Glass tank assembly HELP!

[Capsaicin]

I am in need of some experienced insight when it comes to building a glass aquarium. I have everything to make a 150g aquarium, the glass, the silicone (GE Construction SCS1203 Black) and the patience. All I need now is some advice on how to put the darn thing together...

1. Do I really need clamps?
2. What is the easiest combination for putting the pieces together? i.e. lay the back down, put on the short sides, flip up to set on the bottom, then put on the front.
3. What size gap of silicone is best inbetween the glass?
4. Is it easier to silicone one piece per day or do all 5 within like 10 hours?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

 

[hybridtheoryd16]

No clamps. Just the weight of the glass panel is enough to squeeze the seam together.

The procedure that I have used several times is.

1. Make sure all glass is clean and free of oils. Use wood grain alcohol or acetone for the final wipe down.
2. Tape the panes so that you can remove the tape and leave a nice crisp silicone edge on the seams. I tape 1/2" plus pane thickness from the edge around the front,back, and side panes.
3. Lay the bottom on your work surface. And leave a couple of inches of the bottom pane sticking of the work surface for taping.
4. Run a 1/4" bead of silicone along the pane where the front panel will set.
5. Set front panel in place and hold steady.
6. Have your work partner run a 1/4" bead where the side piece will set and butt up against the front panel.
7. Have your partner place the panel in place.
8. Then you hold the top of both pieces steady, while your partner takes some masking tape and runs it in several places around the corners. All corners, front pane to bottom, front pane to side pane, side pane to bottom pane.
9. Then repeat for the other side pane.
10. Then repeat for back pane.
11. Go around the tank and wipe off any squeezed out silicone from the out side.
12. Wait 24-48 hours for the silicone to cure fully.
13. Then run beads of silicone on the inside and use a plastic spoon to smooth them out just like a normal reseal.
14. Then immediately remove the tape to unveil nice crisp silicone lines and a professional look.

its that easy.