i want to build a 600 gallon tank.

[hotdog69]

i just got some glass. 120"x36". they are 2" thick. is it possible to build a tank with this glass? i used the glass thickness calculator and my safety factor came out to 12.** but what worries me is the joints.

how do i cut a glass this big? is it just like cutting any sized peice of glass?
do i need a bracing? will 2x2's be strong enough for the bracing?
will 100% silicone sealant be enough to take on all the pressure? is there a stronger sealant?
the bottom glass: the only thing that should be supporting the tank should be the edges of the bottom glass right?
should i even try to drill holes for filtration?

sorry about all the questions, this will be my first tank that i custom built. i think i will be researching for the next couple weeks before i actually start. any links that can help will be much apprieciated.

 

[hotdog69]

oh yeah, i plan to make it completely out of glass.

 

[Danh]

I would do a plywood tank lined with glass. You use your silicone for the joints still. Myself, I wouldn't try to make a full glass tank myself.. But it has been done before. I guess you can just make a frame with 2x4's. I would be a lot more comfortable with plywood on all sides but the front.

 

[hotdog69]

what is there to be uncomfortable about? the tank ripping apart in 4 directions? well, i am hoping that the silicone is enough to hold it together. any suggestions\experience is welcome.

 

[lemcc]

i would build a steel frame out of 1.5 -2 inch angle have it welded together then assemble the tank inside the frame

kinda like this but a complete frame
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17797

you will have to take the glass to a shop to be cut $$$
if its tempered it cant be cut

design your tank with least amount of cutting

 

[lemcc]

sorry forgot the glass is 2" thick angle will need to be 4"

how many pieces do you have

120 x 36 x 38 sounds nice and all you need to have cut is the ends

 

[hotdog69]

i have about 6 pieces of 120x36 2" thick glass.
i was really hoping i could just score and break these peices...
steel frame... i would probably need to find a specialist for that.

 

[GregB]

That is some nice glass ya got there.. I can see why ya wanna use it!!

I think this is like Danh is talkin about.. this guy did a great job at showing what he did to build this huge tank. Got the link from someone else here.. don't remember who.. I just book marked the site.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_1700g_tank_1.php

He used Acrylic i belive but same basic principal.

I wouldnt have the guts to do a whole glass tank that big but I know it can be done.
Sorry not really any good info for ya just something interesting to look at... Maybe you'll go for a bigger tank than 600 8)~

 

[Lil_Stinker]

How about a HUGE tank with 6 viewing windows?

Or 6 tanks each with one of these as a viewing window..

Now there is some potential here...

Best of luck on this one...

 

[lemcc]

i have about 6 pieces of 120x36 2" thick glass.
i was really hoping i could just score and break these peices...
steel frame... i would probably need to find a specialist for that.

score and break if it was 1/8 inch glass
one sheet probably weighs 300lbs

just guessing but i would bet its going to cost $100-$200 per cut

if the glass is in good shape you could sell a piece or 2
steel frame is the only way i would go and yes you would need a good welder