Want to build aquarium like this

Gauraog · 05/20/2018, 06:56 AM

Guys,

I'm. Planning to build aquarium like this. This is what I was looking for. Just wanted to know what should be thickness of glass when I go for 4feet tall fish talk like this. Also any idea whether toughen or regular glass will be ok?

Timfish · 05/20/2018, 07:09 AM

My advice would be "Don't do it" with saltwater. You're asking for a maintenance nightmare.

Gauraog · 05/20/2018, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timfish

My advice would be "Don't do it" with saltwater. You're asking for a maintenance nightmare.

It will be tap water and not the salt water. Any more suggestions?

Timfish · 05/20/2018, 08:00 AM

Well, it's still going to be a maintenance nightmare. If you're going to try building it yourself out of glass keep in mind pressure on the bottom joints is determined by how deep the tank is more so than by volume. My GUESS is you'll want at least 1/2" and 3/4" is probably better. I would also suggest a high strength silicone like RTV 108 or RTV 167.

joshky · 05/20/2018, 08:55 AM

Yeah, terrible idea tbh. Long term you'll most likely regret it, and it'll be expensive because of the height.

RioReefr · 05/20/2018, 09:36 AM

I am no fish-expert, but my general observation watching my fish, fish in other aquariums and in nature....they basically like to swim horizontally. So if you took that 4-feet aquarium and laid it on its side, your fish would probably enjoy it. As pictured, I am pretty sure they would hate it.
This design looks like something those guys from the show "Tanked" would come up...in reality a stupid idea.

albano · 05/20/2018, 10:47 AM

Salt or fresh, algae will grow and be very hard to clean... and if something falls to the bottom you’ll need a long ‘grabber’ to get it out.

mcgyvr · 05/20/2018, 02:31 PM

already covered your questions here a few months back..
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2669834

Michael Hoaster · 05/20/2018, 09:36 PM

This should help:

http://garf.org/tank/buildtank.asp

idan555 · 05/20/2018, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timfish

Well, it's still going to be a maintenance nightmare. If you're going to try building it yourself out of glass keep in mind pressure on the bottom joints is determined by how deep the tank is more so than by volume. My GUESS is you'll want at least 1/2" and 3/4" is probably better. I would also suggest a high strength silicone like RTV 108 or RTV 167.

+1.
cleaning this tank it will be hell! I wouldn't even try, but it's looks super cool.
I would say no.

good luck!

2_zoa · 05/20/2018, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

already covered your questions here a few months back..
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2669834

Lol.
Perhaps the thought was that you wouldn’t catch on or maybe an answer would be posted that “fit” his/hers beliefs.....

To the OP of the thread, just do what you want. Your not listening anyway. When it blows out don’t cry about it.
Rebuild it the proper way that your being instructed to now in the first place.

Gauraog · 05/22/2018, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Hoaster

This should help:

http://garf.org/tank/buildtank.asp

It's giving me error as I want size 48 inch and links says that height of tank should not be exceed than 36 inch.

Gauraog · 05/22/2018, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2_zoa

Lol.
Perhaps the thought was that you wouldn’t catch on or maybe an answer would be posted that “fit” his/hers beliefs.....

To the OP of the thread, just do what you want. Your not listening anyway. When it blows out don’t cry about it.
Rebuild it the proper way that your being instructed to now in the first place.

Hey bro..... It's discussion and suggestions that I'm seeking. It's nothing like I don't want to listen to anyone. If that was the case then why I would have asked here? People are telling me risk associated with it and I'm trying to find out best scenario to avoid those risks. For creating something different you have to take a risk.

sde1500 · 05/22/2018, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gauraog

Guys,

I'm. Planning to build aquarium like this. This is what I was looking for. Just wanted to know what should be thickness of glass when I go for 4feet tall fish talk like this. Also any idea whether toughen or regular glass will be ok?

Oh hell, go for it. Cleaning would suck, initial aquascaping it would be a nightmare. You'll need little fish because it definitely doesn't give a lot of swimming room. But if you are willing to accept these issues, why not? Make something unique, have some fun. Who cares if others think it looks stupid, I think it looks kind of neat, just I also know I could never be bothered to try cleaning something like that. People sure are getting hyperbolic over a question.

