72x30x18 DIY build thread

Kodski · Nov 3, 2020

Nate Chalk said:
how much did that run you? The glass here was roughly $1k. came with nice beveled edges. May drill tomorrow for the overflow box from @modularmarine

I found the tank on marketplace and paid $180 for it. It needed to be resealed and figured I'd adjust the dimensions while I was at it. Currently its 72"x18"x30" and I don't like the idea of such a narrow and deep tank. I have access to a water jet table to cut the glass down, as well as large polishing machines. I work for a quartz, granite, marble shop and glass is actually pretty similar to some of the stone we work with.

John08007 · Nov 3, 2020

Kodski said:
I found the tank on marketplace and paid $180 for it. It needed to be resealed and figured I'd adjust the dimensions while I was at it. Currently its 72"x18"x30" and I don't like the idea of such a narrow and deep tank. I have access to a water jet table to cut the glass down, as well as large polishing machines. I work for a quartz, granite, marble shop and glass is actually pretty similar to some of the stone we work with.

Wow, never knew that glass could be cut like that. Maybe post a video of the cutting/polishing process, would be cool to see.

Nate Chalk · Nov 4, 2020

anyone know where i should drill my return hole height wise?

tricky_tran · Nov 4, 2020

Nate Chalk said:
anyone know where i should drill my return hole height wise?

How many are you putting in? i suggest 2 on either side of the back panel maybe an inch under the water line. dont forget to put in a check valve so if you lose power, it all doesnt siphon back into the sump.

Kodski · Nov 4, 2020

John08007 said:
Wow, never knew that glass could be cut like that. Maybe post a video of the cutting/polishing process, would be cool to see.

I plan on documenting the whole build pretty well once it gets going. It will be a little while though.

@Nate Chalk I usually try to drill them as high as possible without causing issues with the bullkheads hitting the top rim or lip.

Nate Chalk · Nov 10, 2020

Plumbing came in , wanted to see what the return would look like with reducers. Not terrible. May get another length of loc line. But overall looks good. Return will be 1 1/4 inch pipe . This goes to a 2 inch bulk head , and back down to 3/4 inch locline .

Next steps are drill the hole for the return and then assemble the glass panels

Nate Chalk · Nov 11, 2020

3rd and final hole is drilled and everything looks good?

Next steps are silcone the panels together. Any words of advice here? I have 99.99% confidence on the side seams , the bottom glass panel seam is what im wondering about. How do I get a gap between the panels there and also run a smooth bead.

Nate Chalk · Nov 11, 2020

Nate Chalk said:
3rd and final hole is drilled and everything looks good?

Next steps are silcone the panels together. Any words of advice here? I have 99.99% confidence on the side seams , the bottom glass panel seam is what im wondering about. How do I get a gap between the panels there and also run a smooth bead.

O yeah and I am also working on the deck

Nate Chalk · Nov 11, 2020

I am currently working on building my first DIY aquarium. I've notice two different constructions of the 5 panels for an aquarium.

1. The side panels are mounted directly on top of the bottom panel.
2. The side panels are mounted to the side of the bottom panel.

Which is better? Is there a difference?

John08007 · Nov 11, 2020

Nate Chalk said:
3rd and final hole is drilled and everything looks good?

Next steps are silcone the panels together. Any words of advice here? I have 99.99% confidence on the side seams , the bottom glass panel seam is what im wondering about. How do I get a gap between the panels there and also run a smooth bead.

People and tank builders use small thin plastic shims to space the panels. They are small enough that they are typically left in

Nate Chalk · Nov 11, 2020

John08007 said:
People and tank builders use small thin plastic shims to space the panels. They are small enough that they are typically left in

Any idea where to get those or a technique i can use at home?

John08007 · Nov 11, 2020

Nate Chalk said:
Any idea where to get those or a technique i can use at home?

Sure there are YouTube videos, i think some people cut up a credit card with a hole punch

Nate Chalk · Nov 11, 2020

John08007 said:
Sure there are YouTube videos, i think some people cut up a credit card with a hole punch

Found the silicone bumpers, they are basically the same as the cabinet bumpers. Ordered 1/16 inch thick , 1/4 inch. should be perfect for spacing the glass and they can be left in.

John08007 · Nov 11, 2020

Nate Chalk said:
Found the silicone bumpers, they are basically the same as the cabinet bumpers. Ordered 1/16 inch thick , 1/4 inch. should be perfect for spacing the glass and they can be left in.

Is that what people are using? As long as its hard enough to not squish down all the way.

Nate Chalk · Nov 15, 2020

My wife helped to silicone and set up. Used ge scs1200 clear.

Was much more challenging using the injection method. Used the bead on the seam and squish together method after we got poor injection.

Inside bead was easier as we've done a few bathrooms.

Hopefully it holds , will water test in a day or two.

Nate Chalk · Nov 15, 2020

Nate Chalk said:
My wife helped to silicone and set up. Used ge scs1200 clear.

Was much more challenging using the injection method. Used the bead on the seam and squish together method after we got poor injection.

Inside bead was easier as we've done a few bathrooms.

Hopefully it holds , will water test in a day or two.

Added my larger c clamps to the edges to help hold the panels tighter together, leaving room so that all the silcone was not pushed out