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wakesurfdan
02/13/2011, 04:18 PM
Hi everybody
i am in the process of starting my build of a 430 gallon glass reef tank.
The tank will be 120" long 30" wide and 29" tall. i am planning on using 1/2 starfire glass on front and sides and 1/2" plate glass on bottom and back.
it will have euro bracing with 2 layers of 1/2 inch by 3" all around top and 2-3" on ends and 2-6" braces spaced evenly across the top.Im a little worried about the 29" height with 1/2" glass and would appreciate any pros or cons

Thanks Dan

A Reef Scene
02/13/2011, 05:39 PM
How much price difference would 3/4 be? And what type of sealent are you using?

jmchzn123
02/13/2011, 05:43 PM
IF and thats a big IF I was building a tank I would make it wider. 36" at least. just sayin.

wakesurfdan
02/13/2011, 05:47 PM
Price for all glass for 1/2 inch is $1,700 price for 3/4 would be $2,900 so its a big diff and i havent decided on sealent yet

OH GOD
02/13/2011, 05:55 PM
At a 120" long i dont know if 1/2 inch will bow but i have a 130 gallon and 30" tall and 58" long and my 1/2 inch glass is like a tank

TampaReefer79
02/13/2011, 06:14 PM
I JUST had a large tank built, and anything over 26" was going to require 1" thick material, so I went with a 25.5" tall tank, and 3/4" material. For that size, 1/2" sounds way too thin.

wakesurfdan
02/13/2011, 06:42 PM
Water level will be 27" and it will be braced every 33" with a 6" wide 1/2" glass brace along with euro bracing with 2" strips along entire bottom so in theory it is a 36" long 30" wide 29" high tank

BluScrnOdeth
02/13/2011, 09:34 PM
would be interesting if it worked that way.

wakesurfdan
02/19/2011, 12:29 PM
ok I ordered my glass, I ended up changing my dimensions a little, here's the final
120" long 33" wide and 29" tall. I will be using 1/2" glass everywhere with the front and sides being Starfire. the bottom will have 1/4" strips 2" wide euro bracing. The top will have 1" thick x 3" wide around edges and 5- 1/2"x 6" braces front to back spaced evenly.
I went with 2 overflows 20" long by 7" deep on the back. each overflow has 3- 1 1/2" bulkheads 2 for drains and 1 for returns making a total of 2-1 1/2" returns and 4- 1 1/2" drains. The back of the tank will be painted black. I will be starting the tank next weekend and will post pics and progress along the way

wakesurfdan
02/19/2011, 12:58 PM
Correction to tank dimensions 120" long 33" wide and 28" tall with water level ending up at 26-1/2" I calc it out with euro bracing to be a safety factor of 3.4

gods child
02/19/2011, 03:28 PM
good luck with the 1/2 glass wiil realy like to see how it works out for you down the road . like a year or so

T Diddy
02/19/2011, 11:17 PM
Don't forget to level the stand:thumbsup:

rkaragozler
02/20/2011, 08:57 AM
I just fineshed my 450 build, used 3/4" glass for sides and back, and 1/2" tempered starfire for front. only 1 center brace that is 10" wide at 1/2" thick, 6" wide top side supports. 1/2" tempered has the same strenght characteristics as 3/4 regular glass, from what my builder told me.

wakesurfdan
02/20/2011, 04:21 PM
What height is your tank?

wakesurfdan
02/20/2011, 04:59 PM
Also couple of other questions if you don't mind. I considered having my glass tempered and still can but was told by glass manufacturer that it could distort a little. how did yours come out? also I read in your post that you used 1/16" spacers where you siliconed edges together. This was also my concern because of the weight of each panel would extract all the silicon, was this the reason for the spacers and what did you use as spacers?

Thanks Dan

zenpytho
02/20/2011, 06:20 PM
u can use spacers from home depot or lowes that r for ceramic tile and yes it "can distort" some but not likely they just have to say that in case it does so their not liablealso just imo i think u may regret 1/2" for a 10' tank at over 2' tall it is gonna bow

rkaragozler
02/21/2011, 05:46 AM
my tank dimensions are 96x36x30. 30 being the height.

wakesurfdan
02/21/2011, 04:07 PM
Well made the big decision today!!
I'm going with non-tempered 1/2" mainly because of the bracing I'm using and after finding this thread of almost the exact tank I will be building.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=847516
Glass will be in Friday so here we go!

wakesurfdan
02/25/2011, 09:25 AM
Started my stand today I went with 2x2-3/16" square tube I will post some pics tonight

sfsuphysics
02/25/2011, 09:32 PM
Man, I hope you know what you're doing because 1/2" would worry me a bit. That said... I hope you know what you're doing, because putting together a tank that size will require some level of skill.

wakesurfdan
02/26/2011, 06:38 PM
Almost done with the stand just a little sanding and then paint.140307140308

chimmike
02/26/2011, 07:53 PM
Man, I hope you know what you're doing because 1/2" would worry me a bit. That said... I hope you know what you're doing, because putting together a tank that size will require some level of skill.



agreed. Even a reputable manufacturer putting together a tank that large in 1/2" would worry me.

wakesurfdan
02/26/2011, 08:25 PM
I hope you guys are wrong! But everyone has the right to thier own opinion. I did plenty of research and have been a craftsman for 32 years , trust me I'm worried but confident in my own ability's. I just finished the stand and my glass should be ready next week from the glass edging company.

nyvp
02/27/2011, 10:09 PM
Thats My 560/g 120x36x30 was 1/2" Starfire sides and 3/4 bottom and is still up and running 5 years later. Everyone here way over builds everything.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h310/nyvp/CIMG8256_edited.jpg

Corners

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h310/nyvp/CIMG8175.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h310/nyvp/CIMG8176_edited.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h310/nyvp/CIMG0523_edited.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h310/nyvp/CIMG0388.jpg

External overflow

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h310/nyvp/CIMG0386.jpg

dogstar74
02/27/2011, 11:54 PM
nyvp, I've always loved your tank. Man thing of beauty!

nyvp
02/28/2011, 06:19 AM
TY for the kind words.
If everything goes well today, I hope to have a 920 in my house by tonight.

wakesurfdan
02/28/2011, 08:41 AM
Nyvp
Thanks for the confidence builder, your tank is what me make the decision on 1/2" glass!! Your tank loos amazing. If you don't mind I have a couple questions. Do you know what kind of silicon your builder used? And did he use spacers between the panels and what thickness were they if he did. I found your thread on your tank after I designed mine and was amazed that it was almost identical to mine. It made me feel like all my research and drawings were worth while. Can't wait to see your 900 gallon!!!

