Eurobracing your DIY Glass tank

[TexasMFK31]

Guys, curious, what is the proper way to eurobrace a LARGE DIY tank. Would you brace on the inside for the length and on top for width. Or inside for width and top for length? I was thinking you do the entire length inside the glass, then do braces for the width on top of both pieces of glass. Just curiosity, I am currently scheming.......I will try to sketchup my scheme tonight or tomorrow.

 

[islandguy11]

Good question, I was kinda confused by this too and how to categorize different bracing styles (though not for DIY): my 325 has (glass) bracing length and width wise on both top and bottom, plus 2 center piece braces across the middle at the top with 1" space between them -- I thought it was euro-bracing but after some research I think technically not because in Euro-brace tanks (I think) the bracing is usually only length wise, and with no center brace -- but I got confused and gave up, so basically I don't know wtf kind of bracing I have lol.

My 2nd 325 ordered afterwards takes it a step further by doing same but they (same shop) also put glass braces in each of the 4 corners -- it might be over-braced lol.

 

[TexasMFK31]

I am thinking the perimeter with 2 additional braces across the center to add additional support over the ~8' span.

 

[Ulu]

Strictly speaking the Euro bracing takes advantage of certain tank sizes were it works well. It makes much more structural sense on tanks that are boxy rather than very oblong.

When things get very oblong, the center brace becomes much more economical then making the glass thicker on the front and back or making huge braces.

 

[islandguy11]

Not sure if this might give you some ideas:

 

[Ulu]

The helmets gave me an idea.
My bike hasn't been out in months & I need to go ride it.

 

[TexasMFK31]

This build right here has me thinking for my future upgrade. Doing the plywood bottom and back then install the glass in the house with the "C" channel on the bottom holding it in place. I'll definitely draw up my thoughts in Sketchup tonight.

 

[islandguy11]

The helmets gave me an idea.
My bike hasn't been out in months & I need to go ride it.

Yep, like tanks, bikes get sad if we don't give them some attention now and then

 

[Ulu]

Be careful with the plywood stuff guys. Wet builds need epoxy & fiberglass construction and not polyester resin. Polyester soaks up lots of water over time and things go bad. Also when laminating panels with glue, use a notched trowel for uniform application.

A glass bottom over plywood is cheaper than a quality plywood bottom and two coats of proper epoxy.

 

[TexasMFK31]

Be careful with the plywood stuff guys. Wet builds need epoxy & fiberglass construction and not polyester resin. Polyester soaks up lots of water over time and things go bad. Also when laminating panels with glue, use a notched trowel for uniform application.

A glass bottom over plywood is cheaper than a quality plywood bottom and two coats of proper epoxy.

I'm going to utilize that videos method for the plywood bottom, I'll be utilizing pond shield for the bottom and back of the tank.