Just for fun my friend and I (Geoff) decided to try to build some glass tanks. I am unsure what I am going to do with mine, but my friend will be setting up his tank as a display. Since Eric was headed into the city that day he gave us a hand with the build. Eric is the one behind the camera, he took all the pictures and helped build the tank. Thanks also to Craig for getting the glass.
Specs
my tank
24x24x20" 10mm glass 3 sided starfire
10x2" slot cut out on back glass for external overflow
12x6x5 external box
double pane bottom
his tank
31x31x18" 12mm glass 3 sided starfire
10x2" slot cut out on back glass for external overflow
12x6x5 external box
Supplies
Acetone
RTV 103
Angle squares from rockler
Lots of towels
Painters tape
gloves
double stick tape
So far we have just worked on my tank first. Since his was bigger we figured we should do my tank first and learn from our mistakes.
Angle squares from rockler
Taping off glass
Setting glass on angle squares with double stick tape
Glass all set up
Deciding on how to start
Back side before cleaning
Front side
Side view
Mistakes
Pull tape off faster
We did not pull the tape fast enough which messed up the insides of the seams. We ended up having to strip the inside seams add more silicone and form the inside bead with out the tape. I used the pro-caulk tool which actually worked really well.
Use MORE silicone than you think you need
We still have to put the external overflow box up. I will post more pictures as it comes together. I'll also post some progress we have working on the bigger tank.
Specs
my tank
24x24x20" 10mm glass 3 sided starfire
10x2" slot cut out on back glass for external overflow
12x6x5 external box
double pane bottom
his tank
31x31x18" 12mm glass 3 sided starfire
10x2" slot cut out on back glass for external overflow
12x6x5 external box
Supplies
Acetone
RTV 103
Angle squares from rockler
Lots of towels
Painters tape
gloves
double stick tape
So far we have just worked on my tank first. Since his was bigger we figured we should do my tank first and learn from our mistakes.
Angle squares from rockler
Taping off glass
Setting glass on angle squares with double stick tape
Glass all set up
Deciding on how to start
Back side before cleaning
Front side
Side view
Mistakes
Pull tape off faster
We did not pull the tape fast enough which messed up the insides of the seams. We ended up having to strip the inside seams add more silicone and form the inside bead with out the tape. I used the pro-caulk tool which actually worked really well.
Use MORE silicone than you think you need
We still have to put the external overflow box up. I will post more pictures as it comes together. I'll also post some progress we have working on the bigger tank.