Thanks Dan

wakesurfdan
03/02/2011, 10:57 PM
Ok I've decided on my spacer size and silicone type. Spacers will be 1/8" wide by 1/16" thick clear lexan cut from an old rc car body I had, and silicone will be GE RTV108 or 103. I need suggestions on silicone color? My tank will have a 1-1/2" black abs plastic rim at top and bottom very similar to oceanic tanks and will be black back. So do I go with black or clear seams? my glass arrived today and I will be assembling tank next Saturday.

Thanks Dan

wakesurfdan
03/04/2011, 10:32 AM
140887

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wakesurfdan
03/04/2011, 10:34 AM
Couple Pics of stand and build platform

srud
03/04/2011, 11:07 AM
Ok I've decided on my spacer size and silicone type. Spacers will be 1/8" wide by 1/16" thick clear lexan cut from an old rc car body I had, and silicone will be GE RTV108 or 103. I need suggestions on silicone color? My tank will have a 1-1/2" black abs plastic rim at top and bottom very similar to oceanic tanks and will be black back. So do I go with black or clear seams? my glass arrived today and I will be assembling tank next Saturday.

Thanks Dan

I think black looks nice. Where did you come up with the abs rim?

btw. The stand looks great!

wakesurfdan
03/04/2011, 12:43 PM
140902I really like the look of my oceanic so I wanted to keep the same style

wakesurfdan
03/04/2011, 05:05 PM
Glass is HERE!!!! To bad I have to wait till next weekend to start140930

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Isayso
03/11/2011, 09:21 PM
any updates?
we want to see lots of pics

wakesurfdan
03/11/2011, 11:20 PM
Getting ready for the big build tomorrow I've got all my build jigs ready to go here's some pics. I will post all the build photos tomorrow night. Im a little nervous only for lifting the 180 lb.141757

141756

141755 panels into place. I borrowed my glass guys suction cups,just have a hard time trusting those things.

wakesurfdan
03/11/2011, 11:31 PM
finally found use for the hundreds of my extra business cards, If you look close at the build stand you can see them under the glass being used as shims to create a perfectly flat build stand.

wakesurfdan
03/11/2011, 11:34 PM
Also one note Im not sure why I called this my 400 gallon build since it calcs out at 489 gallons

A Reef Scene
03/12/2011, 07:44 AM
Can you post pics of where you lay the silicone? THanks

widmer
03/12/2011, 09:34 AM
After all this careful consideration and $$, could I recommend that you have a couple friends come over to help navigate those heavy panels?

Looking forward to seeing it come together. Not sure if you've already made the decision but RTV108 (clear) gets my vote.

rkaragozler
03/12/2011, 10:37 AM
Dan looking real good, keep up with positive thinking.

teacherthomas
03/12/2011, 10:47 AM
I have heard that for DIY clear silicon is better as it is easier to see any bubbles in the seams and the conncetion of the seams. Though black looks a lot cooler and will blend with your background better.

Oildalemonkey
03/12/2011, 10:50 AM
Nice job so far, Dan. It looks like you really did your homework and I'm sure everything will turn out fine. Looking forward to seeing the progress.

mcoomer
03/12/2011, 11:27 AM
I'd probably go with black RTV103 for the look. Black seams really seem to add a lot to a tank.

BTW...are you putting your equipment under the tank or in a separate room?

Mike

wakesurfdan
03/12/2011, 01:36 PM
I went with rtv 103 for the seams and will be using rtv 108 for all the euro bracing up top.this one is a family project so my wife and two sons will be helping today. My 21 year old son can bench 320 lbs so he will be on the other side of the panels with me.I'm finishing taping everything off right now and will start assembling in a couple hours.

widmer
03/12/2011, 01:37 PM
Exciting, keep taking those pics :)

wakesurfdan
03/12/2011, 08:07 PM
141852

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141850

141848Well The build pressure is over!! Everything went better than I could have imagined. here's some pics of the build. I will be starting all the bracing monday.

wakesurfdan
03/12/2011, 08:11 PM
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wakesurfdan
03/12/2011, 08:15 PM
141858

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wakesurfdan
03/12/2011, 08:19 PM
141864

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coralnut99
03/12/2011, 08:20 PM
Looks awesome! I like the upright support jigs. Great thinking! Lazy old me would've used a pneumatic or electric gun. You must've squeezed three miles of RTV!

Don't know if you planned for this, but the finished product is gonna weigh many, many pounds. Think about inviting your son's friends. Serioulsy, the only thing that would worry me beyond this point is moving it. How are you planning on attacking it?

Oildalemonkey
03/12/2011, 08:21 PM
You work quick, Dan! That is so cool how you made the supports for the sides; I guess I've never seen how it's done. Are you going to build 489 gallon tanks for the rest of us now? ;)

wakesurfdan
03/12/2011, 08:22 PM
141867

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wakesurfdan
03/12/2011, 08:27 PM
I have a hand operated fork lift and will be raising the whole build stand up to the steel stand level and sliding it over

widmer
03/12/2011, 08:36 PM
Very cool. When sliding it over are you going to use a bunch of dowels to roll it on, like when they built the pyramids?

wakesurfdan
03/12/2011, 08:38 PM
Ok I have the total cost to date for tank , stand
Glass for tank which has starfire glass front and sides $1,490.00
Steel for stand $280.00
Silicone $72.00
Total $1,842.00

Not bad for a tank I got 3 quotes on and the cheapest was $5,600.00 without a stand!
From Glass cages without shipping
I will also be building the filter system from scratch so after all said and done I should have $3,800.00 invested before liverock ect.

discus510
03/12/2011, 08:41 PM
nice build but if it was me i wouldnt dare to make such a big tank if its my first tank build. im havin my tank build by keith grandt in sacramento. hes using 3/4 all around and 1/2 on bottom plus a 2" around bottom edge of tank.
dimension of tank is 120 x 36 x 27 with no cross brace on top only 4" around makin it a euro brace and top and side r low iron glass. im only payin a lil more than wat u said u would pay all glass for the 3/4 glass. and the price includes building it and bringin it to my shop and puttin it on the stand =)
PS this tank isnt goin to be a reef tank

wakesurfdan
03/12/2011, 08:47 PM
There's NOTHING better for me than the satisfaction of stepping back and saying yep I built it myself!!!

