Building a Fish Tank ..Help?

[azkwazere]

hey all,

Im building a fish tank.

Itll be a glass box inside of a wooden frame, question to you all is, what do i seal the glass together with? Just got the idea tonight so i havnt been to many pros yet, thought id get the ideas from yous first, leemie know.

aZk.

[weedo_86]

use the glue that is used for your windscreen

[azkwazere]

thats good, whats i called lol.... any glazers out there? how much does glass cost?

aZk.

[Boonz]

lots!....usually a couple hundred for a couple square meters

[minux]

just google how to make a fish tank? lol

[azkwazere]

i guess it all depends on the thinckness huh? this is going to be a very Fun? project lol...

aZk.

[azkwazere]

would perspecs(sp?)(plastic) be cheaper? should i use that?

aZK.

[maginoodle]

just need a silicon that is aquarium safe. Usually at local building supplier. I just grab the cheap brand stuff and have never had a prob.

[azkwazere]

thanks mate... ill look it up at bunnings or what not...

i want it to be:

1.5M Long, 0.3M Deep and 0.9High

which works out to be 405litres... thats a big tank! ha ha ha just need to find some prices now!

aZk.

[wrx884]

cant use perphex man it cant hold the weight like glass can and its scratches really easy wen u go 2 clean it specially if ur tank gets any grime build up. just make sure u let the silicon set fully b4 u put it 2 use or move the tank around, also remember 2 put at least 10mm of foam under the tank 2 take some of the weight and pressure from the tank if u dont ne slight knock or bump u'll find ur house filling with water lol

[Holden2gether]

Silicon sealer (RTV) in the caulking tubes is the stuff,sticks like s**t to a cows tail. Knew a glazer that recommended that too me once (he'd made a few tanks in his time for various people). Bunnings or any builder's/hardware shop is the place. Perspex, as stated, is unsuitable as it hasn't the strength, polycarbonate would, but would be $$$$$ expensive.

[Troy711]

buy one? cos buy the time you buy the materials, break some glass, get it built, build a stand, fix some leaks and finally buy a filter it will have worked out less to have bought one.

but, if you are deadset keen on building one, let me know how much glass you need, what sort/thinkness and i will ask my girlfriends brother. he will give me a price and the best way for you to do it.

[Rhino Racing]

My old man used to make tanks for a living.
He used to use clear silastic but it is important that you get the right one.
There is a neutral cure and an acid cure and from memory it is the acid cure you need.
( dont quote me on this as this was over 20 years ago.)
From memory a 6 foot tank needed to be made from 10mm glass.It is important how you put the sides together and it is vital that you have a brace accross the top of t he tank and some strengtheners along the top.( you can then rest your tank lid on this too if placed correctly.
You can builk tanks from cheaper thinner glass but many people had come to him for replacements after they had built tanks and they burst during the night and flooded the house and killed their favourite fish. ( so dont cut corners)
As far as filters are concerned you need to decide if you want a fresh or salt water tank and what you wanna stock in it.
Freshwater is generaly a cheaper set up.
Saltwater is a bit dearer to set up withthe right sand , water and fish but they are much more colourful if you ask me and look great.
Truth is i reckon you would be better of scouring all the garage sales for a set up already to go for cheap. You will save a lot of dollars from new and save a lot of work too.
Good luck!

[Troy711]

id give serious consideration to an aqua one tank. they are awesome.. built in lights and filter system, and they look fancy too

what sort of fish to you intend on keeping? if you want something with character get an oscar. they get big, eat big and make alot of mess but their personality far outweighs all that. google image pictures of them, or if you like i can post up pics of my oscar i used to have.

[azkwazere]

got no clue what i want in it yet... just want ot build the damn thing lol... i need to do some calulations to figure out pressure and glass strength before i can guess thickness... My theory is, its going to cost less because im making it and im awsome...lol.... the fram and stand will cost nothing cos i can mkae that with my eyes closed.... its just glass prices.

hmmm... im off to aquire some figures