What’s up everyone? First post of many...planning on a plywood build this year. I have a tank set aside to use the glass from. But recently found a tank for sale locally that has 10’ panels with the same height. I’ve heard members here say it is possible to silicone two sheets together edge to edge for a larger viewing window, but has anyone ever actually done it here? If so maybe a link to a related post? I’m just curious to the longevity and limitations of the idea. Thanks in advance
Plywood Tank With Seam???
- Thread starter Dione
- Start date
I’ve seen some incredible builds here so I have no doubt
So...are you planning an aquarium 20 feet long? With two side by side 10-foot glass panes?
I've never tried anything like that. I have built plywood tanks with multiple viewing panes, but simply cut out multiple windows in the structure and then siliconed in each piece of glass individually. It's a slightly more obtrusive joint than just abutting the two pieces with a silicone seam, but either way the connection will be visible. I think the separate window method will be much easier to do and also more trouble-free in the long run.
I'm looking forward to hearing how you proceed with this build. Good luck!
I've never tried anything like that. I have built plywood tanks with multiple viewing panes, but simply cut out multiple windows in the structure and then siliconed in each piece of glass individually. It's a slightly more obtrusive joint than just abutting the two pieces with a silicone seam, but either way the connection will be visible. I think the separate window method will be much easier to do and also more trouble-free in the long run.
I'm looking forward to hearing how you proceed with this build. Good luck!
Thanks for your reply...I have moved into a house with a 22’ wall in my living room with no windows. I also have an old 260 tall which measurures 60”x30”x32”... was planning a plywood build using the panels but a 10’x4’x30” tank with a cracked bottom pane has recently become available locally for super cheap. Just thinking of design possibilities in my head and how it could work with my space. Like I mentioned earlier I’ve heard of people butting the panels together... just wanted to hear from anyone with experience
I’d be pretty nervous to join two sheets end to end, particularly with that wide a span. The peak strain is typically in the center, and having a seam right there would add a weak spot when the strain is greatest.
I have joined sheets on the base of a tank, but in that case the bottom was fully supported. I also siliconed an ~12” extra piece of glass over the seam (i.e., extending 6” to either side of the seam).
I have joined sheets on the base of a tank, but in that case the bottom was fully supported. I also siliconed an ~12” extra piece of glass over the seam (i.e., extending 6” to either side of the seam).
I know a tank at Ohio fish rescue has two acrylic panels sealed together but talk about keeping you up at night. It would be much easier IMO to just do two separate glass/acrylic panels with a plywood seam. It’s very hard for me to imagine that seal could could hold the pressure of a 20ft tank.
Yes, can butt join two (or more) pieces of glass quite easily to make a long front panel. The water depth wiill determine what thickness and type of bracing (top or bottom) needed. Joining two pieces of glass is exactly how the end pieces are attached to the side pieces in every glass aquarium.