widmer
03/12/2011, 09:08 PM
Definitely hear you on the satisfaction. But I wonder what thickness GC would have made it out of - I recently got a 48x15x12 rimless starphire from them and they used 1/2" all around and eurobraced with another layer of 1/2" in the bottom as well. Overbuilt? Maybe, but my significant other is really un-reefsafe...

jsw810
03/12/2011, 09:12 PM
I agree 100% about building it yourself. You certaintly seem to have researched this completely and know what your doing. Keep us up to date on the progress.

discus510
03/13/2011, 01:59 PM
Ok I have the total cost to date for tank , stand
Glass for tank which has starfire glass front and sides $1,490.00
Steel for stand $280.00
Silicone $72.00
Total $1,842.00

Not bad for a tank I got 3 quotes on and the cheapest was $5,600.00 without a stand!
From Glass cages without shipping
I will also be building the filter system from scratch so after all said and done I should have $3,800.00 invested before liverock ect.

now tats a good price i thought u spent 2900 on glasses itself from all glass. umm wanna help me build one??

wakesurfdan
03/16/2011, 08:47 PM
heres a couple of pics starting on my euro bracing and overflow boxes.
Anybody got some good overflow designs? looking at the pics I have 3 -1 1/2" bulkheads in each overflow box, 1 will be a return with a t at the top feeding 4 -3/4" lockline returns and the other two 1 1/2" bulkheads are going to be drains. Any good Ideas would be more than welcome.142379

Doug864
03/17/2011, 06:56 PM
Coast to coast exterior with bean animal overflow.
Regards,
Doug
heres a couple of pics starting on my euro bracing and overflow boxes.
Anybody got some good overflow designs? looking at the pics I have 3 -1 1/2" bulkheads in each overflow box, 1 will be a return with a t at the top feeding 4 -3/4" lockline returns and the other two 1 1/2" bulkheads are going to be drains. Any good Ideas would be more than welcome.142379

oquockyo
03/17/2011, 07:16 PM
WoW !!!! thats really amazing. I would never have the balls to take on something like that. You got some skills.

Texastravis
03/17/2011, 08:25 PM
Looking good so far!

As for those dimensions and glass thicknesses....Best would have been 1/2" sides and 3/4" front and back panels..too late now though lol. Consider adding one more brace in there...If not you wont have anything to worry about first 5 years but try to keep vigilant on your seals throughout the tanks life.


Thats My 560/g 120x36x30 was 1/2" Starfire sides and 3/4 bottom and is still up and running 5 years later. Everyone here way over builds everything.

We people that "overbuild" like to build our tanks to last over 10 years. That and an added $500 to a $10,000 investment for added insurance is pretty nice. I would keep an eye on those seals at about the 10 year mark. Poor Mark (Melev) busted a leak on his beautiful 300 gallon and his tank was only 30" wide, not 36".

wakesurfdan
03/17/2011, 08:34 PM
I will post pics on Sunday of all the bracing. Besides the 2-4" end braces on top there are 3-6" across the top and 2" bracing along edge of bottom

wakesurfdan
03/17/2011, 08:59 PM
Also if the difference was only $500 it would have been a no brainer!!
But the difference was going to be $1,200 between 1/2" and 3/4"

Texastravis
03/17/2011, 10:11 PM
Also if the difference was only $500 it would have been a no brainer!!
But the difference was going to be $1,200 between 1/2" and 3/4"

That comment wasnt really directed at you. That is usually the typical cost difference on tanks in the mid sized range of around 200 gallons.

I see now that you say that your water level height wont be above 27". This actually makes things 10x better. Every inch of water you add beyond 27" (for your tank) will decrease the tank life significantly. At 27" I would suggest watching the seals at about the 15 year mark. Adding just 1 more cross brace would help even more as well, but it will be pointless and ineffective adding anymore than 4. If it helps change your mind you could consider changing brace size to 4" and having 4 of them. This will be stronger than 3x 6" ones but actually less cover.

But, I am kind of assuming that you havnt aded the center braces just yet.

wakesurfdan
03/19/2011, 11:55 AM
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wakesurfdan
03/19/2011, 03:22 PM
Finishing up bottom euro bracing today, I installed 1/2" thick by 2" wide strips along bottom edge. I will start top bracing this afternoon and 142627

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142625 have the basic tank done by tomorrow. This week I will be making and installing overflow box covers and hopefully lift tank onto stand next weekend

Reefnut2010
03/19/2011, 06:36 PM
You seem to know what you're doing, and your tank and seams look very clean. If I had the skill to DIY, I would do the same, as the prices for these things are ridiculous !! Its a glass/acrylic box for GODS sake !! Looking forward to some pics of a stocked tank. Good Job !!

widmer
03/19/2011, 07:39 PM
Great progress, tank looks fantastic :)

It's really starting to make me feel like my tank was wayyyyy overbuilt... Mine is 48"x15"x12"h and was also made out of 1/2" glass w/ 2" eurobrace in bottom... Maybe I should rent it out on weekends for bomb disposal?

vietcu
03/19/2011, 11:24 PM
This is really motivating me to build my own tank. I have been kicking around the idea of building my own large tank, and you might actually push me towards doing it :). Looking real good so far, tagging along.

wakesurfdan
03/20/2011, 04:40 PM
Almost there just have the 10 ft long by 4" strips that go along the edge.142744

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wakesurfdan
03/20/2011, 04:44 PM
If someone could explain how to upload full size pics things would look alot better

widmer
03/20/2011, 04:49 PM
Set up an account with photobucket.com It's free and works great. You just upload your images to the website and it gives you the code right there for putting them in your post.

wakesurfdan
03/20/2011, 05:20 PM
Thanks I will try tonight

kayaking2
03/20/2011, 07:19 PM
Excellent build thread. Nice you could build this yourself. I'm having 190G 8' long built...1500.00 with starfire only on front.
I can't wait to see it completed

wakesurfdan
03/20/2011, 08:23 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=photo1-13.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/photo1-13.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
03/20/2011, 08:23 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=photo3-13.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/photo3-13.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
03/20/2011, 08:25 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=photo2-13.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/photo2-13.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
03/20/2011, 08:28 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=photo3-12.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/photo3-12.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
03/20/2011, 08:30 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=photo4-10.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/photo4-10.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
03/20/2011, 08:34 PM
DOGFISH <a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=photo-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/photo-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Nate R
03/20/2011, 09:23 PM
awesome job.:D

wakesurfdan
03/20/2011, 10:25 PM
Thanks to everybody for all the positive feedback!

kcress
03/20/2011, 11:54 PM
So since there was no mention of getting it, "into the house", is this going to be a garage-through wall?

