34g AIO build w/ pics

[YankyTexan]

BACKGROUND: Ever since I saw the Solano 34g cube I was in love. Thus after much research, postings and questions I decided to build a version of it. I have never built anything with glass and/or acryllic so this is my 1st attempt at it.

Here is a view from the front:

<a href="http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii245/YankyTexan/?action=view&current=036-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii245/YankyTexan/036-1.jpg" border="0" alt="34g AIO cube"></a>

And now the back:

<a href="http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii245/YankyTexan/?action=view&current=041.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii245/YankyTexan/041.jpg" border="0" alt="34g AIO cube"></a>

DETAILS:
The display area is 20"W x 15.5"D x 20"H and the filtration area is 20"W x 4.5"D x 20"H. The cube is made of 1/4" glass while the filtration area is made of 1/4" acryllic. I painted the main divider with Krylon Fusion. I plan to power it with a Rio 1700. It is rated at 600+ gph.

NEXT STEPS:
I am currently working on the base that will be 21"W x 21"D x 7.5"H. The base is so short since the aquarium will reside upon an antique safe in my game/card room.
The canopy will be 21"W x 21"D x 5.5"H and will contain the lighting system which consists of five 15 watt 18" bulbs with a remote ballast. Both the base and canopy will be painted with black enamel.
The exterior of the filtration area will be painted with Krylon Fusion to minimize unwanted algea growth.

The only reason I was able to attempt this build is because of forums such as this. The information and expertise from others is invaluable. I appreciate all who have replied to my numerous posts over the past several months.

FWIW - the tank is currently sitting on top of the poker table I built last weekend. Anyone up for Texas Hold-em?

More pics to come. Thanks, Daniel

[sbcaes]

I'd def resilicone it with a different silicone if i were you. You have to consider it IS a rimless tank. its important to use the black silicone which in orders of 10x+ stronger than the clear. and not only that. much better looking.

[YankyTexan]

First Let me post the correct front view picture:

<a href="http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii245/YankyTexan/?action=view&current=035.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii245/YankyTexan/035.jpg" border="0" alt="34g AIO cube"></a>

Next, some add'l detail might be in order.

Would I place this DIY cube on my new hardwood flooring ... NO. It is going in the game/card room that has stained concrete floors to be on the safe side. Also, the base and canopy being built as I type will act as add'l support. The base and top will actually overlap the cube by 1" (top and bottom respectively) and be siliconed in place. They will in effect be the rims.

I'm not sure if my reasoning is correct but here goes anyway:
there is 160 linear inches of silicone joints (8 joints @ 20" each, not counting the acryllic filtration) holding the 5 pieces of glass to form the cube. The glass is 1/4" thick.

So 160 * 1/4 = 40 sq. inches

of surface for the silicone to bond/adhere to (and that doesn't count the generous amount placed in each 90 deg corner). Assume it holds

30 gallons of h2o * 8 pounds = 240 pounds of pressure.

Assuming the pressure is exerting an equal amount of pressure in all five directions (front, back, left, right & down) that is

240 pounds / 40 sq. inches = 6 pounds of pressure per sq. inch of silicone sealant.

Not that much IMHO. The 40 sq. inches of contact area is greatly under estimated, a more accurate number would be closer to 80 sq. inches which in turns yields approx. 3 pounds per sq. inch.

I ran the numbers for my factory built 150g with 1/2" glass and it works out to a maximum of 9 pounds per sq. inch of silicone sealant. All I attempting to say is the pressure in a small tank is not that great.

I suspect rims on mass produced tanks are used less for strength and more for other production related reasons:
1) aids in the assembly process acting as a jig
2) hides sloppy caulk jobs
3) protects the exterior edges from chipping during handling and shipping
4) reduces the the amount of glass edges that are visible and need to be sanded/polished
5) and yes they do provide add'l support

Thank you for your thoughts. That is the main reason I posted the thread and I appreciate that you took the time to type a response. I look forward to filling it up next week and testing for leaks and water flow.

[jeff209]

lookin good

[Chorethorious]

I own the Solana and I have to say your build looks really good. Congrats and I can't wait to see more of the construction.

[avp]

I think it looks pretty good for your first attempt. I'm interested in hearing your plans for filtration. It looks to me like you are going with a refugium only, unless your skimmer is going in the tank. Can you fill us in on those plans?

-avp