187 gallon build

F

foscars

I found these guidelines on Garf's site and was wondering if anyone has built their own tank following these? or if you have a better way in your opinion.

Tank Information:
Material = Glass
Tank Height = 24"
Tank Width = 30"
Tank Length = 60 "
Glass Thickness = 3/8"
Approximate Gallons = 187



Cut List:
Bottom = 59 1/4 " x 29 1/4"
Front = 60 " x 24"
Back = 60 " x 24"
2 Sides = 24 " x 29 1/4"
Top Front/Back brace = 59 1/4 " x 2"
Top Sides brace = 29 1/4 " x 2"



Additional Materials
1. Tube of aquarium grade silicone
2. Tape or clamps for holding the peices in place
3. Solvent for clean up.
4. Rags/Paper towels for clean up.
5. 1/4 inch wooden dowels.

Getting Started

Lay bottom, front, back and side pieces out on a large flat surface.

Cut the 1/4 inch dowels slightly shorter than the length of the bottom. Place the dowels under the bottom piece of glass. It is important that the weight of the aquarium is supported by the front, back and sides. There should never be any support under the bottom glass as this could fracture it.

Run a bead of silicone along all edges of the bottom glass. (these are the edges that will seal with the front, back, and side glass)

Carefully place all pieces in place surrounding the bottom piece. All contacting surfaces should have a bead of silicone.

Use tape or clamps to hold the pieces in the correct position. When using silicone you will have plenty of time to make adjustments. Silicone can become a gooy sticky mess so you should keep the material and work area as clean as possible.

Once all pieces are correctly positioned, let the aquarium set for 24 hours.

After the silicone has cured, it is time to add the glass to the top. This piece of glass makes the sides stronger so the glass does not bow when the tank is filled.

Let the tank cure in a warm room for 72 hours before you fill it with fresh water. If there are any leaks you can apply an additional bead of silicone to the inside seam.
 
Sounds like a fun project. Good luck.

My only concern would be if the 3/8" glass is thick enough. Pretty much every tank I've looked at in this range has been 1/2" glass.
 
@masharp1126 wrote:
Sounds like a fun project. Good luck. My only concern would be if the 3/8" glass is thick enough. Pretty much every tank I've looked at in this range has been 1/2" glass. said:
I agree that I would go with thicker glass with the amount of weight and pressure that they tank will have in it. More expensive, but less chance of a failure with a pane breaking from the force of the water pressure on it.
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Definetly need to go 1/2".

My tank is 48x30x24 and went 1/2" on sides and 1" bottom with 1/2" euro bracing my tank is built like a tank and should never have a split seam do to water pressure
 
Make the bottom level with the sides. Just place the tank on foam. Don't elevate it, because it could create stress on the silicone seams and cause a leak.
(This is called a floating bottom tank.

Also, don't apply silicone to the whole thing.... do it 1 piece at a time because otherwise the silicon will skim and you will have a compromised seam.

Do 1 bottom side piece, then do the other, then silicon the bottom and sides of front, and same for back.

Also, rule of thumb is allow silicon to dry 1week per 1/4 in of glass. So 1/2" glass should be left alone to dry for 2 weeks minimum.


Do 1/2 in glass... don't skimp out on glass. Especially with those dimensions. Its not worth having a tidal wave in your house!!!!
 
Thanks for all the comments, I think I'm going to use 1/2" and use starphire on the front since I can buy it through my business I won't have to use a middle man for glass. When I get ready to start I'm sure I'll have more questions.

Sent from my Htc Evo using Tapatalk.
 
@dahenley wrote:
Make the bottom level with the sides. Just place the tank on foam. Don't elevate it said:
What is everyones opinion on the floating bottom setup? I understand what your saying but this contradicts the what Garf is saying to do.
I just want to do it right [smilie=worried.gif]

Thanks for the imput
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If you look at elos or age tanks they do floating style. Floating style is how David varela built my tank it looks nicer. Most companies like oceanic and glass cages build tanks how garf recommended
 
@kuyatwo wrote:
If you look at elos or age tanks they do floating style. Floating style is how David varela built my tank it looks nicer. Most companies like oceanic and glass cages build tanks how garf recommended said:
Ok so does the front, back and sides still sit on the outside edge of the bottom glass or on top? Thanks!
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The side front and back silicone around the bottom pane. It makes for a better clean look. You are welcome to come by and look at my tank almost the same as what you want 48l 30w 24t
 
In my opinion to floating style is stronger and less prone for leaks
 
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