Nice build!

wakesurfdan
03/21/2011, 06:16 AM
Thanks, no it will not be a through wall tank, it will be free standing against the wall in my formal dining room. We will put the tank on the stand then using industrial dollies wheel it through the front door. I have 1" clearance for it to fit, that is why I made it 33" wide and not 36".

Doug864
03/21/2011, 08:26 AM
Nice build, real clean looking. One question, the overflow boxes look low, are you planning on running a good sized wave?
Regards,
Doug

wakesurfdan
03/21/2011, 09:24 AM
Overflow boxes will have a black PVC cover that will go to top of tank

wakesurfdan
03/21/2011, 05:14 PM
Ok everybody I need some cosmetic opinions!
The tank will have a 1-1/2" wide by 1/4" thick trim around the top rim and base of the tank similar to my tank I have in my profile pic. I can't decide weather to use textured abs plastic or smooth black acrylic. ANY OPINIONS?
I'm leaning towards smooth acrylic. I thought the textured abs would make it look cheap.

wakesurfdan
03/21/2011, 05:35 PM
To get the whole picture the stand will have black beveled glass panels that will attach magnetically to the stand giving me complete acsess to the sump. And the light hood will also be black 9 ft long suspended from th ceiling with a remote motor to raise and lower

wakesurfdan
03/21/2011, 06:39 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=5398b6c3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/5398b6c3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
03/21/2011, 06:43 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=97fb2b9d.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/97fb2b9d.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Crooke
03/21/2011, 06:46 PM
Why use a trim at all? The work is fantastic, even the bracing looks good. I'd leave it unobstructed just so I could admire the work.

That said, my preference would be a non-flat material for any trim. Flat black acrylic will highlight any blemish and require frequent polishing.

wakesurfdan
03/21/2011, 06:51 PM
Thanks, I'm quite the perfectionist this is the 1st tank I have built and I wanted to do it right. , The reason for the trim is because I dont like seeing water lines and also to go with other tanks I have in the house. Also I don't like the looks of a sit on top hood which is usually used to cover water line.

kcress
03/21/2011, 10:09 PM
I would tend to use non-rough plastic too. I have large black surrounds on my tank that are black acrylic. They scratch just from wiping salt off of them! Which makes me think textured might be better.. Of course salt could get into the texture and cause white stains.

Since everything else is smooth shiny glossy I'd use glossy.

So you are putting it in the house! You're talking about 2 and a half tons. I hope you're going to add some under-house support.

wakesurfdan
03/21/2011, 10:28 PM
Yes its going in the house my house has a slab foundation 12" thick so i should be fine. Total weight filled and stocked should be around 5500 lbs to 6000 lbs

kcress
03/22/2011, 04:55 AM
Ah.. Most excellent.

You're going to wait how long before filling it?

Are you going to test it in the garage or throw the dice in the house? :D

alpinestar
03/22/2011, 05:33 AM
Wow great build wish I had the courage to build my own but doubt it would ever happen on anything a shopvac couldn't handle. Following this can't wait to see it wet

wakesurfdan
03/22/2011, 06:24 AM
The last bracing will be installed on Thursday so from then I will wait three weeks before water test in the garage. I just purchased all the acrylic for my sump and should be starting fabrication someone this weekend. I still need to finalize my design for the sump. Pretty sure it will have 4 filter socks, two on each end to accommodate the 4 drains. Dimensions will be 27" wide 72" long and 22-24" tall all made from 1/2" cell cast. The sump will be under the tank and the protein skimmer and return pumps will be in the garage behind the wall where the tank will be.

T Diddy
03/22/2011, 07:37 AM
Nice craft! That thing looks beautiful, hurry up and put some water in it!

;)

wakesurfdan
03/28/2011, 07:26 PM
http://<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&current=69757b53.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/69757b53.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos" /></a>Updated pics, I will be putting on stand this weekend!http://http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/69757b53.jpg

wakesurfdan
03/28/2011, 11:37 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=1524ca92.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/1524ca92.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
03/28/2011, 11:39 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=6cfe8ffe.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/6cfe8ffe.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

kcress
03/29/2011, 12:19 AM
That's so nice and clean!

You braced around the bottom didn't you? I think I see it. What did you use there?

calamari
03/29/2011, 12:31 AM
:eek2: wow...that looks fantastic!! great job!!!

geaux xman
03/29/2011, 12:35 AM
man you did a fantastic job!

your silicone job looks better than GC tanks...

When can i place my order for a custom 84x33x26" tank?

willj313
03/29/2011, 05:23 AM
Nice job looks good

wakesurfdan
03/29/2011, 03:44 PM
Bottom is braced with 1/2" thick by 2" glass strips

wakesurfdan
03/29/2011, 03:46 PM
If you lived I Sacramento I would be glad to help you!!

wakesurfdan
03/31/2011, 12:11 AM
Started on my overflow box covers today, Got them both bent and will be starting on water notches tomorrow<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=9876172c.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/9876172c.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
03/31/2011, 12:13 AM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=746ff3a9.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/746ff3a9.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/02/2011, 05:53 PM
THE TANK IS ON THE STAND YEA!!!
If you can believe it we did it with just my son and my wife.<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=02889384.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/02889384.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/02/2011, 05:55 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=a2f55bc9.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/a2f55bc9.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/02/2011, 05:56 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=53c321da.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/53c321da.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/02/2011, 05:56 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=a49d8041.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/a49d8041.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/02/2011, 05:57 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=a02c56c4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/a02c56c4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/02/2011, 05:57 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=06f21c68.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/06f21c68.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/02/2011, 05:58 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=2e4d8cb4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/2e4d8cb4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/02/2011, 05:58 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=5516504e.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/5516504e.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/02/2011, 05:59 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=f0d33cbd.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/f0d33cbd.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

kcress
04/02/2011, 09:03 PM
Brovo!

Now let's see the three of you carry that in the house..


