Ideas for PE tank build

[Backfromthedead]

I'm considering trying a build involving a polyethylene stock tank with a viewing window. I recently picked up a piece of 3/4" glass 36"x60" that i intend to use for the window. This is the tank i was considering:

540 Gallon White Open Top Tank | Chem-tainer R367248A

www.ntotank.com

Wanted some opinions on a few things:

-how well does silicone adhere to PE? I would think that it would work well, but having never tried it, i dont know for sure if it would work to secure the glass.

-along those same lines, how much space should be left in the cut out window to hold the window? I was thinking 1.5" which would give me a window of 57"x33"

-what would be a good idea for bracing the top? I was thinking of cutting some steel bar stock to span the tank and just bolting it to the lip of the tank.

Thanks in advance for all information and opinions.

 

[Pterophyllum sp]

I like where your head is at on this. A friend has similar setups for growout tanks. His setups use viewing windows of cast acrylic, bolted into place with SS hardware that "sandwiches" the the silicone bewteen the acrylic and PE.

 

[Backfromthedead]

I like where your head is at on this. A friend has similar setups for growout tanks. His setups use viewing windows of cast acrylic, bolted into place with SS hardware that "sandwiches" the the silicone bewteen the acrylic and PE.

Yes I've seen setups like that with repurposed ibc tanks. I think the windows can be bought in a kit with all the hardware included.

What im finding out is that the tanks im considering require a support frame in order to hold water at full capacity, just like those ibc tanks. And go figure, the support frames are prohibitively expensive. I wonder if i could fashion a diy frame using lumber that would work just as well.

 

[Pterophyllum sp]

No idea about a support frame, sorry. I just struggle to see silicone providing 100% mechanical attachment to PE. Whats a 3/4" , piece of 30x60 glass weight? Gotta be 100+ lbs, right?

 

[Backfromthedead]

No idea about a support frame, sorry. I just struggle to see silicone providing 100% mechanical attachment to PE. Whats a 3/4" , piece of 30x60 glass weight? Gotta be 100+ lbs, right?

The 36x60 glass is close to 140 lbs i believe. I'm in agreement with you on this, but suppose i cut a piece of 3/4" PE to rest the glass on inside the tank?

Plan is already becoming overly complicated i suppose.

 

[fishdance]

You will need a compression seal for PE. So either place the glass in a steel frame that can be bolted on every 100mm or drill the glass every 100mm. Steel being much easier. Add an epoxy protective coat on steel to reduce rust. On my bigger frames, I use sacrificial magnesium anode as well.

 

[Backfromthedead]

You will need a compression seal for PE. So either place the glass in a steel frame that can be bolted on every 100mm or drill the glass every 100mm. Steel being much easier. Add an epoxy protective coat on steel to reduce rust. On my bigger frames, I use sacrificial magnesium anode as well.

Noted. What do you make of the support frame situation? The glass should effectively brace the front panel, but could a wooden frame work around the rest of the tank?

 

[twentyleagues]

Why not just buy one of these?

Fiberglass Tanks with Window

Similar to the fiberglass tanks above, but with a window for easy viewing.

pentairaes.com

Or build a plywood tank? Seems it would be much easier or more economical to do either.

 

[fishdance]

This is a modification of the chemical tank schematic you posted? If so, the tank will be strong enough (self supporting) depending on the PE wall thickness. Just keep to the schematic specifications. Are you self welding the plastic or buying the PE tank? The steel frame will add rididity and carry the glass weight. If self welding you can add a top lip to stiffen the long sides (just like a glass tank brace).

Yes you could also use acrylic panel but if you prefer glass, it will never be the same. If using acrylic, you can self tap threads but don't go right through the acrylic so far less places to waterproof and use silicone to create a gasket (compression seal again). So don't tighten right down when applying the silicone, wait for it to cure and then tighten down. Can use plastic bolts or stainless.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Why not just buy one of these?

Fiberglass Tanks with Window

Similar to the fiberglass tanks above, but with a window for easy viewing.

pentairaes.com

Or build a plywood tank? Seems it would be much easier or more economical to do either.

As this plot thickens, im leaning more and more away from PE. I was excited at the prospect of just siliconing a window in to a large PE tank and being done. It seems to me that a PE tank would be much sturdier than a plywood and epoxy build (at least done with my abilities). But there appears to be just as many potential pitfalls and just as much labor involved now that ive researched a bit more.