How to build a rimless tank ?

twintrades · Feb 26, 2013

Im thinking about building a shallow rimless tank. Its going to be 2ft by 2ft height will be 12 inches.

Anyone with experience building tanks please chime in. I would like to know how to layout the glass. And what thickness it should be. Could i do 1/4 inch or should it be 3/8 ? Im going to use aquarium sealant. and thought about making a plywood Box to act as a mould. so the sides dont move during curing.

I have 0 experience making tanks but want a short cube for a couple clams and sps. So anyone feel free to help out. Thanks!

Jlobes · Feb 26, 2013

im no expert, and have not built a tank. but, im pretty sure you dont want/need a plywood box. and 1/4" is NOT thick enough. have you tried google? How much general building and DIY experience do you have? I wouldn't say that building a tank would be my first project! lol good luck either way. Its on the bucket list....

https://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en&tab=ww#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=building a rimless glass aquarium&oq=&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42965579,d.b2I&fp=4fc9a130158ee62c&biw=1710&bih=875&pf=p&pdl=300

[url]http://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en&tab=ww#hl=en&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=diy+rimless+glass+aquarium&oq=diy+rimless+glass+aquarium&gs_l=hp.12...0.0.1.2140.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0.les%3B..0.0...1c..4.psy-ab.wheT2oxPs5o&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42965579,d.b2U&fp=4fc9a130158ee62c&biw=1710&bih=875

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twintrades · Feb 26, 2013

Ive done a lot of diy things. And i'm a carpenter by trade. Built a wooden stand for my 75 gallon and did all the plumbing / sump work. Sump was a 40 breeder with glass inserts cut for the baffles. No bubble's coming out of it at all and has a refuguim in it as well.

I didn't think 1/4 was thick enuf but i wasn't sure. That's why i started this thread. I don't know if the height of the glass would have anything to do with the strength.

If i could find a tank this size i would buy one believe me. Im not shy about DIY prodjects. So i figured id check on here with everyone before i do this. Step one PLAN. lol

Jlobes · Feb 26, 2013

im on my way out the door. check this link...Saltwater Aquariums, Fish Tank Supplies, Aquarium Products and Reef Tank Equipment - Deep Blue 30g Rimless RR Shallow Tank

not promoting the shop, just the first link I found.

WatercolorsGuy · Feb 26, 2013

Maybe this will help...

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WatercolorsGuy · Feb 26, 2013

Some technical reading too...
http://www.fnzas.org.nz/?p=1732

And a calculator....
http://www.theaquatools.com/building-your-aquarium

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FragStar101 · Feb 26, 2013

I've always wanted to build one but never had the time or patience

twintrades · Feb 26, 2013

Watercolorsguy Thanks for helping but from what i've read that graph is intended for aquariums with a rim on the top and bottom.

But the calculator if i enter in my dimensions says i can use glass .12 thick so that's about 1/8 inch plate glass. Which i know is not right. It must also factor in the top and bottom rim......

OMG the tech data gave me a head ache. I haven't use formulations since highschool.....