How'd you get the Styrofoam under it?

dahenley
04/02/2011, 10:03 PM
i have built a few overflow boxes, and i always take a sheet of acrylic and cut my teeth, then bend it.
or, i cut teeth, and then cut the panels and glue them. (depends on if there is a glass backing. if so, i bend. if not, i glue.

its hard to cut teeth when its already bent.

wakesurfdan
04/02/2011, 10:59 PM
I route the teeth I don't cut them usinig a pattern and router set up with a collet

ironwill723
04/02/2011, 11:42 PM
I like the stand as well. How hard was that to DIY? I've been thinking about trying my hand at building one.

wakesurfdan
04/03/2011, 12:40 AM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=25452b41.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/25452b41.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/03/2011, 12:43 AM
If you cut the notches first it is impossible to heat bend the corners at the top

wakesurfdan
04/03/2011, 12:45 AM
Looks jagged but its just the paper

wakesurfdan
04/03/2011, 12:50 AM
on a tank this size difficulty was a 9 out of 10

dahenley
04/03/2011, 09:39 AM
If you cut the notches first it is impossible to heat bend the corners at the top

I cut my teeth using a Table saw and a jig i made.
i then lay the acrylic on a table and clam it down with spring clams. then run a heat gun on top and bottom and when i starts to fold, i bend it and hold. then use some compressed air to and blast a little here and there to cool it off. (every now and then, you will get 1 tooth that wants to bend out, so i use a piece of wood to push it back. its usually too hot to hold by hand)
I have done it 10-15 times for local people.
what i dont like about bending acrylic, is that the bottom of the bend creates a flare.. thats why i only use bent acrylic when there is a glass backing. for smaller tanks, i cut and glue acrylic so there is no flare and silicones better to the glass.

Looks jagged but its just the paper

was it intentional for the middle of the teeth to be lower? just curious whats going there.

wakesurfdan
04/03/2011, 10:40 AM
The teeth are lower to fit around the tank brace. I don't use a heat gun i use a heating bar thats made for bending acrylic. I always cut my peice im going to bend 1/2" long then after bending i trim with a router to remove the flare created by the bend.

wakesurfdan
04/03/2011, 10:48 AM
Kcress
We slid the tank on to waxed 1x4 strips then lifted one side at a time with suction handles as my wife removed the wood and slid in the foam underneath. We should only need 4 people to get it in the house I am going to use industrial dollies and wheel tank into the house on the stand.

dahenley
04/03/2011, 12:04 PM
my 8" 240 is made of 1/2 glass. we used 1 furnature dolly in the middle and it slid right in.

it was nice in the middle, because it made maneuvering easy.

keep up with the updates! it looks good.

kryptic4l
04/03/2011, 12:33 PM
wow very nice build, Just a quick question about bracing on the bottom such as you have. Does it not create a void beneath the tank. which pressure above could press down and potentially bend / crack the bottom ? I thought the idea was to distribute weight as evenly as possible across as much surface area as possible ?

kcress
04/03/2011, 01:13 PM
Kcress
We slid the tank on to waxed 1x4 strips then lifted one side at a time with suction handles as my wife removed the wood and slid in the foam underneath. We should only need 4 people to get it in the house I am going to use industrial dollies and wheel tank into the house on the stand.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

wakesurfdan
04/03/2011, 01:29 PM
The braces are on top of the bottom glass

Isayso
04/03/2011, 06:48 PM
Just beautiful better than a store bought tank :thumbsup:

wakesurfdan
04/04/2011, 02:20 PM
http://<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&current=89c4a84e.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/89c4a84e.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos" /></a>

EBOLII
04/04/2011, 08:13 PM
Very nice indeed......well done

wakesurfdan
04/08/2011, 10:16 AM
Need critiqe on sump design?<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=2497b3c7.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/2497b3c7.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Scott B
04/08/2011, 02:25 PM
That sump looks killer, lots of skimmin' gonna happen:fun2:

wakesurfdan
04/08/2011, 07:15 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=df92b204.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/df92b204.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/08/2011, 07:17 PM
I will be spraying the back of the tank flat back tomorrow and building and installing overflow tubes and supply lines

Saltwaternooby
04/08/2011, 11:25 PM
Looks great you should post this in the MARS section as well. Local Sac reef club.

wakesurfdan
04/09/2011, 12:29 AM
I tried registering with MARS and never recieved an email

rkaragozler
04/09/2011, 06:19 AM
looking real good, just one thing in your sketch for your sump the 2" baffles have to be larger, you have 3800 gph their i would make them min, 3 1/2", Also using 1 pump would be more energy efficient, the blue line 100 consumes over 340 watts each, and also add the sound, and heat build up. where is the return from the fuge in the drawing?

wakesurfdan
04/09/2011, 09:55 AM
Thanks i will make the baffles bigger! The fuge is 3" lower than the top of the sump there will be a small 300 gph pump pumping water into the bottom and the water will fill the fuge and spill over the top back into the sump

bigrock
04/09/2011, 01:40 PM
From your drawing it looks like the skimmers are in the return section, won't that areas water level fluctuate?

I am assuming your building your sump out of glass as well? How do you plan to cut the holes for the filter socks to sit in?

wakesurfdan
04/09/2011, 02:12 PM
The sump will be built out of acrylic. Water in the sump will only fluctuate with evaporation. I will have a auto top off in the sump for RO water

wakesurfdan
04/09/2011, 02:22 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=88f3767f.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/88f3767f.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/09/2011, 02:23 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=dcd866c0.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/dcd866c0.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/09/2011, 02:23 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=67eeac92.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/67eeac92.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

chasekwe
04/09/2011, 03:13 PM
Very nice! A few questions if you please...

The boards you used to make sure the vertical panes were straight... did you plane those first or were they just "off the shelf"? Also, did you leave a predetermined amount of space between the panes (ala ~1/16") and, if so, how did you ensure the spacing/evenness of it?

This was a very understandable method for building a large tank and really gave me some courage (biggest I've built is a 42g) to try it at some point. Just want to get the particulars down. Also where did you get the starphine panels? I ordered cut acrylic from glasscages once and it was cut to the wrong sizes, I'd be very nervous ordering expensive glass cuts from them.

