Diy glass tank build

[That Cichlid Guy]

Just wondering if anyone has attempted to build there own tanks. I get my glass at a decent price and want to know what the best stuff is to use as a sealant?

[swifto]

Silicon

[Link2Hell]

prefer GE industrial but any acetic cure will work, has strong vinegar smell

make sure there is NO mould inhibitor

make sure the front and back panels are the same length and base is shorter

by the glass thickness of end panels plus 4 mm to allow for silicone gap

end panels need to be same width as bottom panel and same height as front

and back panels

never butt the glass hard against each other always have approx. 2mm gap

for silicone so it has flex when assembled

have a flat surface large enough to lay base on with plus approx. min of 15cm

on all sides for panel supports to fit

have enough containers of sand or gravel available to hold panels upright 12

is a good number for larger tanks so you have two inner and outer for the front

and rear and one inner and outer for the sides if you don't have enough do it in

stages first both side panels then the front or back panels one at a time after they

have cured to the silicone makers specs

for small tanks just some masking tape will be enough support after the end panels

are supported

have a roll of masking tape and tear four strips approx. 8-10cm long to secure

the front and back panels to the sides

lay base panel on sheets of newspaper that will catch any excess silcone

run a bead of silicone to the bottom of the side panels and push together leaving

approx. 2 mm gap put sand buckets either side of panel

there should be minimal excess squeezed to the inside of tank this can be left as is

and removed later with a razor blade trim or you can use a finger wetted with glass

cleaner to smear and push the silicone into the joint ... wipe the excess on finger onto

a piece of newspaper and re wet finger repeating as you work along the joint

lay a bead of silicone on bottom and side surfaces on the front and back panels and

repeat the process

use masking tape at top of the panels to help secure the assembly while curing

start with a small tank to get the hang of assembly

make sure all glass has had the edges arised with a wet stone or wet and dry sandpaper

to take the sharp edges off

always wear correct protective clothing and eyewear

[That Cichlid Guy]

Thanks link2hell, some very useful information!

[Buccal]

Bunnings sells a silicone that's specific for tanks.

I glued my 2500 liter display at 1 meter deep with this silicone,,, so it's works.

It's even got a picture of a aquarium on it lol.

[swifto]

Yep aquarium safe silicon,can get from bunnings

[That Cichlid Guy]

Thanks everyone, I'll check out the local bunnings on my next trip there.