building an aquarium

N

nano-newbie

I am not much of a do-it-yourselfer, but I know there are plently of people out there who could: I am wanting to build a tank (well actually hire someone to do it for me). If I had all the glass already, what do you think an acceptable amount would be for someone to make the aquarium. I want it to be around 300 gallons. I have access to the glass, but I don't think I would trust myself to put it together. Does anyone know of anybody who does this sort of thing and about how much it costs?
 
there is guy on the board, masharp1126. I went over to his house and he showed me tank that he was building. quite impressive. I am not sure if he is has a build log going but might want to PM him about it.
 
Casey, the one I'm building is plywood, with only one sheet of glass on the front. Sorry, but I've never built an all glass tank. Done acrylic (wasn't that impressive, but held water) before, and now plywood. Hopefully, someone else can jump on and help you out.

Not sure if it's still available, but there was a guy on here selling a 350g for $350, I think, late last week.

Derek, thanks for the compliment. I'm finally epoxying and fiberglassing. Still havent' started my build thread, but hope to in the next couple of weeks.
 
Trust yourself!!!!!!!!!!!! It isn't that hard. That being said, there are things you will need to make it easier.

!!!!!! The thing you have to remember is that the bonding surfaces need to be extremely clean!!!!!!!!

If you are going to attempt this, here is a list of helpful tips:

1. Work in an area with plently of room to manuever around the tank.

2. With a tank that size you will need help. Get a couple of friends to hold the glass in position while you work the seam.

3. Try to work with the weather on your side. Choose a day with low humidity, no breeze, and 50-90 degrees farenheight.

4 Since you are a beginner, build your tank so that all the sides are around your bottom plate.

5. You have access to glass, so try and get the edges ground and polished. It is not a necessity but the finished product is really nice.

You will also need:

A 100% pure silicone. There are several brands out there that will work (Dow 999, GE 1000, GE 1200, GE Silicone 1) to name a few.

Paper towels

Low tack blue painter's masking tape

Plenty of disposable latex gloves

Acetone or MEK

Windex glass cleaner

Hope this helps!

:D Good luck!
 
Someone should post links to jigs as well that can be made for this or at least how he should clamp this thing while the silicone is curing.
 
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