What sort of adhesive did you use to keep your arm from falling off laying down all that caulk?

wakesurfdan
04/09/2011, 09:06 PM
Im a contractor by trade so i just grabbed some real strate boards from one of my job sites. I used 3/8" peices of zip ties for my spacers tacked on with silicon before setting the glass. I ordered the glass from a local glass manufacturer here in sacramento. Just double and triple check your measurments before ordering it taking into account the 1/16" spacesr you will be installing. Try to bypass the glass shop and go right to the manufacturer. Make sure you have all glass flat polished. I used RTV 103 and 108 appox 14 tubes.

wakesurfdan
04/09/2011, 10:34 PM
I finished the black acrylic trim today i will post pics late tonight or tomorrow morn. The tank part of this build will be complete tomorrow. I should get the beveled glass panels for the stand early next week. I will aso be starting on the sump torwards the end of the week. Heading on a cruise with my wife and five kids on the 15th. I could use the break. Hopeing to have the complete system up and running by late May.

chasekwe
04/10/2011, 12:51 PM
Im a contractor by trade so i just grabbed some real strate boards from one of my job sites. I used 3/8" peices of zip ties for my spacers tacked on with silicon before setting the glass. I ordered the glass from a local glass manufacturer here in sacramento. Just double and triple check your measurments before ordering it taking into account the 1/16" spacesr you will be installing. Try to bypass the glass shop and go right to the manufacturer. Make sure you have all glass flat polished. I used RTV 103 and 108 appox 14 tubes.

Thanks very much! Did you just leave the zip ties in the silicone?

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 01:27 PM
THE TANK IS DONE!!!!!!!!<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=b306e9c3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/b306e9c3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 01:27 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=f71b64d1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/f71b64d1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 01:28 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=0fb01721.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/0fb01721.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 01:29 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=b1f7bda5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/b1f7bda5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 01:29 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=aa853ad0.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/aa853ad0.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 01:30 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=41add71e.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/41add71e.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 01:30 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=f72e098b.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/f72e098b.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 01:31 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=26ff14af.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/26ff14af.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 01:32 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=ec38a0ab.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/ec38a0ab.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

keketito
04/10/2011, 01:45 PM
Amazing!!!!

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 02:02 PM
Waiting on a true Y i ordered to connect the return lines to the center pipe in the Pic.<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=4c7a3193.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/4c7a3193.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

jjk_reef00
04/10/2011, 02:34 PM
Wow that looks amazing! Great work!

Saltwaternooby
04/10/2011, 02:39 PM
I tried registering with MARS and never recieved an email

Well there is a local meet every 3rd Friday you could checkout without a membership.

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 03:24 PM
Thanks ,I will email me location

larrybeck
04/10/2011, 04:59 PM
Dan - let me say, your tank is looking great and the build seems to be progressing incredibly well. I had a design question for you - did you apply the acrylic trim around the top and bottom for aesthetic reasons, or do you believe there is a structural value to it?

Did you use black acrylic to create the black background as well?

Finally, what did you use to adhere/seal the acrylic to the glass?


thanks!
Larry

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 07:15 PM
Acrylic was for aesthetic reasons to cover water line, No structural value. The black background is flat black paint on the outside of the tank. Anything else such as acrylic or black window film will eventually get salt creep from splashed water. Acrylic was adhered using rtv 108 silicon, and yes it will hold for a lifetime. Regular 100% silicon will fail at some point.

w2Thezoo
04/10/2011, 07:59 PM
Just read through your build up to this point. Your process and workmanship is something else. Truly amazing work! A+

I’m subscribed to this build, can’t wait to see more!

:thumbsup:

dahenley
04/10/2011, 08:02 PM
Thanks very much! Did you just leave the zip ties in the silicone?

i didnt know if you answered this, but did you leave the ziptie ends in the silicone or did you silicone the seams, and pull them out and fill them back in after ward?
(im assuming you only used a short portion of the zipties to space the glass.)

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 10:31 PM
The zip tie peices are left in the seam the cut pieces are exactly 1/16" thick, just center them in the seam. In the ten foot panel I used 4- 1/4" long zip tie pieces.

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 11:45 PM
few more better pics

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 11:46 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=2294a0bd.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/2294a0bd.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 11:46 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=73f93d45.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/73f93d45.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 11:47 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=7cbbd7a3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/7cbbd7a3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 11:47 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=beeba98e.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/beeba98e.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/10/2011, 11:49 PM
thanks to everybody for the positive comments.

sergebmw2
04/11/2011, 01:02 AM
Aww iam loving it !!!!!! NIce WORK

serpentman
04/11/2011, 05:48 AM
Great work. I have to say, I honestly think this looks better than most professionally built tanks. The attention to detail is impeccable. Can't wait to see this thing in action.

chasekwe
04/11/2011, 08:11 AM
Great work. I have to say, I honestly think this looks better than most professionally built tanks. The attention to detail is impeccable. Can't wait to see this thing in action.

Agreed, if you have the skills to DIY nobody else is going to have the care for your tank that you will.

JW65
04/11/2011, 09:14 AM
That is a REALLY nice tank but it also looks REALLY heavy I would not want to have to move it. haha

wakesurfdan
04/11/2011, 09:25 AM
Tank and stand 990 lbs as it sits!

SNAKEMANVET
04/11/2011, 06:09 PM
WOW, Great job on building your tank,I have replaced a bottom glass on a 240,but never a whole tank.You can stand back and honstly say I built that.It will look great once it's up and running.

blue736
04/12/2011, 12:36 AM
nice build, gotta appreciate the skills!

kcress
04/12/2011, 12:40 AM
Really really clean..

Now if we can just get you to ditch the GFO* plan...










*GoldFish Only.

crsaz
04/12/2011, 02:23 AM
What is the purpose of the spacer, did you use them in every seem? why is it needed? also does the trim add any structural support or is it just for looks? And lastly what were the dimension of your final cut list?(was it an even 119" or did you account for the spacers/silicon?

wakesurfdan
04/12/2011, 06:18 AM
Love it Kcress!!

D5HP
04/12/2011, 06:26 AM
Really impressive work man!

I think the bracing looks really clean and the black trim looks great too.

WATER!

wakesurfdan
04/12/2011, 06:35 AM
The weight of the side panels were 270 lbs each, if you do not add spacers it would completely push all the silicon out of the joint resulting in a starved joint which is very weak. Dimensions of the tank is 120" by 33" wide the end panels were cut at 31 7/8" to account for 1/2"+1/2"+1/16"+1/16"=33"
No struc value for acrylic

ghengis
04/12/2011, 07:13 AM
Just discovered this thread. I am seriously impressed with the thought and vision that you have shown with this build. Simply brilliant.