On that note, not sure why you are asking the question multiple times, put the data you need in here, https://www.easycalculation.com/meas...calculator.php, use safety factor of minimum 7.6, and see what it says. You'll need roughly 1" thick glass. This would be a rather expensive build. That thick of glass I'd suggest low iron, helps with clarity but adds expense.

If it were me, I'd 100% pay a pro to do it. I am crafty, I love DIY, but I know my limits. I work to make money so I can pay others who are better at things to do those things for me, sort of.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2_zoa

Lol.
Perhaps the thought was that you wouldn’t catch on or maybe an answer would be posted that “fit” his/hers beliefs.....

To the OP of the thread, just do what you want. Your not listening anyway. When it blows out don’t cry about it.
Rebuild it the proper way that your being instructed to now in the first place.

A little over the top aren't we? Dude is new around here, wants to build an aquarium and wants ideas. Maybe not framing his questions in the best way, but no real need to jump down his throat.

Gauraog · 05/22/2018, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sde1500

Oh hell, go for it. Cleaning would suck, initial aquascaping it would be a nightmare. You'll need little fish because it definitely doesn't give a lot of swimming room. But if you are willing to accept these issues, why not? Make something unique, have some fun. Who cares if others think it looks stupid, I think it looks kind of neat, just I also know I could never be bothered to try cleaning something like that. People sure are getting hyperbolic over a question.

On that note, not sure why you are asking the question multiple times, put the data you need in here, https://www.easycalculation.com/meas...calculator.php, use safety factor of minimum 7.6, and see what it says. You'll need roughly 1" thick glass. This would be a rather expensive build. That thick of glass I'd suggest low iron, helps with clarity but adds expense.

If it were me, I'd 100% pay a pro to do it. I am crafty, I love DIY, but I know my limits. I work to make money so I can pay others who are better at things to do those things for me, sort of.

A little over the top aren't we? Dude is new around here, wants to build an aquarium and wants ideas. Maybe not framing his questions in the best way, but no real need to jump down his throat.

Thanks buddy.

Gauraog · 05/22/2018, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sde1500

Oh hell, go for it. Cleaning would suck, initial aquascaping it would be a nightmare. You'll need little fish because it definitely doesn't give a lot of swimming room. But if you are willing to accept these issues, why not? Make something unique, have some fun. Who cares if others think it looks stupid, I think it looks kind of neat, just I also know I could never be bothered to try cleaning something like that. People sure are getting hyperbolic over a question.

On that note, not sure why you are asking the question multiple times, put the data you need in here, https://www.easycalculation.com/meas...calculator.php, use safety factor of minimum 7.6, and see what it says. You'll need roughly 1" thick glass. This would be a rather expensive build. That thick of glass I'd suggest low iron, helps with clarity but adds expense.

If it were me, I'd 100% pay a pro to do it. I am crafty, I love DIY, but I know my limits. I work to make money so I can pay others who are better at things to do those things for me, sort of.

A little over the top aren't we? Dude is new around here, wants to build an aquarium and wants ideas. Maybe not framing his questions in the best way, but no real need to jump down his throat.

Yeah. I got your point. Thanks.

Gauraog · 05/22/2018, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sde1500

Oh hell, go for it. Cleaning would suck, initial aquascaping it would be a nightmare. You'll need little fish because it definitely doesn't give a lot of swimming room. But if you are willing to accept these issues, why not? Make something unique, have some fun. Who cares if others think it looks stupid, I think it looks kind of neat, just I also know I could never be bothered to try cleaning something like that. People sure are getting hyperbolic over a question.

On that note, not sure why you are asking the question multiple times, put the data you need in here, https://www.easycalculation.com/meas...calculator.php, use safety factor of minimum 7.6, and see what it says. You'll need roughly 1" thick glass. This would be a rather expensive build. That thick of glass I'd suggest low iron, helps with clarity but adds expense.

If it were me, I'd 100% pay a pro to do it. I am crafty, I love DIY, but I know my limits. I work to make money so I can pay others who are better at things to do those things for me, sort of.

A little over the top aren't we? Dude is new around here, wants to build an aquarium and wants ideas. Maybe not framing his questions in the best way, but no real need to jump down his throat.

