Possible glass ray tank, DIY...

[Conner]

I'm thinking about building my little motoro stingray her own tank, since she doesn't really fit into either of my other large tanks due to stocking. I was thinking that, since she's only about 6.5" disc diameter right now, it doesn't need to be huge, but I'd like something that would last her a good while nonetheless. This tank will be designed and intended for just her, although another stingray may join her in the future, and I may have some small tetra's or something as dithers.

I was thinking of making the tank one of 4 sizes:

5'Lx3'Wx2'T
or
5'Lx2.5'Wx2'T
or
4'Lx3'Wx2'T
or
4'Lx2.5'Wx2'T

Obviously the longer the tank, the better, the same as wider is better, but right now money is a consideration, and the cheaper the better for me. I've been looking on craigslist for used tanks, and I just can't find any that fit my budget right now.

For these size tanks, the glass calculators I've used recommend from 9-12mm glass. Since my 125g tanks are 6x18x22", and are 3/8" glass, would 3/8" (i.e. 10mm) work on the tank I want to build? Is that a suficient safety factor? I would plan on a sort of eurobracing style around the top, but I'm not sure on that yet.

What do you think?

 

[Pharaoh]

Per GARF

1. yes
2. yes
3. yes
4. yes

http://www.garf.org/tank/buildtank.asp

 

[Iffrat]

nice page pharaoh!!

 

[Conner]

Good page, just one question. Why does the garf cut list have the walls of a tank sitting outside of the bottom, rather than on top of the bottom?

From GARF:


[SIZE=-1]Cut List:[/SIZE]

[SIZE=-1]

Bottom = 47 1/4 " x 35 1/4"
Front = 48 " x 24"
Back = 48 " x 24"
2 Sides = 24 " x 35 1/4"
Top Front/Back brace = 47 1/4 " x 2"
Top Sides brace = 35 1/4 " x 2"
​

[/SIZE]

 

[Pharaoh]

Good page, just one question. Why does the garf cut list have the walls of a tank sitting outside of the bottom, rather than on top of the bottom?

I can't really answer as to why, but I would do it the other way if given the choice. My 540 is built just like the GARF recommends. I don't think it matters too much to be honest.

 

[Conner]

The only reason I can think is to keep pressure off the bottom pane of glass, since there won't be a plastic frame supporting it. I just always thought it would be stronger with the sides sitting on the bottom, but I guess it makes sense...

 

[Pharaoh]

I guess the real question would be shear strength vs. tensile strength of silicone.