I have built a tank or three myself, but all of a much smaller scale and all freehand. I am planning another, larger, build soon and will definitely be employing a jig as you have done here. I have a question, and sorry if you covered this, could you please go through the silicone process...? It seems to me that you have clamped the glass panels into place on the jig and then basically gap-filled the joints with silicone... Is that correct? Or did you bead each panel, before moving/clamping into place? Also, sorry but I have been back over the pics and not seeing spacers in the joints as you've discussed above...am I blind??

I have bookmarked this thread...inspirational! :)

wakesurfdan
04/12/2011, 07:24 AM
Each panel was was beaded then clamped, the jig was to hold panels in place square after they were siliconed, the box assembly took appox 30 min, lots of pre-set-up and planning.The silicon skins in about 8 min so you have to fast!

crsaz
04/12/2011, 09:37 AM
So you joined the side panels on to of to the sides of the bottom panel?

wakesurfdan
04/12/2011, 09:43 AM
Side panels and end panels sit on top of the bottom, end panels are sandwiched between front and back panels. There are 1/16" spacers at ALL joints

wakesurfdan
04/12/2011, 09:47 AM
Look close at all the pics

BigRedMack
04/12/2011, 11:31 AM
coming along very nicely! great work!

ghengis
04/12/2011, 04:50 PM
Each panel was was beaded then clamped, the jig was to hold panels in place square after they were siliconed, the box assembly took appox 30 min, lots of pre-set-up and planning.The silicon skins in about 8 min so you have to fast!

Side panels and end panels sit on top of the bottom, end panels are sandwiched between front and back panels.


Ahhh, and that would answer the spacer question...I had assumed you'd built this in the more "traditional" manner of sides around the base. Also shows the reasoning for the notches cut at the base of each jig upright...so you could clean the silicone from the edges before it set.

Man, you really thought about this.

So, with the spacers...you say that the silicone skinned in 8 mins (which is about average), at which point were the spacers removed? Or did you leave them in and cover them with the internal bottom bracing trim?

Finally (and sorry for the twenty questions), for my own build planning, what do you think of the idea of setting and clamping all panels into place (sides around the base) and then squeezing silicone into the joints? Is this a viable option??

wakesurfdan
04/12/2011, 05:15 PM
The spacers were only 1/8" wide and 1/16" thick and were centerd on the 1/2" glass and left in the joint. I used black zip tie pieces so you can not see them. The silicone is to thick to actully sqeeze into the joint if glass is already put together. Floating bottom is fine but you will need to lay down a bead then install glass. I went through 16 13oz tubes of silicon and probably 8 of them are on rags I used to clean up.

wakesurfdan
04/12/2011, 05:26 PM
After I set the glass I imediatly cleaned the joint inside and out with a soft v shaped tool I made and after all panels were set I laid down a continuos bead of silicon with my son right behind me smoothing it with another tool I made and my wife right behind him removing masking. It all has to be done fast.

ghengis
04/12/2011, 06:56 PM
Nice.

I have already learnt a whole lot of new ideas from this thread...thnak you for sharing.

My thoughts, re pre-clamping then silicone, were to have the jig set to ~4mm oversized, so the panels don't actually touch when clamped in place against the jig uprights (obviously, as you have done, the panels on the long sides would need to be cut o'size to compensate for this). I am thinking that the ~2mm spacing between the panels will allow for a good solid bead...although, I can see thickness of glass (and therefore depth of joint) would be a factor to consider. Maybe more thought on that is required...

I like the idea of a V-scraper too. I had a similar thought on the last tank I built, but didn't follow thru with it. This time, for sure. And I know what you mean by working fast...it sucks having to pull a job apart and start again cos you messed it up the first time!!

OK, I will stop asking questions and just sit and watch now :)

Thanks again.

wakesurfdan
04/12/2011, 07:09 PM
Ok it's time for some more input from everybody!
I need to order my pumps and would like for some suggestions
I will be running two pumps that has already been decided, I need 1700-2500 gph per pump and have a budget of $900 for the pair! Was thinking blueline 100 but now I'm not sure.

dahenley
04/12/2011, 07:29 PM
what style are you wanting? what are you using them for?

if running penductors or flow accelarators, then pressure pumps like BlueLine/Iwaki pumps are good.

I run Reeflo Pumps and love them. I have put 1 seal in, because i though i saw some salt creep and didnt want to be that person with a leak......

They dont add heat like mag driven pumps. but mag driven pumps add heat, and dont have seals...

My dart is silent (have to touch it to see if its running) 3600gph (just make sure not to get a A.O. Smith motor. they are louder then the new reeflo/balder pumps)

wakesurfdan
04/12/2011, 08:50 PM
The pumps will be running sump only and will be located inside the garage behind the wall where tank will be located. I will have a seperate wave pumps

crsaz
04/12/2011, 11:01 PM
I vote reeflo's, dead silent and efficient for the amount of water they move.

wakesurfdan
04/13/2011, 05:13 PM
Thanks, I'm thinking super dart hybrid 3000 gph but comes with a kit to tone it down to 1900 gph any thoughts?

crsaz
04/13/2011, 08:40 PM
why run 2 pumps? I think 1 dart, or super dart gold and you'll be set.

sfsuphysics
04/13/2011, 08:57 PM
Dan: Looks like you did a fabulous job, I'm really glad you had the skillset to make this happen.

Don't have any experience with them, but I have been eying the "Water Blaster" line of pumps, they seem to be really efficient considering the water they move, also are a cheap option (without being worrysome cheap)

ORayRay
04/13/2011, 09:50 PM
Awesome job man, looks perfect

Remn
04/13/2011, 10:23 PM
Tank looks amazing, cant wait to see more updates

larrybeck
04/14/2011, 12:16 AM
what style are you wanting? what are you using them for?

if running penductors or flow accelarators, then pressure pumps like BlueLine/Iwaki pumps are good.

What's the reason for using different pumps based on the use of penductors? I'm thinking of using them on my 300g 96x24x30 and didn't realize I would want to make a pump decision based on the device at the end of the return.

crsaz
04/14/2011, 01:37 AM
because pumps like the dart are "flow" not "pressure" pumps, eductors require x amount of psi with x amount of flow to work properly. I would personally choose a large reeflo for a tank that size(depending on how many eductors your running)

wakesurfdan
04/14/2011, 07:31 AM
I was planning on running two pumps for a couple of reasons. They were going to run off separate circuits thus creating a safety factor in case of overload. Also if 1 required maintenance or failure. Last I am running 8 educators total 4 at each overflow as you can see in pics. The return line stays at 1-1/2" then Y's at top feeding two 3/4" loclines which then Y's to 4. I will have a separate wave makers but wanted to get good flow thru educator too.
I'm still listening to everybody's ideas!
Thanks Dan

wakesurfdan
04/14/2011, 07:22 PM
Tank plumbing is DONE now on to my SUMP<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=c0ad13b0.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/c0ad13b0.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/14/2011, 07:24 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=05d10d9f.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/05d10d9f.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/14/2011, 07:24 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=3290c3fb.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/3290c3fb.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

dahenley
04/14/2011, 08:09 PM
that last picture with the ball valves.... THOSE SUCK!!!!!!!!!

they are soooo hard to turn, and when salt and calcium gets on them... it will be 10X worse. (most people fear breaking the glass or bulkhead/PVC while trying to close them later in life.)

