another giant tank construction

tank watch · #1 02/20/2007, 09:48 PM

Hello all.
I am Matt and I have lurked here for some time. I have even posted a few times. With so many large tanks being built, I had to jump on the bandwagon.
I need a little help designing the front panel of my tank, 96 x 48 x 32, plywood. How wide of a seal is necessary for glass measuring approx. 90 x 28, roughly?
Anyone have build pics of the front panel and glass installs that they would like to share? I know everyone loves pics, including me, so here are a few to start. I wasnt ready to start this thread yet, but it has become inevitable. I need a little advise.
thanks, Matt

tank watch · #2 02/20/2007, 09:53 PM

oh, and yeah thats a full sheet of plywood, and a Bloody Mary. Not sure who will need more of those, Me or the Wife!

dsandfort · #3 02/20/2007, 10:37 PM

WOW...does that look familiar. I was right where you are about 2 months back. I've left about a 1 1/2" lip all around the front for glass fitment. I also cut a "shelf" on the bottom inside bracket to set the glass on so there will be no shear force on the seal. You can see my pictures to date a few threads down.

Other than that, the main differences I see is I went with bourbon instead of bloody marys.

BTW-I spent many days all around your area after Katrina. Hope things are getting a little "normal".

Del

cbui2 · #4 02/20/2007, 10:49 PM

great looking tank build matt, i too live in new orleans and also waiting for my tank to arrive, had it built with 1" cell cast with same dimension 600gal

tank watch · #5 02/20/2007, 10:51 PM

bourbon was the choice the first night of construction!
did you continue with plywood for the front?
Sean@EBNreefs used double plywood, but said to me that using 2 x 4 would do the same and be much cheaper than using up two sheets of ply.
things are looking better around here. It was hard living in a dump for a year, but...what ya gonna do?

tank watch · #6 02/20/2007, 10:58 PM

yeah i remember reading your build. love the angle iron trick.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sean at EBN Reefs for taking the time to explain techniques to me. You guys, Sean and dsandfort, have inspired me.

tank watch · #7 02/20/2007, 11:25 PM

cbui2,
love to see your new tank, keep us posted. (what did they hit you for?)

IMAGINEER · #8 02/20/2007, 11:26 PM

Holy moly , how much does that base stand weigh?

tank watch · #9 02/20/2007, 11:37 PM

not sure. i hope the design is not flawed.
from top down it is :
3/4 ply
2 x 6 joist @ 12 inches with 2 x 6 skirt
2 x 4 cap under that
2 x 4 legs all around

tank watch · #10 02/20/2007, 11:42 PM

shoot, wasnt finished typing and I hit the enter button...
is there no edit feature after posting?...
front legs are 12" on center with joist
4 2x4's compose each corner
side legs are doubled and spread 16", rear legs are doubled and spread 21 inches for access and installations
all tied together under the 1/2 inch floor plywood with 2x4 lying flat to hold it from spreading

cbui2 · #11 02/20/2007, 11:48 PM

The Aquarium Company
32014 521st. Ave.
Winthrop, MN 55396
i paid $2840 1" cell cast with eurobrace all around except the bottom was 3/4", had them custom build my 300 sump/refugium $1300 96l x 30w x 24h, and my 2"x2" steel stand w/leveling legs $750 also i will be sending my stand to received line-x treatment
freight $500

i also visit sean @ebnreefs in mandeville and his setup up is very nice, but overall when i visit george at coral connection in kenner that tank lured me into purchasing that size because of the depth was so pretty.... who said ths hobby was cheap

tank should be arriving about a week or so and will be posting up

matt also which landscape company do you owned cuz i recently move into my new home 6 months ago and still have alot of work needed to be done front and back

tank watch · #12 02/21/2007, 12:38 AM

Louisiana Lawns. Tell you what, I'll come give you an estimate if you let me take a look at your tank and setup. Sending you pm with my phone number...Matt

Fudge · #13 02/21/2007, 11:48 AM

Corona`s and Tim hortons for mine....

My tank was just tipped on the face and glass placed in, i was also worried initially about the shear on the seal, but after water i dont think shear is a factor anymore.

3/4" laminated staphire was used, with about 1 3/4" overlap.

My main concern, was flex/bow on this face and bracing it appropriatly so no tension was on the glass itself.
For this reason, i opted to install euro and external wood bracing before the fiberglassing...and rolled the fiberglass up under the euro aswell for extra strength here.

Good luck, it is a long process but also was very rewarding.

Keep in mind ,unlike most glass tanks, plywood tanks are different in that the weight is evenly distributed on the stand.
So not so much outer edge bracing is required, but just even distribution of them across its entirety.

Marc.

tanya72806 · #14 02/21/2007, 12:08 PM

looks like its gonna be a sweet set up

PL-Reef · #15 02/21/2007, 10:09 PM

tagging along for this one.

asnatlas · #16 02/21/2007, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by PL-Reef
tagging along for this one.

All you have to do is click the Subscribe link at the bottom of the thread...

tank watch · #17 02/22/2007, 11:28 AM

Thanks for the replies, everyone.
Does the silicone need extremely smooth sanded surface, or a bit rough to stick better?
How thick should the silicone bead be when applied. I know a ton will squeeze out, probably leaving about 3/16 of an inch in between the glass and the epoxy .
Does that sound right?
Thanks , Matt

tank watch · #18 02/23/2007, 04:06 PM

updated pics
I think all construction is done. I reinforced the top structure with another 2 x 4 .
The overflow box was constructed seperately to maintain the 48 inch tank depth.
I am in talks with boat builders about having the box sprayed with chopped fiberglass and epoxy. Moving right along...Matt
Can anyone bump this thread up near the top of the heap? I dont want it to get lost and stop getting help and tips. I dont know how to do that....thanks

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/..._Tank_8240.JPG
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/..._Tank_8350.JPG
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/..._Tank_8390.JPG[IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/..._Tank_8240.JPG[/IMG]

Bebo77 · #19 02/23/2007, 04:22 PM

where is the sump going to go?

tank watch · #20 02/23/2007, 09:29 PM

unfortunately it will probably be inside the stand. if I dont custom make it, then a support leg may have to be removed then reinstalled. My wife only gave me 18 inches of the room for the tank to stick out into. that leaves 2.5 feet behind the tank, about 4 feet on the left and only inches on the right. the right side will only be some pipes and plumbing. the skimmer will definately be external for easy access for cleaning.

cbui2 · #21 02/24/2007, 12:19 AM

got a lil more work done huh, looking good matt, also did you check to see how much you gonna spend on the glass and what thickness you plan on doing...my friend built his 600gal not too long ago and use thick grade woven fiberglass boat material, aprox. 5 layers of it all around and then alot of clear caulk was use to hold 3/4" glass in place... seeman fiberglass of harahan is where most materials came from.

tank watch · #22 02/25/2007, 12:13 AM

interesting. i dont think 5 layers of fiberglass is necessary, but if that is what one wants...
so far, these boat craftsmen are an elusive bunch. they seem to be out of touch quite often. I may just do the fiberglass myself because self accomplishment is at the top of the list

tank watch · #23 03/10/2007, 11:28 PM

well. I purchased the West system epoxy, and fiberglass woven material. It was the right weight, 6 oz. , and cheaper by the foot, so I bought it from a roll. I bought 12 yards, probably too much, but there is plenty room on the outside of the tank if I have leftovers. this will be a slow, learning process....more pics coming when I have progress....Matt

tanya72806 · #24 03/11/2007, 12:37 AM

where did you get it from ?

OnlyCrimson · #25 03/11/2007, 12:55 AM

Awesome, can't go wrong with the fiberglass.