First off the ampmaster is grrrrrreat! It's super quite and really moves alot of water. Plus at only 1W of power consumption the cost of running it is quite low for moving 3000g per hour. With only a 1/15 hp motor it's defenitely not a pressure pump so don't try to use it as one. So far I'm really happy. You might want to look at the sequence brand pumps also if you are concidering one of these. Lots of good info on reefcentral.com
Before this pentagon tank I had no tank building experience at all.
The important part of any successful diy project is doing your research up front. It's the little tips you find, such as wetting your finger before smoothing out a bead of silicone, that make all the difference.
Another thing to remember is the less you spend the less you get. For instance I probably could have gotten away with 3/8" glass instead of 1/2" and saved a couple hundred bucks. I went with the 1/2" and euro bracing simply for the peace of mind in knowing that there is no way the glass is going to crack from the pressure.
Always practice any new techniques before you start on your actual tank, that way you won't screw it up.
I have an aptitude for building just about anything so I think that helps a bit but really building that tank was much much easier than I thought it would be. As far as tanks cracking due to improper construction I'd say you need to do something really wrong for this to happen. Just take a look at the quality and attention to detail on some of the tanks at any lfs.
If you've calculated your glass thickness correctly, gotten clean straight square edges, used the right silicone and enough of it, and just as importantly put the tank on a stand that distributes the weight evenly then you're set.
I put the tank together by myself and finished it in a total of 4 hours spread over 2 evenings to allow for drying time. It would have been much easier and faster with two people and I suggest you have someone help you if you attempt a larger tank than 50g.
In my opinion anyone can build a tank if you do your research, get all the necessary supplies in advance, practice on some scrap glass first, and take your time.
Evan
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