If the clear viewing window does not work to the liking the the fish keeper world is there a way to attach the liner to a viewing window using tracks like you would attach the liner to walk in steps entering a swimming pool?
Mega clear vinyl prototype tank build (concept building)
- Thread starter jkayden
- Start date
Theoretically you could gasket the window off--it would have to be thick enough to screw into and there would always be a chance of leaking at the gasket. I was thinking we'd do that originally, but finding how clear this stuff is, I think (hope) it is a moot point.
Step faceplates are surprisingly expensive 8' x 40" is about $200 retail.... I guess if you are spending tons of money on a window, that wouldn't be that big of a deal though.
I see so many huge builds on this site that have leaking problems. I figure keeping it as a monolithic unit with only bulk head fittings penetrating would all but eliminate leak potentials.... until your 4' alligator gar decides to eat it of course
If I where going to build a 500 to 800 plywood tank of my own I would use your system as a second defense layer to protect the wood. Woudl you have any idea though how much a linner might cost for a 500 gallon or a 800 gallon tank?
Haven't really worked on price points/cost analysis, but somewhere in the $200 to $300 price range.
I'm curious, why as a "second" layer of defense? Are you afraid the vinyl might leak?
Oh good, a vinyl expert. Welcome to the thread.
Yeah I figured putting my 2cents in would draw that response. Hence why i added "I bet" to the end..
It just seems to me, that if the water pressure of a monster tank (since monster tanks are the reason you're doing this) can make other strong structures, Such as acrylic flex or break; then your vinyl would be as effective as a Trojan on an elephant. But what do I know... they once said telephones would always need wires.
But since you ARE the vinyl expert what is the tensile strength of your heavy duty vinyl?
Or better yet.. shut me up by filling one of your 500 gallon tall hefty's without structural support.
You have at least given some thought into the more pressure/stress the material endures the shorter the lifespan right? I mean this kinda thinking is why they overbuild things like elevators and such.
Don't get me wrong now.. I'm not out to bash your liner. I think its a great idea. Probably would be in line to buy one for a project, granted it survives proper testing.
But the idea that its supposed to handle strain of that magnitude for an extended <<understatement] period of time sounds flawed. I've heard that in structural engineering, flex is something that is only desirable to accommodate an unexpected force.
In elementary school we did an experiment with a balloon. Stretch the balloon a couple times and press it to your upper lip. What do you feel? Warmth. It was proof the flexing and stretching was actually changing the molecular structure to the point friction within was creating heat. When something stretches the molecules thin out creating weak points. When someone has a potential 800 gallon flood in their house, I doubt they want any inclination that what is holding the water may give way just a bit more. I know I wouldn't. So it was this train of thought that led me to speak up.
Tear Strength is 520 lb/inch @ 200mm/min
Tensile Strength is 4000 psi
And max elongation @ break is over 300%
Like I said--this stuff is no joke.
Regarding the "elementry school experiment"..... well I just don't know what to say to that.
I'm going to have to back burner this for a few days--busy with pool liners. (thanks Irene)
Probably start mid next week on the frame.
Tensile Strength is 4000 psi
And max elongation @ break is over 300%
Like I said--this stuff is no joke.
Regarding the "elementry school experiment"..... well I just don't know what to say to that.
I'm going to have to back burner this for a few days--busy with pool liners. (thanks Irene)
Probably start mid next week on the frame.
Tear Strength is 520 lb/inch @ 200mm/min
Tensile Strength is 4000 psi
And max elongation @ break is over 300%
Like I said--this stuff is no joke.
Regarding the "elementry school experiment"..... well I just don't know what to say to that.
I'm going to have to back burner this for a few days--busy with pool liners. (thanks Irene)
Probably start mid next week on the frame.
Tensile Strength is 4000 psi
And max elongation @ break is over 300%
Like I said--this stuff is no joke.
Regarding the "elementry school experiment"..... well I just don't know what to say to that.
I'm going to have to back burner this for a few days--busy with pool liners. (thanks Irene)
Probably start mid next week on the frame.
Wow, that really is no joke.
Question. Would it be possible to install the acrylic on the inside of the liner? Like place the acrylic piece in the viewing window frame with the liner stretched over the outside. Between the pressure squeezing the acrylic against the liner and frame plus a little silicone at the edges of the acrylic; shouldn't that seal water from getting between acrylic and liner? This way there would be any bubbles between liner and glass.. I'd think.
Question. Would it be possible to install the acrylic on the inside of the liner? Like place the acrylic piece in the viewing window frame with the liner stretched over the outside. Between the pressure squeezing the acrylic against the liner and frame plus a little silicone at the edges of the acrylic; shouldn't that seal water from getting between acrylic and liner? This way there would be any bubbles between liner and glass.. I'd think.
Lets just assume right now that the view through the vinyl will be perfect. I still need to work out how that's going to happen, but I would be disappointed if I couldn't. The vinyl is crystal clear in the acrylic will be crystal clear, so I don't see why, combined, we wouldn't be able to get it to be crystal clear. Also, right now the tank is about 12" deep, a deeper tank should force the air bubbles out much better.
Hopefully we'll find out next week.
...but to answer your question, I suppose you could do it that way with questionable success.
