Need help with Concrete-glass connection.

[Dule T&T]

Hi guys, I've been working on some plans for a custom very large tank.
The whole idea is to build concrete tank with large glass "window".
I saw online many people already did that before. Thing is pretty much simple... build a concrete groove and place glass inside.
What I can't find anywhere is concrete information what to apply on concrete to be able to permanently silicone glass to it.

I saw some people talking that they used some "concrete epoxy primer" for that and then siliconed glass into concrete "window groove", but no one says which kind of epoxy exactly (name, brand... etc). Also I saw someone is talking about "pond shield epoxy".... but still can't find any confirmation and precise information.

So, any idea what can be applied on concrete surface to make it suitable for silicone in order to attach glass to it?

Thanks.

 

[Dragon52]

I can't help you with this one but You might want to check out the DIY forum also.

 

[Smarkow]

Bump
Always wondered this myself. Tried to research large, pro installation methods but they all seemed tucked away like trade secrets...
Just need more detail for my dreams

 

[ca1ore]

I’d imagine something like this. You’re going to have to seal the concrete walls also.

 

[Dule T&T]

I’d imagine something like this. You’re going to have to seal the concrete walls also.

Yes, I found that exact same thing and even asked question on their amazon page, but didn't get any answer.

 

[Dule T&T]

Bump
Always wondered this myself. Tried to research large, pro installation methods but they all seemed tucked away like trade secrets...
Just need more detail for my dreams

Exactly!
i don't understand why is so hard to get that information.

 

[ca1ore]

Yes, I found that exact same thing and even asked question on their amazon page, but didn't get any answer.

I’ve used it on plywood and it seals glass fine, but I’ve not used it on concrete.

 

[Scrubber_steve]

Hi guys, I've been working on some plans for a custom very large tank.
The whole idea is to build concrete tank with large glass "window".
I saw online many people already did that before. Thing is pretty much simple... build a concrete groove and place glass inside.
What I can't find anywhere is concrete information what to apply on concrete to be able to permanently silicone glass to it.

I saw some people talking that they used some "concrete epoxy primer" for that and then siliconed glass into concrete "window groove", but no one says which kind of epoxy exactly (name, brand... etc). Also I saw someone is talking about "pond shield epoxy".... but still can't find any confirmation and precise information.

So, any idea what can be applied on concrete surface to make it suitable for silicone in order to attach glass to it?

Thanks.

 

[Sltloser]

Hi Dule,

I hope this helps some, it's an old thread I used to follow on a different forum, but the first page has exactly what was used for putting the glass panel in.

Out of Africa (picture intensive) - Reef Central Online Community

Out of Africa (picture intensive) Large Reef Tanks

reefcentral.com

 

[AlexG]

If you seal the concrete with pond armor you will be able to seal the glass to the concrete using the right silicone/RTV. One of the reasons that I used pond armor on my plywood tanks is because it can bond with silicone/RTV. I used RTV 108 for sealing my glass. The concrete will need to be acid washed before applying pond armor. I would look at the pond armor website as they have some great guides for how to apply it to different surfaces. The owner of pond armor is generally very responsive to emails if you have questions.

 

[SeaJay]

I second, or third Pond Armor/Pond Shield. You're going to have to seal the entire thing anyway, so just coat the entire thing, then sand the areas where you want stuff to stick and silicone it in.

 

[Dule T&T]

Yes, I found that exact same thing and even asked question on their amazon page, but didn't get any answer.

Actually they answered today:
"Thanks for your question. Yes silicone will stick to Pondarmor. I would fairly liberal with the application and use a high quality silicone for the best results. If you need more help you can call Pond & Garden Depot toll free at 1-866-305-5459 Cody H. Customer Service"

So, I guess this is the one possible way to go.

 

[Dule T&T]

Thank you all guys, you've been very helpful.

 

[SeaJay]

Actually they answered today:
"Thanks for your question. Yes silicone will stick to Pondarmor. I would fairly liberal with the application and use a high quality silicone for the best results. If you need more help you can call Pond & Garden Depot toll free at 1-866-305-5459 Cody H. Customer Service"

So, I guess this is the one possible way to go.

There are plenty of build threads of concrete and plywood aquariums where pond armor was used with consistently successful results. It's also used in a lot of koi pond and water feature applications as well as commercial aquariums and large tanks for dolphins and other large aquatic life. It'll work for you. It is slick, so anywhere you want to attach stuff later, i would surface sand it first.

 

[ca1ore]

Hi Dule,

I hope this helps some, it's an old thread I used to follow on a different forum, but the first page has exactly what was used for putting the glass panel in.

Out of Africa (picture intensive) - Reef Central Online Community

Out of Africa (picture intensive) Large Reef Tanks

reefcentral.com

I remember that thread …. really amazing. Not sure, BTW, that you want to sand the pond armor. My experience is that silicone adheres far better to a mirror smooth surface.

 

[ca1ore]

Curious why concrete over plywood? I've been designing my next tank (mostly in my head) and concluded that properly braced plywood was easier than concrete and still strong enough.

 

[Smarkow]

Hi Dule,

I hope this helps some, it's an old thread I used to follow on a different forum, but the first page has exactly what was used for putting the glass panel in.

Out of Africa (picture intensive) - Reef Central Online Community

Out of Africa (picture intensive) Large Reef Tanks

reefcentral.com

Wow just worked my way through this. No updates in 4 years+. Wonder if he moved to R2R or any other site?

but he does go into good detail re his concrete and glass combo, good memory you have!!

 

[SeaJay]

I remember that thread …. really amazing. Not sure, BTW, that you want to sand the pond armor. My experience is that silicone adheres far better to a mirror smooth surface.

Pretty sure it’s in their instructions to scuff it with 60 grit before recoating or applying silicone unless it’s done within the first 8 hours or something like that. I could be mistaken, but I looked into it when I built my vivarium. I used pond shield to seal the whole thing, then siliconed the glass in.

 

[fishguy242]

jmo pool /pond epoxy paint,seal glass with windshield epoxy ,never done myself ,buddy did on his basement floor over 20 years ago still holding water

 

[SeaJay]

jmo pool /pond epoxy paint,seal glass with windshield epoxy ,never done myself ,buddy did on his basement floor over 20 years ago still holding water

What is windshield epoxy?