DIY glass tank build questions

[Chrisrex]

Hey all,

I'm planning on building my own tank in the very near future of course it will be all documented for all to see. Before I begin with this project, I have some questions I need answering from my fellow reefers.

The plan

60gal cube
Short steel stand
Sump

Questions
1. I want to use the vertex Omega skimmer 130 or 150 leaning towards the 130 but need to know how much room the skimmer cup needs for removal? Reason being I want to have the tank as low as possible, so my daughter can easily see the tank.

2. What is the recommended size of the drain and return lines should be ?

3. What is the recommended thickness of glass ?

4. Should the glass be tempered after the holes are drilled ?

Thanks in advance I'm sure I will have more questions

[WarDog]

Hi Chris Rex. I don't know the height of that skimmer but to be safe I would take the height and add 25 to 50%. If you are planning for a Herbie then a 1 inch drain, 3/4 emergency and a 3/4 return could work. Subsequently you could do two 1/2 inch returns as well. I have a 65 gal Aqueon tank and the glass is 5/8. You can find a thickness calculator online, but I can't remember where. Don't think the glass needs to be tempered at all, just an extra expense. Just use float or starfire with pink foam for a base. Good luck.

[Chrisrex]

One other question pump size? looking for something that doesn't run hot and is quiet

[duncangweller]

I have an eheim 1262 and its pretty silent. The only thing that makes any noise is my skimmer. If I turn that off the tank is silent.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

[byee]

Originally Posted by Chrisrex

Questions

3. What is the recommended thickness of glass ?

Here's a calculator you can use to determine the glass thickness.

http://www.theaquatools.com/building-your-aquarium

Good luck


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk.

[Dreadful]

I've built a tank haha sorry I'm not on here very often

If you're still doing this i'll try and respond to as much as possible

What style overflow are you doing? what adhesive are you using?

definitely a good choice of skimmer I'm running the 150 myself

also that's a good link posted for thickness i used the same one to figure it out. basically the higher tank you make the thicker the glass will need to be

Here's my build link if you wanted to take a look:
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=97962

[Marlin65]

I have a 75 gal. Cube for sale with a short stand. 1/2" starphire tempered and drilled. You will need to replumb it has a sump as well. Let me know if you are interested. Cheers rob