DIY aluminium trim

[_erik_]

Hey everyone!

I am planning to build a new tank of a decent size. Haven't decided on the dimensions yet but one option I'm considering is a 120x24x16" (lxdxh) glas tank.

I saw this thread, post #10:

Building aluminum aquarium trim.

The trim on my 120 gallon tank has a few cracks in it and I was wondering if there is any reason I couldn't take some aluminum flat bar and build a external frame to fit around the original plastic trim. I recently got a great deal on some 1" and 2" 1/4 thick aluminum flat bar and figured I...

www.monsterfishkeepers.com

And got real curious about making a diy aluminium trim since it would save me alot of money compared to "Euro bracing" with glas along the top sides of the tank.
The largest and thickest L-shaped aluminium angles I've found here (in Sweden) measure aprox. 1,5x1,5" and are 2mm thick.

Anyone got any experience in a build like this? Will it work? Would love some input on this from all you pros on this forum!

 

[Disturbed.)]

When externally bracing a tank there is a rule for thickness of silicone between the glass and the frame and its based on the flex of your particular glass thickness between the cross members. But generally it's 2-3mm thick per meter between joints. So a 6 foot tank with no center brace would need a frame strong enough to keep the glass from bowing and 4-6mm of silicone between the glass and the frame. Too thin and it creates a pressure point on the glass. Too thick and it won't do much to help.
The info you'll find on that will be for steel bracing not aluminum. Taking that gap into account and tig weld the aluminum instead of brazing it and it will be way stronger than the plastic that came with the tank.
Custom Aquariums does something like this and the center braces bolt in so you can get large decor in and out when the water level is low.

 

[Disturbed.)]

Sorry, saw the quote you put was for replacing but you ate building from scratch. So you can disregard the plastic comment. Keep in mind the water pressure on 16" of height is pretty low and the amount of bow even on 10' will be barely noticeable if you use 1/4 thick glass and near none on 3/8.