55 Gallon Build Questions

[thedandandandy]

Hi all,

I am wanting to get a 55 gallon tank. I might end up buying one, but I was wondering in an estimated cost of building one. From the research I've done, I need 3/8" glass and I'd like to use starphire glass. Which I'm finding for $12 a square foot. The tank will end up 48"x12.5x21. I'm not the most adept at math, so how many square feet of glass should I buy? Or would it be smarter to buy it cut to the measurements I need and if so how much extra would I pay to have that done? Any help or info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[AsphaltPays]

Have you ever built a tank before ?there are a lot of great sponsors here that could sell you what you are looking for a tank that size you could probably pick one up built to your specification reasonable and save yourself the headache just my 2 cents good luck and happy reefing


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[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

You should not need starfire glass, I have 3/8" regular glass and it is plenty clear, I didn't see much difference form my old starfire tank. Plus 1 on having it built

 

[Mufasa31]

If you are doing a reef tank, I would recommend 36 inch length. With only 12.5 inch depth, you are limited with aquascaping.

 

[thedandandandy]

@asphalt I have not built an aquarium before, but have built a glass cube to hold flowers using all the same steps.

 

[thedandandandy]

@mufasa, that's the measurements I keep seeing for a 55 gallon tank. I can change it from 12.5 to 18, if you think the extra 6 inches would help. That would just increase it to 65 gallons, which is okay by me.

 

[dsmhero]

+1 for adding more depth! I think the standard 55 dimensions lend to a very flat looking tank, adding the extra 6in will make a tremendous difference. If you are looking in that size range I would recommend 36x18x24, which is basically a 40B with an extra 7" in the height.

 

[thedandandandy]

@dsmhero Thanks. I think I'll just add the depth to my current measurements. I like the long, expanded look of the 48"lx19"h tanks I've seen. But I'll definitely switch it to 18"d. What could more room for the fish hurt?!?

 

[dsmhero]

You wont regret it. Don't forget to start a build thread once you get it going.

 

[thedandandandy]

For sure! What's the best tool to grind the edges so they aren't going to slice me? I've seen people say they used knife sharpeners. Will that work?

 

[thedandandandy]

Anyone have an estimated idea on price?