I am in the planning stage of a huge tank that i would like to build in the next few months. My ? is i would like to make the tank really long but i am worried about the glass. Is it better to use one really big piece of glass or like two or three smaller pieces. i know people have done tanks like this but no one has ever said weather it would make the glass stronger all help is apperciated the tank is going to be 144X60X36 thank you
is two better than one
- Thread starter deinclv
- Start date
Nice size...
Is this going to be an all glass, wood / cement with windows or ?
All glass - really thick glass
Wood with 2-3 windows in front - cheaper glass but braces necessary between each glass
Cement with 2 windows in front - cheaper glass but different bracing scheme.
If it doesn't work out as a tank it could always be used as a lap pool
Dr Joe
.
Is this going to be an all glass, wood / cement with windows or ?
All glass - really thick glass
Wood with 2-3 windows in front - cheaper glass but braces necessary between each glass
Cement with 2 windows in front - cheaper glass but different bracing scheme.
If it doesn't work out as a tank it could always be used as a lap pool
Dr Joe
.
Dr joe i love your replys they are great you seem very smart about this stuff it will be block i was think block with three 5X3 glass windows 1/2 thick tempered "obviously" this would allow me to make the tank much bigger. i could get 3?4 glass but in cinnati hard to find and very expensive. I have worked with lexan in the past and just don't like the results unless you get it welded to rubber. the tank will be if possible 17'X6'X3' with the galss brassed by the block i hope it works. do you think it will any advice helpful really want to get moving on this tank
Thanks (there's no blushing emoticon), I try.
Check for construction salvage business' in you driveable area, they strip out old construction (commercial) before it's demolished...sometimes you can find cheaper glass there.
Is this going in a basement?
Get your filtering system straightened out right away, some of these pumps are rather noisy and have to be put elsewhere (Nothing says you HAVE to have the filter right by the tank). Make the filter system very accessable or things will not get done on schedule if it's not convenient ( I can testify to that).
Oh, and everyone that helps to build it get's to name a fish ( You can't believe how well that works sometimes). (Never trade labor for beer, I made that mistake once)
Are you a contractor or have done concrete work before? I find it very interesting...
Dr Joe
.
Check for construction salvage business' in you driveable area, they strip out old construction (commercial) before it's demolished...sometimes you can find cheaper glass there.
Is this going in a basement?
Get your filtering system straightened out right away, some of these pumps are rather noisy and have to be put elsewhere (Nothing says you HAVE to have the filter right by the tank). Make the filter system very accessable or things will not get done on schedule if it's not convenient ( I can testify to that).
Oh, and everyone that helps to build it get's to name a fish ( You can't believe how well that works sometimes). (Never trade labor for beer, I made that mistake once)
Are you a contractor or have done concrete work before? I find it very interesting...
Dr Joe
.
i have done alot of block work but only made a few small plywood tanks all three work with no problems have the filter system already figured out and have the skimmer and filter alredy bought. I am going to use a big pool fdilter yes it is in a basement wich is going to be my new fish room. i have never built anyting bigger than 200gal but i want to get some sharks and rays so want a huge tank. i just dont know enough about glass i know that how big i want to make this that one glass window won't work it can't be bought that big with those dimensions would 1/2 inch work you think. i should be getting started in two weeks and from what i understand i better post pics
1/2" doesn't leave much of a safety factor, tempered helps, but I'd search a little bit more for something thicker if possible. I like to be comfortable . You can buy any size glass you want, it's just can you afford it (and can they get it in your basement?)
Is the filter sand / bead or cartridge?
I'm so envious of people with basements, their few and far between here. I dig 6ft down here and I have a pond, we're only 15ft above sea level (and one of the highest spots in the county).
Are you building this against a wall or free standing? Just being nosey...
Dr Joe
.
. You can buy any size glass you want, it's just can you afford it (and can they get it in your basement?)Is the filter sand / bead or cartridge?
I'm so envious of people with basements, their few and far between here. I dig 6ft down here and I have a pond, we're only 15ft above sea level (and one of the highest spots in the county).
Are you building this against a wall or free standing? Just being nosey...
Dr Joe
.
against the wall it is a sand filter but i am also going to throe bio balls in there i asked my friend you is the pool manager of an amusement park up here and he said he thinks tht would work with no problem. I just think the big pool filter gives me more options.it will look great when all done i did end up finding some 3/4 inch glass and as long as i brace it right in 4X3 panels they said i will have no problem i think i agree but not sure need to ask around what do you think all the calculators say that would be fine.
ANd sorry about no basement now that i have had one i could never live in a house without one
ANd sorry about no basement now that i have had one i could never live in a house without one
I think your going to be ok. Glad you found the glass.
I don't have a problem with sand filters, I use them...Just a different type of critter, they need more freguent cleaning and you need a big tank to use tank water to backwash them (you should be ok ) and they generally polish the water better. I use separate sumps with sand filters too.
Keep us posted.
Dr Joe
.
I don't have a problem with sand filters, I use them...Just a different type of critter, they need more freguent cleaning and you need a big tank to use tank water to backwash them (you should be ok
) and they generally polish the water better. I use separate sumps with sand filters too.Keep us posted.
Dr Joe
.