DIY 250g tank help.

[Mstanker]

So on a 200-250 gallon tank can you do rimless without braces and what thickness would everyone use on this build, and also glass type.

 

[Mstanker]

Alright looking around at what ppl are saying and it looks like 12mm or 1/2 glass should work for 250g tank. But I want to say one of them can't be drilled??

 

[zach_discus]

Depends on the depth of the tank. On a 250, I wouldn't go less than 3/4 on a rimless and would probably still go with Euro bracing to be safe. Your looking to hold 2000lbs of water, and in a reef tank its water thats moving with a low velocity but great mass!!

 

[a361c]

I agree. I would never use the minimum allowable size. I tank that large will have a lot of weight in water and rock. With the constant water movement you will have a lot of stress and pressure for 1/2 glass. Not to mention the potential loss of thousands of dollars in fish and coral. I would oversize the glass and add euro bracing. Just my opinion good luck. I WISH I could have a 250 gallon tank but the warden... I mean wife would never go for it. lol

 

[Mstanker]

I just called a glass company around my town and a 1/2 tempered glass 60L X 27H was only like 182 plus taxes. I think thats good price not sure. I asked for a 3/4 tempered glass and they said that they couldnt get a piece. Does anyone know if you can drill tempered glass or should i look at a different type of glass.

 

[zach_discus]

No you can not drill tempered glass. Plate/annealed glass is what you want.

 

[dbrewsky]

So im not trying to be a nay sayer but again 2000+lbs and 250 gallons of water is not something to be underestimated, especially when your much more expensive home is at risk. There have been some great diy tanks built, but most are over engineered and were well researched. I would recommend that you contact some aquarium builders, glass suppliers, and your intended silicone manufacturer and ask them what they recommend and how they recommend the tank be built. Use this information from the professionals to assist you.

 

[tigerdragon]

Height of tank and length of tank are def gonna be huge factors in glass thickness. Be aware that you not only will have the weight of the water but the tank itself will be very heavy make sure where you are putting it can handle the weight. If going rimless I would prolly do at minimum 1/2" be safer with 5/8" or even 3/4" and if a long tank I would do 2-3 cross braces to keep side bow at a minimum. Braces should be same thickness as should eurobracing. Make sure stand is absolutely flat and level and I would put yoga mat under bottom glass to help with ant imperfections in stand