Sunshine Coast - 10ft 500G build

[shiftline]

So I was debating getting a tank made. However it doesn't look too hard to do your self. Any tips?!

[SanguinesDream]

Definitely watching and subscribing to this epic build. I am so jealous.

[thebrinc]

Rynoe, we have some contacts and could source the glass directly from a supplier through my fiance's work. Still cost just north of 2 grand though for the starfire. ouch

It's not too hard to build smaller tanks, as long as you do your research & buy a ton of clamps. That being said, after buying 14 clamps, good silicone and making wooden jigs you're probably not going to save much money compared to a off-the-shelf tank. Unless you're trying to build something custom or rimless... or 10 foot long

Looks like my silicone cleared customs this morning in Washington, should be here by Friday / Monday.

Still have 3 panels left to scrape... running out of fingers here. lol

Any ideas on where to buy schedule 80 plumbing supplies online this side of the border? My new small town surroundings seem to have left me Home Depot-less...

[mihaivapler]

Originally Posted by thebrinc

Rynoe, we have some contacts and could source the glass directly from a supplier through my fiance's work. Still cost just north of 2 grand though for the starfire. ouch.

That's still a very good price ,I have a quote for a 4x4x10 tank 2 sapphire panels4x10 for 7000$

[mihaivapler]

Originally Posted by thebrinc

Rynoe, we have some contacts and could source the glass directly from a supplier through my fiance's work. Still cost just north of 2 grand though for the starfire. ouch.

That's still a very good price ,I have a quote for a 4x4x10 tank 2 sapphire panels4x10 for 7000$

[thebrinc]

mihaivapler, what thickness of glass did they quote?

For 4ft tall they're probably going with 1", maybe even 1" laminated?

30" tall is really the very upper limit for doing a tank in 1/2" glass if you brace the hell out of it. With my waterline 2" below I'm only supporting 28" of water pressure plus the bottom is euro-braced in 6" wide strips so there's 1" for the silicone to attach to the sides. With the bottom 1" and 2" waterline there's only 27" of unsupported glass.

Although I'm aware that I'm on the limit with 1/2" glass the cost would double for 3/4" glass and with a proper 2" steel frame I'm confident it'll work. I'm also basing my build off two other reefers with the same dimensions and glass thickness that have had long term (5yrs +) success with their tanks.

[DAVE]

Originally Posted by thebrinc

mihaivapler, what thickness of glass did they quote?

For 4ft tall they're probably going with 1", maybe even 1" laminated?

30" tall is really the very upper limit for doing a tank in 1/2" glass if you brace the hell out of it. With my waterline 2" below I'm only supporting 28" of water pressure plus the bottom is euro-braced in 6" wide strips so there's 1" for the silicone to attach to the sides. With the bottom 1" and 2" waterline there's only 27" of unsupported glass.

Although I'm aware that I'm on the limit with 1/2" glass the cost would double for 3/4" glass and with a proper 2" steel frame I'm confident it'll work. I'm also basing my build off two other reefers with the same dimensions and glass thickness that have had long term (5yrs +) success with their tanks.

Basically the same dimensions as my recent build. Shocked you went with 1/2". I braced the hell out of mine and I still went with 3/4". Coming close to limits with a 10' box of water is scary.

Nice work on the stand...looks very nice.

[mihaivapler]

Originally Posted by thebrinc

mihaivapler, what thickness of glass did they quote?

For 4ft tall they're probably going with 1", maybe even 1" laminated?

30" tall is really the very upper limit for doing a tank in 1/2" glass if you brace the hell out of it. With my waterline 2" below I'm only supporting 28" of water pressure plus the bottom is euro-braced in 6" wide strips so there's 1" for the silicone to attach to the sides. With the bottom 1" and 2" waterline there's only 27" of unsupported glass.

Although I'm aware that I'm on the limit with 1/2" glass the cost would double for 3/4" glass and with a proper 2" steel frame I'm confident it'll work. I'm also basing my build off two other reefers with the same dimensions and glass thickness that have had long term (5yrs +) success with their tanks.

The quote is for 3/4" glass. 2 panels for 4x10 by 3/4" shapfire for viewing panels,as will be a room divider tank one panel of 4x10 for the bottom that is 2 3/4" panels laminated and 2 side pieces of 4x4 by 3/4"..and will be in the wall so does the have to be pretty so for that the tank will be framed with steel L profiles and lots of cross braces.its a bit scary so i think I will drop the hight to only 40"..another option was acrylic 1 1/2" for the same cost but I'm afraid of the acrylic bowing because of the 4 feet high and will be easier to scratch and in case that I want to change the house it will have to be cut in pieces and waisted so with the glass just cut the silicone and reassemble it..will research some more until then as this will happen next summer..

[mihaivapler]

And off course after the foundation will be built))))) will require a good one as it will be around 1200 gallon,so that gives about 12000 pounds including the tank the water and rock.....

[beauroy]

Originally Posted by thebrinc

mihaivapler, what thickness of glass did they quote?

For 4ft tall they're probably going with 1", maybe even 1" laminated?

30" tall is really the very upper limit for doing a tank in 1/2" glass if you brace the hell out of it. With my waterline 2" below I'm only supporting 28" of water pressure plus the bottom is euro-braced in 6" wide strips so there's 1" for the silicone to attach to the sides. With the bottom 1" and 2" waterline there's only 27" of unsupported glass.

Although I'm aware that I'm on the limit with 1/2" glass the cost would double for 3/4" glass and with a proper 2" steel frame I'm confident it'll work. I'm also basing my build off two other reefers with the same dimensions and glass thickness that have had long term (5yrs +) success with their tanks.

god that thing is nice! ive got to see this in person