Ideas for PE tank build

[Backfromthedead]

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.

No i would be ordering the tank. Its a seamless molded design, all one piece. the manufacturer expressly states that the support frame is required if filling more than 18". So I'm assuming the pe is not thick enough to hold the weight, looks like probably 3/8" from studying the schematic.

If i were to go this route, i would go with drilling the glass and plastic screws, i think they make PE screws washers and nuts that would work great.

 

[jjohnwm]

I'm not trying to be negative, but I would caution that this is starting to sound like a quick/easy/inexpensive project that just might become slow/difficult/expensive, based on some of the suggestions that have been made. If the goal was simplicity...welllllll...perhaps the correct answer is that it simply won't work in a cost- and labour-effective manner.

Drilling a thick piece of glass and then attempting to attach it with screws? Yikes!

 

[Backfromthedead]

I'm not trying to be negative, but I would caution that this is starting to sound like a quick/easy/inexpensive project that just might become slow/difficult/expensive, based on some of the suggestions that have been made. If the goal was simplicity...welllllll...perhaps the correct answer is that it simply won't work in a cost- and labour-effective manner.

Drilling a thick piece of glass and then attempting to attach it with screws? Yikes!

My thoughts exactly. I wouldnt mistake a helpful reality check for negativity, especially when i start a thread looking for advice from those in the know. Appreciate the help.

 

[esoxlucius]

I can't believe the price of those PE tanks, and then as others have said the work involved successfully installing the viewing window. Sounds like an expensive hassle to me.

I'm biased in favour of fibreglass, as I have a 360 fibreglass tank. It came ready to fill basically, all I needed to do was drill a 2" drain hole and build a stand and canopy for it.

I couldn't be happier with it. I'm not sure of the US pentair prices though compared to the UK company I got mine from.

 

[fishdance]

Yes the molded PE tanks are great as they are one piece with rounded corners but much thinner walls. Welded HDPE sheets become more expensive with sharp corners and seams but all polyethylene tanks are great for resistance to algae, bio film, medication stains.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

I've been thinking along these lines for 10+ years.

My only thought so far about the most simple and cheap way involves a round PE water storage tank (rectangle and square tanks are MUCH more expensive vs rounds gallon for gallon) of large diameter to which a window is bolted, either a flexible or oven-curved or casted rounded with the same diameter as the tub, polycarbonate or acrylic. This is highly analogous to how Dolphin Fiberglass make their tubs with windows (I mean their round tubs and small-ish windows). They use polycarbonate.

One can score HUGE water storage tanks on classifieds, in the thousands of gallons for cheap. They have to be free standing, not in-ground.

Of course, one would have to mull thoroughly how not to compromise the structural strength of the tank with a large curved window. Perhaps some kind of support on the outside, on the window ends, to take some load away from the tank and window might be desirable.

 

[fishdance]

Hi Viktor,
This would make a fine youtube video for you! When - if your ready, shoot me an email, I'll send photos and describe some of the steps and traps to avoid. I've made about 6 or 8 of these from rainwater tanks over the years, improving each time. Yes, do need some structural considerations which can be placed inside for a neater appearance. Maybe start with a 5000L tank for practice. My largest is 22,000L which looks the worst.

Unfortunately round tanks don't look as good. Magnify and distort fish, providing lots of blind spots, polycarbonate panel scratches easily. Good for quarantine or big filtration tanks.

 

[wednesday13]

I've been thinking along these lines for 10+ years.

My only thought so far about the most simple and cheap way involves a round PE water storage tank (rectangle and square tanks are MUCH more expensive vs rounds gallon for gallon) of large diameter to which a window is bolted, either a flexible or oven-curved or casted rounded with the same diameter as the tub, polycarbonate or acrylic. This is highly analogous to how Dolphin Fiberglass make their tubs with windows (I mean their round tubs and small-ish windows). They use polycarbonate.

One can score HUGE water storage tanks on classifieds, in the thousands of gallons for cheap. They have to be free standing, not in-ground.

Of course, one would have to mull thoroughly how not to compromise the structural strength of the tank with a large curved window. Perhaps some kind of support on the outside, on the window ends, to take some load away from the tank and window might be desirable.

Poly tanks have always been “viable”… J johnptc built one many moons ago.
Rectangle with a metal frame to support it… dow corning silicone with acrylic window bolted in. I cant find the pics tho ?… i based my 650 gal on his design. Its 1/2 poly p with an unbolted acrylic window and steel frame. I added a pond liner in mine for extra “assurance” due to my low quality plastic welder. The plastic welder is the kicker for using poly material. U save on material but the “real” welders are $800-1500. As for the round “stock tanks” thats been done many times over as well. U only need 1/4” polycarbonate for windows and bolt them in with silicone gasket. The 1/4” is necessary to form the curve. Not “pretty” but affordable and “practical”…

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

wednesday13 I've never seen a round PE tank with a large (1/4 inch polycarbonate) window. I have seen them with small windows, like 2ftx1ft. What I had in mind is a PE tank say 8ft-14ft in diameter with a window of say 3ft-6ft long by 3ft-4ft tall. Has this been done?

The metal cage tank might as well be built with one wall - the viewing wall - of appropriately thick acrylic panel and the other 4 of thin acrylic "skin" like 1/2" or 3/8" or even 1/4" thick acrylic panels. No need for PE welder. Can eurobrace all the seams to improve strength and waterproofness.

I think the thread's focus is as cheap as possible and as easy as possible but functional and lasting.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

We seem to have two concurrent discussion in two closely related threads. This is the other: https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/i-have-a-crackpot-idea.749826/