I checked using calculator.... It's suggesting 25mm thickness of glass. In my case I'm using toughen glass. How can I get the thickness of toughen glass and not the normal glass? I think 8mm/10mm would be good enough. Isn't it?

nereefpat · 05/22/2018, 12:10 PM

I'm not sure that the toughened (tempered, I assume) glass will make that much of a difference. 10mm glass doesn't seem near thick enough for something that tall. The 25mm (1") seems more reasonable.

sde1500 · 05/22/2018, 12:20 PM

By toughen I am not 100% sure what you mean, but I'll assume you mean tempered. And really I don't know. I don't build aquariums, like I said, I'd 100% pay someone to do it. HOWEVER, if it were me, I wouldn't go that thin no matter what.

2_zoa · 05/22/2018, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sde1500

Oh hell, go for it. Cleaning would suck, initial aquascaping it would be a nightmare. You'll need little fish because it definitely doesn't give a lot of swimming room. But if you are willing to accept these issues, why not? Make something unique, have some fun. Who cares if others think it looks stupid, I think it looks kind of neat, just I also know I could never be bothered to try cleaning something like that. People sure are getting hyperbolic over a question.

On that note, not sure why you are asking the question multiple times, put the data you need in here, https://www.easycalculation.com/meas...calculator.php, use safety factor of minimum 7.6, and see what it says. You'll need roughly 1" thick glass. This would be a rather expensive build. That thick of glass I'd suggest low iron, helps with clarity but adds expense.

If it were me, I'd 100% pay a pro to do it. I am crafty, I love DIY, but I know my limits. I work to make money so I can pay others who are better at things to do those things for me, sort of.

A little over the top aren't we? Dude is new around here, wants to build an aquarium and wants ideas. Maybe not framing his questions in the best way, but no real need to jump down his throat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sde1500

By toughen I am not 100% sure what you mean, but I'll assume you mean tempered. And really I don't know. I don't build aquariums, like I said, I'd 100% pay someone to do it. HOWEVER, if it were me, I wouldn't go that thin no matter what.

Over the top? Hyperbolic?
No actually I don’t think I’m being either. Your input has now been the exact same advice as everyone else. Don’t build the tank out of such thin glass. You have even had to repeat yourself to the OP now. See a pattern?

There is obviously something that is not getting through that using such thin glass is a bad idea. Not to mention that there is no tank builder out there that is going to build this tank out of such thin glass either. The liability becomes their responsibility.

New to the boards or not. They asked for advice and they don’t like the answers. So they continue to persist hoping to get a different answer. As pointed out by you and mcgvr this now has two threads on here. Months apart.

joshky · 05/22/2018, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gauraog

I checked using calculator.... It's suggesting 25mm thickness of glass. In my case I'm using toughen glass. How can I get the thickness of toughen glass and not the normal glass? I think 8mm/10mm would be good enough. Isn't it?

You can do 8mm/10mm glass, just don't fill it with water. It'll be ok.

Gauraog · 05/22/2018, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshky

You can do 8mm/10mm glass, just don't fill it with water. It'll be ok.

Don't fill it with water? Are you joking or serious? It's aquarium so I have to fill it out with water.

sde1500 · 05/22/2018, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gauraog

Don't fill it with water? Are you joking or serious? It's aquarium so I have to fill it out with water.

Hi answer was a sarcastic but accurate. You can use that thin glass, but if you fill it with water it will break. So don’t fill it with water. Or use thicker glass as suggested and fill it with water.

KarenLR75 · 05/22/2018, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

already covered your questions here a few months back..
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2669834

Wow you weren't kidding mcgyvr..there was a lot of input given by yourself & others.

Even with our 'standard' rectangular tank we not only used more than enough thickness of glass, we have eurobracing around the top (sometimes I really loathe the eurobracing though to be honest).

To the OP, best of luck to you. If I had any ability to address your questions, I would but I'm new to reef tanks. I do know enough to cringe when ppl ask me why we can't do something like they do on TANKED (some are ok) and it will be a tank in the shape of something that is not conducive for maintenance and/or the fish themselves.

I'm unsure of the intent of your 'objective'..can you explain why this objective is expected to do/be (i.e. you want to build aquariums in shapes currently not seen for fun and/or profit? You like/sell grandfather clocks and are trying to do something new or different? You've been tasked with building a special focal point for an office/business and they like aquariums?)

Many apologies if you have already specified not only your objective but also already answered 'why' at least 5 times (sufficiently answered - sometimes communication can be tricky so no offense is meant by that).

