DarkDep's Ultimate DIY: 8 Foot 300 Gallon Tank

[darkdep]

Well, the chunk of cash that is dedicated to the tank should be here within the next week or so.  I want to do this before Christmas.  We'll see if the powers that be allow that to happen

[busdriver]

I'm ready to photgraph any time you are!

[fishman2]

what thickness of glass will you be using?

if you are interested, the best supplier for heavy plate glass in toronto is adriatic glass and mirror(less than half of a normal glass shop)
they ship across the country.

we have built several tanks, 96x30x30,72x30x30 and this summer 96x36x28

using ge1200 series silicone (3 tubes is plenty)

we used a frame on top of the tank, made of 1/2" glass, 4-6" wide, if you want to get fancy install it in 2 layers, top layer 1" shorter to create in inset for your glass top.

i would recommend installing temporary stop blocks 3/4" in from perimeter.
this makes assembly very easy

at this weight the glass likes to wander

once prep is done assembly takes no more than 30 minutes, invite some friends for the lifting.... then have a party!

nice project!

[darkdep]

Hi fishman2,

Adriatic Glass and Mirror eh?  How do they ship exactly?  I don't expect they use UPS. 

How do you attach the stop blocks?  Silicone?

[fishman2]

shipping via truck(have a fleet)

they supply furniture manufactureres with glass table tops

it is a large 40,000 sq.ft factory

stop blocks are attached with silicone (thicker) for easy removal after.

any scrap glass cut and layered to suit.

we get silicone from construction distribution supply, they may have an outlet in ottawa (under 5/tube with taxes in)

[darkdep]

Well, the dimensions I currently want are 84 x 24 x 24, so I was planning on 1/2" glass.

I'll have to give this place a call

[bitterman]

Well, the dimensions I currently want are 84 x 24 x 24, so I was planning on 1/2" glass.

I'll have to give this place a call

Why the drop in length? I thought your heart was set on a 8' tank. Now your going back to a 180 with one extra foot in length.

Bruce

[darkdep]

The wife made me give up a foot so there would be room for her couch beside it. 

Strange priorities that woman has. 

[Vizerdrix]

Does this mean you've changed your mind about pre-made and are going to make it yourself again?

[bitterman]

The wife made me give up a foot so there would be room for her couch beside it. 

Strange priorities that woman has. 

Accidentally order and built it 1' too long Once its there is can't change ... then ask forgiveness

[darkdep]

I'm back to building.  I do not have confidence that BA will be able to get the fully assembled 265gal down my stairs.  I'll lose my Starphire front pane, and have to go 30" high (which, while nice, isn't what I want).

[Brine]

Accidentally order and built it 1' too long Once its there is can't change ... then ask forgiveness

I had a Professor who taught us that "sometimes it is better to beg forgiveness than to beg permission"

[NetCop]

The wife made me give up a foot so there would be room for her couch beside it. 

Strange priorities that woman has. 

What the heck are fish going to do with a couch? 

[darkdep]

Beats me.  I mean, it's beside the tank.  It's not in front of it.  It's supposed to be for watching our big screen TV, which we've established is too big to fit down the stairs.  So I'm very confused yet very "yes dear" at the same time.

[dan2x38]

Hey she has bought into the 300g plan keep playing it safe... "Yes Dear" there just words... ROTFL 

[darkdep]

I think right now she's mad at all the fish stuff that's been happening...I've had to slow down a bit and pretend to be more interested in Christmas than my fish for a while. 

[mdugly]

Slow down

At this rate, you're gonna end up with a 10g surrounded by couches 

(sorry, couldn't resist... )

[dan2x38]

I think right now she's mad at all the fish stuff that's been happening...I've had to slow down a bit and pretend to be more interested in Christmas than my fish for a while. 

Now your thinking! She'll never suspect a thing... LOL

Actually all kidding aside you must have a great spouse to be into and allow all your projects! In fact all of us fish folks do!!! 

[darkdep]

She is great and lets me get away with a lot.  But every once and a while I have to settle down because she thinks I get out of control.  Hopefully a little non-fish time will bring things back to normal

[RoxyDog]

But every once and a while I have to settle down because she thinks I get out of control. 

I can't IMAGINE why...?     *cough* fishroom *cough* gigantic tank *cough cough*