DIY star fire tank

[Nizzmo]

Hi there. I recently found out me neighbor works at glass place and can get me edged, tempered star fire glass @ $2.80 a sq ft and I'm interested in building my own tank. I'm terrible at DIY so I would like to over research this.

My goal is a rimless braceless cube with an overflow in the center.

I'm thinking 16" high and 30" x 30" square.

What think ness would I need to support a rimless braceless design?
How would I attach the glass pieces together ? If silico is suggested which brand will be strong enough to help me achieve this ?

He says he will drill holes for me for free as well.

Your input is much appreciated. Thanks

[sphelps]

First off, starphire

Second what thickness of glass are we taking about here, $2.8/sqft sounds like 3mm which isn't thick enough for anything really. You'll need 10mm for 30"x30"x16" rimless tank.

Aquariums are built with silicone but your lack of knowledge on the subject of tank building suggests you might be better off having one built by the pros.

[Nizzmo]

I told him 1/4 " thickness when he quoted me. Ya maybe I can find someone to do it for me.. Can a rimless braceless tank be done at those dimensions?

[Nizzmo]

Also if it is under $100 it would be a great learning experience for me

[DiverDude]

I consider myself to be a DIY 'Pro' (is that even possible !?). I have a full wood and metal shop; I can cut, heat-bend and weld acrylics -you name it, I love to tinker with it.

I don't build my own tanks. I don't even weld my own tank stands because I don't have a large, perfectly flat surface to weld on and the stand MUST be square.

It's difficult for me to pass up on these fun 'jobs' but when you consider the consequences of 100+ gallons of salt water all over your floor; not to mention the loss of livestock...well, it's just not worth it. I Promise you the loss of livestock, ruined carpets, wrecked hardwood flooring, etc. would FAR outweigh the few hundred bucks you'll save.

It can be done, there is no magic to building a tank but the devil is in the details and given your admitted lack of DIY prowess, I think it'd be foolish to attempt it as a first project

I don't know how the material/labour equation works out on tanks but I suspect that labour is the bigger part. Regardless, you could always get the glass from your friend and hire a tank builder to build the tank on-site for you.

[sphelps]

1/4" is not thick enough for a rimless tank in those dimensions. No doubt it would be a good learning experience but what are you willing to risk for the experience, 60 gallons of water on your floor would be pretty significant.

[Nizzmo]

Thanks for all of your input! It won't be more than 50 gallons though...


No one has an answer for my construction questions

It would be cool to learn how to do

[lastlight]

I'm somewhat handy with DIY and my first and only attempts at sump building (for my 225 gallon) leaked and required an ugly patch job. While it's still no answer to your question I guess I'd also add a +1 to the cautionary warning. Since you're going with starphire as well I assume you want the tank to look really nice as well. Building a first tank that holds water is one thing... attractive seams entirely another.

good luck tho!

[Nizzmo]

Thanks! It's only a dream right now. Probably wont be a reality from what you guys have said

[Nizzmo]

Maybe I'll just buy a new guitar and write a song about the fish tank I want to build. Might be easier