FunFishin24 · 05/22/2018, 05:34 PM

I can put a lot of make up on my pig out back to make him look cool, but it’s still a pig!! Lol

Point is, is there is a difference between a cool looking tank and an effective/safe tank. Like others have stated, you would need pretty thick glass for pressure reasons. Also as others have stated, a tank like that isn’t really healthy for the fish. Now from personal experience, my tank is 36” deep and it has its disadvantages when it comes to aquascaping & cleaning sometimes & placement of corals. I do think your idea is neat & different but I don’t see it working out the way you want & it seems like you would invest in a lot of money to learn that the hard way. But good luck to you & if you succeed can you show us pictures.

05/20/2018, 07:09 AM	#2
Timfish Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,985	My advice would be "Don't do it" with saltwater. You're asking for a maintenance nightmare. __________________ "Our crystal clear aquaria come nowhere close to the nutrient loads that swirl around natural reefs" Charles Delbeek

05/20/2018, 08:00 AM	#4
Timfish Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,985	Well, it's still going to be a maintenance nightmare. If you're going to try building it yourself out of glass keep in mind pressure on the bottom joints is determined by how deep the tank is more so than by volume. My GUESS is you'll want at least 1/2" and 3/4" is probably better. I would also suggest a high strength silicone like RTV 108 or RTV 167. __________________ "Our crystal clear aquaria come nowhere close to the nutrient loads that swirl around natural reefs" Charles Delbeek

05/20/2018, 08:55 AM	#5
joshky Acros & Wrasses Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Central KY Posts: 2,546	Yeah, terrible idea tbh. Long term you'll most likely regret it, and it'll be expensive because of the height. __________________ Josh My 80g: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2677031

05/20/2018, 10:47 AM	#7
albano SALTWATER since '73 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Katonah, NY/ San Fernando Ca./ Sea Isle City NJ Posts: 6,210	Salt or fresh, algae will grow and be very hard to clean... and if something falls to the bottom you’ll need a long ‘grabber’ to get it out. __________________ ______________________________________ Jan. '11 TOTM Manhattan Reefs Current Tank Info: 500g & 200g acrylic DTs/2 separate reef systems

05/20/2018, 02:31 PM	#8
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	already covered your questions here a few months back.. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2669834 __________________ Who me?

05/20/2018, 09:36 AM	#6
RioReefr Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Rio de Janeiro Posts: 394	I am no fish-expert, but my general observation watching my fish, fish in other aquariums and in nature....they basically like to swim horizontally. So if you took that 4-feet aquarium and laid it on its side, your fish would probably enjoy it. As pictured, I am pretty sure they would hate it. This design looks like something those guys from the show "Tanked" would come up...in reality a stupid idea.

05/20/2018, 09:36 PM	#9
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	This should help: http://garf.org/tank/buildtank.asp __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

05/22/2018, 12:10 PM	#18
nereefpat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Central Nebraska Posts: 3,190	I'm not sure that the toughened (tempered, I assume) glass will make that much of a difference. 10mm glass doesn't seem near thick enough for something that tall. The 25mm (1") seems more reasonable. __________________ Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers

05/22/2018, 12:20 PM	#19
sde1500 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Glocester, RI Posts: 3,336	By toughen I am not 100% sure what you mean, but I'll assume you mean tempered. And really I don't know. I don't build aquariums, like I said, I'd 100% pay someone to do it. HOWEVER, if it were me, I wouldn't go that thin no matter what. __________________ My build thread: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2548422 Current Tank Info: 65 gallon mixed reef, Eshopps sump and HOB overflow, RO-110int skimmer, Reefbreeder 32" photons V1.

05/22/2018, 05:34 PM	#25
FunFishin24 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 211	I can put a lot of make up on my pig out back to make him look cool, but it’s still a pig!! Lol Point is, is there is a difference between a cool looking tank and an effective/safe tank. Like others have stated, you would need pretty thick glass for pressure reasons. Also as others have stated, a tank like that isn’t really healthy for the fish. Now from personal experience, my tank is 36” deep and it has its disadvantages when it comes to aquascaping & cleaning sometimes & placement of corals. I do think your idea is neat & different but I don’t see it working out the way you want & it seems like you would invest in a lot of money to learn that the hard way. But good luck to you & if you succeed can you show us pictures.