How to put glass in a plywood tank?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
A

Andrew1002

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Feb 29, 2012
3,352
5
53
New jersey
How do you put glass in a plywood tank? I've seen many different ways of doing this. Does the glass just become bonded to the wood by the silicon? I've seen things saying that the front panel with the glass needs to be supported :confused:. I can't find anyone explaining this or showing it close up. So how does the glass go into the plywood tank? How is it not implored out? How does the front panel not blow out? How do you stop the glass from going through the wood? Is there a "bumper" that stops the glass from falling out?

I'M ANDREW AND I'M A FISHAHOLIC
-Andrew
 
Most people use a full sheet of ply then do a plunge cut w a circular leaving a 2" frame and the glass is silicone from inside after the tank has been waterproofed. In other words the hole you cut in the frame will 2" smaller than the glass on each side.
 
imusuallyuseless said:
Most people use a full sheet of ply then do a plunge cut w a circular leaving a 2" frame and the glass is silicone from inside after the tank has been waterproofed. In other words the hole you cut in the frame will 2" smaller than the glass on each side.
Click to expand...

Any pictures? Curious to see what you mean. In kind of confused.

I'M ANDREW AND I'M A FISHAHOLIC
-Andrew
 
I used 2x6 for the outside and then put 2x4 inside of the 2x6 so that the recess is in the tank. I dont know if it is going to work time will tell.
 
Don't have my camera cord but i'll post up a sketch
 
untitled.JPG If you're looking at the front of your tank the entire brown piece would be the frame. The blue line would be the size of your glass. So as you see the wood frame would obscure the edges of your glass. In the part where it overlaps you would use the silicone which is represented by the yellow line.

untitled.JPG
 
imusuallyuseless said:
View attachment 783746 If you're looking at the front of your tank the entire brown piece would be the frame. The blue line would be the size of your glass. So as you see the wood frame would obscure the edges of your glass. In the part where it overlaps you would use the silicone which is represented by the yellow line.
Click to expand...

Ohhhhh. I get it now! Lol I feel stupid for not undertanding this. But, how do I support the glass? How do I keep the outer sheet from exploding outward from the pressure of the glass? Will screws hold it in place with the weight of the water? What about if I make a 2x4 outer frame that will hold it all in place?

I'M ANDREW AND I'M A FISHAHOLIC
-Andrew
 
Wow :duh:
 
Depends on the actual dimensions of your tank. Generally tanks shoter in height 30" or less can handle the pressure w the front plywood frame just glued and screwed to the rest of the tank. If your tank is taller then you'd probably be better of using a 2x3 frame instead of the plywood.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom