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Tank building question
- Thread starter Brad S
- Start date
That's what I've been assuming... But I look at some of my own tanks and some are glued around the perimeter of the bottom glass, and some are ontop of the bottom glass. Most of the do it yourself articles I've seen aren't clear about this
It can be done either way, and IIRC there are costs and benifits to both.
Try searching back a little in the RC DIY forum. Uncleof6 seems quite knowledgable about building glass tanks, and he reccently gave some really solid input on a thread our local Joel had going for a while. Maybe someone has a link to Joel's thread??
Try searching back a little in the RC DIY forum. Uncleof6 seems quite knowledgable about building glass tanks, and he reccently gave some really solid input on a thread our local Joel had going for a while. Maybe someone has a link to Joel's thread??
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Dave McReeferson
laurifer crustulum
A tank can be built either way. It is IMO easier to build sides on bottom, and if you are building a large tank, significant cost savings can be made with this method.
Dave McReeferson
laurifer crustulum
A good seal is more a question of clean work rather than the construction method. Either method can be used to build a solid tank.
dcforester1
Finally enjoying my tank
how does the construction method cut down on the cost? I like playing with acrylic, and thinking of making one someday
Joel A
Started over.
here's a link to my thread over on RC here:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1726893
Like John said, uncleof is very knowledgeable, just keep in mind that all of his calculations are on the very safe side. For instance, he's advising me to not build that tank out of all 1/2" glass, but all 1/2" glass is what Glasscages, and miracles aquariums would both use. He just likes to be extra cautious if he can..
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1726893
Like John said, uncleof is very knowledgeable, just keep in mind that all of his calculations are on the very safe side. For instance, he's advising me to not build that tank out of all 1/2" glass, but all 1/2" glass is what Glasscages, and miracles aquariums would both use. He just likes to be extra cautious if he can..
Joel A
Started over.
well let's see.. for my particular tank i was looking at building, it would probably cost me 500-600 to build. To buy the same tank with the same glass and whatnot would be 1000+
I was hoping you were going to chime in, greatly appreciated... I already ordered the glass cut to allow the front/back/sides to fit the sides of the bottom... Assuming it, "doesn't really matter," I'll just stick with my initial plan unless you guys believe fitting the vertical panels ontop of the bottom glass makes more sense, but apparently it isn't a big deal...
Thanks, more insight to tank building would be greatly appreciated.
dcforester1
Finally enjoying my tank
I think you are missing the point
Obviously it would be cheaper to build the tank your self. I am wondering how it is more cost effectice to do it one way,(the joints) than the other.
I have building with wood for along time, and have been praticing with some acrylic. Any tips/advice from construction, to cost savings I am interested in.
well let's see.. for my particular tank i was looking at building, it would probably cost me 500-600 to build. To buy the same tank with the same glass and whatnot would be 1000+
Obviously it would be cheaper to build the tank your self. I am wondering how it is more cost effectice to do it one way,(the joints) than the other.
I have building with wood for along time, and have been praticing with some acrylic. Any tips/advice from construction, to cost savings I am interested in.
I don't really know glass tank building, but I have read that one way you can use a thinner bottom than the other way. Not sure if this is %100 fact, but it may be what was being referred to before???
With acrylic tanks it's usually bottom under the sides and ends, not between.
dcforester1
Finally enjoying my tank
Thanks John, thats what I was looking for. I figured it had something to do with the thickness, but wasnt sure.
Joel A
Started over.
ahhh, ok i get what you're asking now..
I believe as far as glass tanks goes the sides around the bottom pane is a little bit stronger, but not enough to make any huge difference. So as far as the difference in cost.. well none really, as you'd be using about the same size glass no matter what.
As far as acrylic goes (which i think is what you were really asking) well.. that's John's field .
I believe as far as glass tanks goes the sides around the bottom pane is a little bit stronger, but not enough to make any huge difference. So as far as the difference in cost.. well none really, as you'd be using about the same size glass no matter what.
As far as acrylic goes (which i think is what you were really asking) well.. that's John's field
.Dave McReeferson
laurifer crustulum
In a "sides on bottom" tank, the entire bottom surface of the tank is supported by the stand, allowing the use of a thinner bottom pane. In the case of my build, the savings were substantial.
Also, I don't believe either method has any significant strength benefit over the other. I think any difference in the strength of the different joints involved, shear versus tensile strength, can be offset by construction method.
Also, I don't believe either method has any significant strength benefit over the other. I think any difference in the strength of the different joints involved, shear versus tensile strength, can be offset by construction method.
rusty18
Non-member
The only concern I would have when ordering glass for a "sides bottom tank" would be the glass cuts. "acceptable" cuts for glass from a local shop are 1/8" on either side IIRC. If the tank doesnt fit together perfectly there is less wiggle room with the "sides bottom" construction.
Dave McReeferson
laurifer crustulum
You certainly do need to lay out what is and is not acceptable and have it documented. The average glass shop usually doesn't work with great precision. I have found squareness to be the biggest issue.
Dave,
"In a "sides on bottom" tank, the entire bottom surface of the tank is supported by the stand, allowing the use of a thinner bottom pane. In the case of my build, the savings were substantial."
I'm trying to understand what you mean by this as either method the bottom is fully supported by cabinet unless the sides are extended down for some reason.
Jim
"In a "sides on bottom" tank, the entire bottom surface of the tank is supported by the stand, allowing the use of a thinner bottom pane. In the case of my build, the savings were substantial."
I'm trying to understand what you mean by this as either method the bottom is fully supported by cabinet unless the sides are extended down for some reason.
Jim