Spears makes a blue handle ball-valve that works amazingly well and is soooo smooth. they are cheap (reasonable the same price) i believe they are called "economy ball valves"

i dont mean to be rude... but im just trying to give you my opinion before everything is glued and its too late....

wakesurfdan
04/14/2011, 08:18 PM
If they get salt on them then apparently you didn't do a very good job putting them together cause that means ther're LEAKING and YES you were RUDE

wakesurfdan
04/14/2011, 08:21 PM
I've had these same ball valves on 1 of my tanks for 9 years and never had an issue, how often do you even have to turn them maybe once a year!! And further more every piece of my plumbing is set up with screw joints or unions NOT GLUED so they can easily be replaced if needed

dahenley
04/14/2011, 08:28 PM
very true.
i ment salt and calcium on the ball inside. (not outside)


I close mine about 1-2 times a year, but mainly because i like to change sumps and plumbing way too much.
i like the blue handle ones, because you can turn them with 2 fingers and no effort.
(maybe texas just has crappy red handle ballvalves.)

wakesurfdan
04/14/2011, 08:45 PM
You also have to take into account these are 1-1/2" ball valves going thru 1" of glass, thats the reason if you look back at the build the glass around the bulkheads is doubled up. I could see the smaller ones being a pain cause there's not enough handle to grab to get any leverage. Are opinions are quite different, in my opinion if their kinda snug to turn = a tight fitting leak free valve.

wakesurfdan
04/14/2011, 08:50 PM
I will be starting my sump next weekend and will be posting daily on the progress. I hope everybody has a great week. I'm off to head on a cruise with my wife and five kids till next Saturday.

redneckgearhead
04/15/2011, 06:20 AM
Amazing build! Have fun with the family!

brewski4u1
04/15/2011, 09:49 AM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=05d10d9f.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/05d10d9f.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

i'm in the process of setting up my rr tank and i cant for the life of me figure out how tall to make the drain to the sump pipes is there a certain height they are supposed to be in relation to the over flow or what ???

wakesurfdan
04/15/2011, 09:52 AM
Make them as tall as can fit. Don't glue the T so you can adjust

brewski4u1
04/15/2011, 09:56 AM
well i guess i was over analyzing it thats pretty simple

dougsidd
04/15/2011, 12:30 PM
Just curious--I don't see siphon breaks on the returns. Am I just not seeing it, or do you have some other plant to prevent an overflow when the pumps are off?

doug

wakesurfdan
04/15/2011, 12:40 PM
I will have a check valve installed on the outflow of the pumps. I didn't want siphon breaks cause I'm going to install a valve between the return and the check valve to use to drain water for my water changes

dougsidd
04/25/2011, 11:15 AM
I will have a check valve installed on the outflow of the pumps.

I figure with a 120 x 30 footprint, you're looking at 15+ gallons of water for every inch of depth. The way it looks in your pictures, there's maybe 4-6 inches from the overflow to the return outputs, although you could move them higher. I hope you have a good maintenance plan for those check valves!

:worried2:

doug

wakesurfdan
04/25/2011, 11:27 AM
My sump is 230 gallons so the reserve will be 110 gallons so even if check valve fails the sump will contain the water

wakesurfdan
04/25/2011, 10:46 PM
Water test was a HUGE success! No leaks no deflection, everything went great now on to the filter.<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=e285e6ec.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/e285e6ec.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/25/2011, 10:47 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=4e5d3b35.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/4e5d3b35.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/25/2011, 10:48 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=76a260be.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/76a260be.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

wakesurfdan
04/25/2011, 10:49 PM
<a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=ae0427f8.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/ae0427f8.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

theoblakereport
04/26/2011, 07:59 AM
awesome!

:beer:

dubes08
04/26/2011, 11:06 PM
looking really good ! ! ! :thumbsup:

Scott B
04/27/2011, 07:10 AM
did you have the plastic trim made or did you fabricate it your self??

wakesurfdan
04/27/2011, 08:55 AM
I fabricated acrylic trim myself.

larrybeck
04/27/2011, 11:57 AM
Dan - looks like you tested out the in-tank plumbing and overflows as well? Your build looks fantastic and has me rethinking my move toward acrylic for large tanks.

saltyguy51
04/27/2011, 06:55 PM
thats some nice polished edges on that glass

wakesurfdan
04/28/2011, 12:59 PM
I got All my acrylic for sump cut and routed last night and will be beginning assembly tonight. I should have 90% of the sump complete by the end of the weekend. I will start posting pics tonight.

willj313
04/28/2011, 01:18 PM
wow tank looks nice u did a good job

JTrem94
04/28/2011, 06:15 PM
I will be tagging along for this one! Looks great.

Scott B
04/28/2011, 07:30 PM
I fabricated acrylic trim myself.

HOW?? nevermind, lol, i dont want to know:twitch: Looks great

marius880
04/29/2011, 03:06 PM
wow... everything so clean and smooth... i like it. good job. you did everything in like 2 months... i can wait to see the aquascape and the fish. let me know if you did the calculation on how much it will cost to run this set up... like electric each month. if i ever have to build a tank. i will most likely have to look for this thread.. :) it came out perfect. :)

marius880
04/29/2011, 03:08 PM
ohh also... everytime i open a thread like this... i just get soooo pumped up about building a big tank.. you guys make it look so easy.. but i would never have the courage to do it by myself. :)

freetareef
04/29/2011, 04:09 PM
awesome job!!!

wakesurfdan
04/29/2011, 04:12 PM
My sump is coming along I ended up changing the deminsions a little. It will be 96" long 27 1/2" wide and 20 1/2" deep. <a href="http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/?action=view&amp;current=f32df758.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m512/Wakesurfdan/f32df758.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>