Why not make the tank taller?

[Dr Joe]

If there is that much concern, cut the glass into three pieces and brace in between (three windows) then you won't have the glass bowing.

Never under estimate those fish if they are of any size (just try holding on to a 14" Oscar while he's freaking out ).

Dry lock & Styrofoam not a good idea (flexure, sealing & peeling/adhesion problems) (but your thinking).

Dr Joe

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[AndrewMack]

hell im not gunna waste my money building a tank that might not hold fish. for 40dollars more i can get a 240 form glass cages. all these DIY post made it seem like it was a money saver, figured i could give it a try

 

[maseyferguson05]

hell im not gunna waste my money building a tank that might not hold fish. for 40dollars more i can get a 240 form glass cages. all these DIY post made it seem like it was a money saver, figured i could give it a try

You really only save big $$$ when your building a huge tank.

 

[AndrewMack]

what is considered huge? i was building a 375 but am going to settle for a 240

 

[Dr Joe]

In your case problem solved...

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Tho it wouldn't cost me $860.00 to build a plywood tank that size either...

Dr Joe

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[AndrewMack]

locally a 1/2" sheet of glass that size would run me from 480-560 bucks, the plywood, and the rest of the stuff would surely cost me another 300

 

[nero6370]

Check out my thread, "beginning my plywood monster". I am using 3/8" glass that were originally tabletops. I do believe I have some drawings on my bracing ideas, as well as a couple pics of the middle bracing which are in the last post I submitted.

 

[AndrewMack]

see my tank will be 30"s tall, with a wet/dry so it can only be filled about 28" and my plywood front will only have a whole cuttout about 26"

 

[jem454]

For the most part diy really starts saving you money after 400 gallons. Your right, your better off buying a 240 rather than building a 300. Glass is not cheap and acrylic is outrageous. But diy can be done cheaply with planning and patience. I got a great deal on a 3/4 inch glass dining room table 7 1/2 x 3 1/2. When I requested a quote from the glass shop, she only said that it is going to be very expensive. On the other hand if you want a smaller viewing area you can go thinner on the glass, and just keep it at the top of the tank.

 

[AndrewMack]

im going to build the tank 96x30x30 using a 3/8" glass front that is 94.5x30 so it just fits. my whole cutout of the plywood will be 92"x25"