?

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With the type of environment it will be in I would suggest going with steel. The wood will not hold up due to dents, expansion, etc. In addition I would not suggest pvc because it doesn't serve a structural purpose even when heat welded together due to its low relative strength. A cheaper alternative to stainless steel is to take regular grade 50 steel that you can find just about anywhere even in scrap piles for around 55 cents a pound (use L-Angle 1" x 1" x 1/8") and paint it with an epoxy paint or oil based paint before you silicone it to the tank. The method using epoxy paint has been used for decades for potable (drinking) water tanks and other water storage containers. Regular steel is much cheaper to weld and you might even be able to find a welder in a school to do it for free or very cheap or in a school shop (maybe even the college the tank is intended for) if you have the experience.
 
Student of Architecture said:
With the type of environment it will be in I would suggest going with steel. The wood will not hold up due to dents, expansion, etc. In addition I would not suggest pvc because it doesn't serve a structural purpose even when heat welded together due to its low relative strength. A cheaper alternative to stainless steel is to take regular grade 50 steel that you can find just about anywhere even in scrap piles for around 55 cents a pound (use L-Angle 1" x 1" x 1/8") and paint it with an epoxy paint or oil based paint before you silicone it to the tank. The method using epoxy paint has been used for decades for potable (drinking) water tanks and other water storage containers. Regular steel is much cheaper to weld and you might even be able to find a welder in a school to do it for free or very cheap or in a school shop (maybe even the college the tank is intended for) if you have the experience.
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I was only suggesting pvc because the tank was built from a manufacturer using it as the trim/top bracing. And it was relativly ease to break the joints when i demo-ed the tank. I do like your idea of using regular steel and coating it with epoxy paint. It's a fairly easy material to work with and i can weld it myself. I think we may go that direction with the tank. thanks for the idea Arch!
 
I completely understand. Unfortunately what the manufacturers use is alright for short term in a very mellow environment, but its not really meant to be used anywhere except homes. Glad I could help. Just don't forget to leave some space for the silicone when you cut the pieces. Good luck. I am looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
 
Nice choice on the steel and agreed the pvc wont hold structure, thats y i asked so many questions. I look at a steel frame 650 gal every day :) its coated with a one part expoy/ paint and has been running for 2 years with no rust.

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