glass/silicon/glass joint strength

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R

rotccapt

Candiru
MFK Member
Jun 7, 2009
311
11
48
oklahoma
hi all im doing research for a plywood build i am working on. this will be about 300 gallons and will have two viewing windows. dimensions will be 72"X36"x30" for the tank. the viewing windows will be 1/2 inch starfire glass. they will be meeting at one corner and i am trying to decided if i want to go with a butted glass seam on this edge or make it up in traditional plywood style with a wood frame that the glass is attached to

so in your experience is a glass/silicon/glass seam going to be strong enough to hold up about 26-28 inches of water? or should i go with the plywood frame?

here are two pics of the seam in question i really like the glass seam but this tank will be in a carpeted room so there is no room for error because we need all 300 gallons of water to stay in the tank

glass seam.jpg
ply seam.jpg

glass seam.jpg

ply seam.jpg
 
Either way will work. Silicone on ply is just as strong as it is on glass. I don't think people give enough credit on how strong this stuff really is.
 
Yes you at least want to sand the edges if not polish the. The glass company should automatically do it for you unless you ask them not to. My glass guy gives me the option everytime I order
 
There was a beautiful build using your first design that someone shared here 3 or 4 years ago. It was absolutely amazing and worked well. I wish I could remember who did it.. I say go for it, it was a beautiful build.
 
The glass on glass design is the way it's done in an all-glass aquarium so there's no reason why it shouldn't work for you...provided that you take the time to prepare all the surfaces properly.
 
I like how no one shows pictures of it working... but everyone is all gung-ho for you to take a chance with YOUR carpet. :)

I have no idea.. I will say, I can't imagine that with proper preparation, I don't see why your seam would be weaker than a factory made seam. There are plenty of 300 gal tanks that hold together. Especially if you have a frame at top AND at bottom of the glass.

Good luck... :)
 
Well, Judon cvermulen has a build like number one and sashimaster does as well. As inglorious stated, this is no different than an all glass build.

I despise "pics or it didn't happen" mentality.

P1000627.JPG21.jpg

P1000627.JPG

21.jpg
 
thanks all for the incite on this project i am planning on trying out this project but it will stay in the garage full of water for a week before it comes in the house
 
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