The bottom of the tank is on styrofoam on the stand, but I'm not entirely sure what you mean by raising it. And yeah, jigs would be much more convenient, and now I know for the future.
Fish Room Renovations
Started by
Guest_Yeahson421_*
, Sep 16 2013 12:36 PM
34 replies to this topic
#22
Guest_Uland_*
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Posted 25 October 2013 - 07:15 AM
I notice that in your homemade tank, the bottom glass is, well...on the bottom. There's a good reason for raising it slightly. Not just to accommodate a bottom frame, but to prevent stress fractures due to an uneven support surface. I generally raise the bottom panel by 1/4 inch for my home-brews.
I made some wooden jigs (triangles) to ensure 90 degree alignment - a bit more precise than soda cans.
Scrap glass - you gotta love the stuff!
I'm also slightly confused. When you say raise it, you use additional silicone between the bottom plate and sides?
#23
mattknepley
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Posted 25 October 2013 - 06:45 PM
The impression I got from Irate's post was that the bottom of his home-brewed tanks are not resting on the bottom; they fit inside the outer walls and are not flush to any surface the tank would rest on. That way if there is any uneven support/settling/et cetera you aren't as likely facing the reality of the bottom separating from contact with another glass surface.
That is how I took it, anyway. But I have about as much tank building experience as the keyboard on which I'm typing does, so take it for what it's worth. I'm sure he'll be on here soon enough to correct me if I'm wrong...
That is how I took it, anyway. But I have about as much tank building experience as the keyboard on which I'm typing does, so take it for what it's worth. I'm sure he'll be on here soon enough to correct me if I'm wrong...
Matt Knepley
"No thanks, a third of a gopher would merely arouse my appetite..."
"No thanks, a third of a gopher would merely arouse my appetite..."
#24
Guest_Irate Mormon_*
Guest_Irate Mormon_*
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Posted 26 October 2013 - 09:19 AM
Yes, Matt has it right. Look at how commercial tanks are built - that is how I do it.
#26
Guest_Irate Mormon_*
Guest_Irate Mormon_*
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Posted 26 October 2013 - 10:51 PM
Looks good, son. Yeah!
#27
Guest_Irate Mormon_*
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Posted 26 October 2013 - 10:52 PM
I suspect the stream "bank" will need to be stabilized in order to prevent substrate slump. Entropy generally wins these things, especially when water is involved.
#28
Guest_Yeahson421_*
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Posted 26 October 2013 - 11:25 PM
Ha! Thanks! The bank is primarily made of large rocks with gravel over it, so it should be quite stable.
#29
Guest_Orangespotted_*
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Posted 26 October 2013 - 11:36 PM
That is really cool 
I'm so glad it's turning out for you! I really love the look of the log with the slope of the gravel. Do you intend on trying out some plants at all? Thought it might look even cooler with some moss/crystalwort on it. Can't wait to see it complete!
I'm so glad it's turning out for you! I really love the look of the log with the slope of the gravel. Do you intend on trying out some plants at all? Thought it might look even cooler with some moss/crystalwort on it. Can't wait to see it complete!
#30
mattknepley
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- NANFA Member
- Smack-dab between the Savannah and the Saluda.
Posted 27 October 2013 - 07:53 AM
Nice!
Matt Knepley
"No thanks, a third of a gopher would merely arouse my appetite..."
"No thanks, a third of a gopher would merely arouse my appetite..."
#31
Guest_Yeahson421_*
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Posted 27 October 2013 - 04:07 PM
Thanks! I do plan on adding some willow moss and a bit of sag.
#32
Guest_Yeahson421_*
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Posted 09 February 2014 - 05:31 PM
My homemade tank is doing well and I will post an update after the filter cleaning tonight. I do however, have some updates on:
5. 47 Gallon Sunfish Tank
Since I broke one of my 20 Longs, I've decided to give up taking apart tanks, and I'm just going to make one from scratch. 3/4" Plywood, actually. I will have two glass windows, one on the front, one on the right side. The rest will be coated with PondArmor. The dimesions are 40 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 16 inches tall. It will be more like 66 gallons. Here's the wood we currently have cut:
CAM00608.jpg 76.27KB
0 downloads
What do you think?
5. 47 Gallon Sunfish Tank
Since I broke one of my 20 Longs, I've decided to give up taking apart tanks, and I'm just going to make one from scratch. 3/4" Plywood, actually. I will have two glass windows, one on the front, one on the right side. The rest will be coated with PondArmor. The dimesions are 40 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 16 inches tall. It will be more like 66 gallons. Here's the wood we currently have cut:
CAM00608.jpg 76.27KB
0 downloadsWhat do you think?
#33
Guest_Irate Mormon_*
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Posted 17 February 2014 - 11:23 AM
How much did you pay for the PondArmor?
#34
Guest_Yeahson421_*
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Posted 17 February 2014 - 03:50 PM
I got it at 50% off! Normally it may be too expensive at around 70 dollars a can, but it's supposed to end up with a glass like texture, so it's worth it.
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