DIY Custom Marine Tank

MzansiReef · 09/05/2015, 11:40 AM

Big shout out to my fellow hobbyist,

I'm a diehard DIY person and I'm thinking of building myself a custom display tank measuring 50"x24"x27" using 0.5" glass. I need these specific dimensions as they neatly fit the location I want to place the tank.

My question is what is the most ideal silicone seam thickness for joining the glass panels together and also what is the the recommended curing time needed for this tank in order to withstand the pressure of the volume of water in the tank given that it will be approximately 140 gallons

I would also I would appreciate any pointers you may have for me when building a marine tank DIY.

Thanks

MzansiReef · 09/09/2015, 02:11 PM

Any ideas and pointers for building a marine tank? Thanks

Shawn O · 09/10/2015, 01:43 PM

The best advice I can give you is to have it built for you, unless you also like to do DIY home repairs cased by flood damage. Not trying to be an A-hole, just saying that 140 gallons is a lot of water to play with just to DIY your own tank. If you insist on building it yourself, it would be wise to build a bunch of tanks, in 20 gallon increments (20, 40, 60, etc) until you reach a 140 gallon tank. I like to tinker with cars but wouldn't start out building a top fuel funny car. Good luck, either way.

DaveinKY · 09/13/2015, 08:23 PM

Read this thread. This guy does an excellent explanation of how he built a 500 or so gallon. Don't know if you're that into DIY as much as this guy but his process is there. Older thread but a very interesting read.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1976233

MzansiReef · 09/14/2015, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn O

...just saying that 140 gallons is a lot of water to play with just to DIY your own tank. If you insist on building it yourself, it would be wise to build a bunch of tanks, in 20 gallon increments (20, 40, 60, etc) until you reach a 140 gallon tank. I like to tinker with cars but wouldn't start out building a top fuel funny car. Good luck, either way.

Thank you for the advice. I'm planning on putting powder coated angle iron braces or 316L clear powder coated stainless steel braces all around the tank to reinforce it. I'm not sure about the effect of saltwater on powder coating. Below is the tank setup that I'm planning to do.

Your suggestions and critique is very much appreciated.

09/05/2015, 11:40 AM	#1
MzansiReef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 3	DIY Custom Marine Tank Big shout out to my fellow hobbyist, I'm a diehard DIY person and I'm thinking of building myself a custom display tank measuring 50"x24"x27" using 0.5" glass. I need these specific dimensions as they neatly fit the location I want to place the tank. My question is what is the most ideal silicone seam thickness for joining the glass panels together and also what is the the recommended curing time needed for this tank in order to withstand the pressure of the volume of water in the tank given that it will be approximately 140 gallons I would also I would appreciate any pointers you may have for me when building a marine tank DIY. Thanks

09/10/2015, 01:43 PM	#3
Shawn O Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: People's Communist Republic of Massachusetts Posts: 1,474	The best advice I can give you is to have it built for you, unless you also like to do DIY home repairs cased by flood damage. Not trying to be an A-hole, just saying that 140 gallons is a lot of water to play with just to DIY your own tank. If you insist on building it yourself, it would be wise to build a bunch of tanks, in 20 gallon increments (20, 40, 60, etc) until you reach a 140 gallon tank. I like to tinker with cars but wouldn't start out building a top fuel funny car. Good luck, either way. __________________ "55gal glass box full of water, rocks and some not-so-amused little fishes" 2x Occellaris, 1 Pajama, 1 Neon Dottyback. Current Tank Info: 55gal tank, sumpless, ReefOctopus Classic 90, Twin bulb T5.

09/09/2015, 02:11 PM	#2
MzansiReef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 3	Any ideas and pointers for building a marine tank? Thanks

09/13/2015, 08:23 PM	#4
DaveinKY Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Eastern KY - USA Posts: 94	Read this thread. This guy does an excellent explanation of how he built a 500 or so gallon. Don't know if you're that into DIY as much as this guy but his process is there. Older thread but a very interesting read. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1976233