Tank Bracing

[jeffopentax]

Going to look at a DIY tank tomorrow, and wondering about a couple things regarding bracing. The tank is a 270g, 3/4" glass, 72" x 24" x 36" tall. For bracing on top it has 4, 4"x 24" braces, 1/4" thick. Is that sufficient? Also, would an acrylic rim help at all structurally? Lots of time before I'm able to set the beast up, so wondering if any modifications or additions should be made first.


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[shamous113]

Don't mix glass and acrylic. acrylic expands with moisture. if any thing euro brace the tank with glass IMHO

 

[jeffopentax]

Don't mix glass and acrylic. acrylic expands with moisture. if any thing euro brace the tank with glass IMHO

Did not know that about acrylic! Do you think it needs more bracing than it already has? Apparently it's been full and running since November with no issues.

 

[shamous113]

IMHO the bracing glass should be thicker for the braces. best way to tell is to run the parameters thru software that mimics forces in the tank, or call a tank builder like miricals and ask. IMHO the safety factor is low on 1/4" thick but over that length and having 4 of them it may be good. That said you can easily change it your self. Biggest thing is to look at the main seems for signs of separation and air bubbles, the corner beads can be cut out and redone. splitting and redoing a large tank is a pain in the ass and takes 2 people to do.

 

[jeffopentax]

Yeah I have ZERO interest in a rebuild! Definitely will be looking at the seams. I've never had a tank leak, don't want this to be the first!


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[AdInfinitum]

IMO 36" deep and 4 braces will be a PITA for lighting and servicing for a reef....would make an nice FOWLER or FW tank...

 

[jeffopentax]

The height is a bit much for lighting and working in, but I am leaning towards fowlr.


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[heath]

fowlr can be beautiful..there are some really nice decorations that you can add for colour, that's what I did with mine...

 

[heath]

that is one beast of a tank, I now see what you wanted so many guys to help move it...

 

[jeffopentax]

So as much as I didn't want to build a tank, looks like that's a journey I'm going to make. Tank had a lot of light scratches (hoping they can be buffed out), and the stairs to get it out were many and very steep! Plan is for the tank to be dismantled, glass moved to new house, then reassembled. May have bitten off more than I can chew! We shall see...


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[AdInfinitum]

Polishing glass with cerium oxide can be done but it is some serious hard work and care has to be taken to not create optical distortion...as for assembling a large glass tank...that's out of my league...I'll stick to my acrylic projects..LOL

 

[jeffopentax]

Polishing glass with cerium oxide can be done but it is some serious hard work and care has to be taken to not create optical distortion...as for assembling a large glass tank...that's out of my league...I'll stick to my acrylic projects..LOL

It definitely could turn out to be a lost cause, buy who doesn't like a project?!

 

[EricTMah]

Cerium oxide does work. But it's a lot of work. Even with a multi speed buffer.
You'll have to find a local glass dealer in your area and order the cerium oxide. I think I paid $70 for the jar I have.

Sony Xperia Z3

 

[jeffopentax]

Cerium oxide does work. But it's a lot of work. Even with a multi speed buffer.
You'll have to find a local glass dealer in your area and order the cerium oxide. I think I paid $70 for the jar I have.

Sony Xperia Z3

How much did you get for $70? Just looked on ebay quickly and saw 1lb for $40 shipped.

 

[EricTMah]

How much did you get for $70? Just looked on ebay quickly and saw 1lb for $40 shipped.

That's a good price. I got a lb too.

Sony Xperia Z3

 

[heath]

So as much as I didn't want to build a tank, looks like that's a journey I'm going to make. Tank had a lot of light scratches (hoping they can be buffed out), and the stairs to get it out were many and very steep! Plan is for the tank to be dismantled, glass moved to new house, then reassembled. May have bitten off more than I can chew! We shall see...


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you are brave, be sure to post pictures...

 

[jeffopentax]

Would this be suitable for the job? I can't see myself ever needing a buffer/polisher after this project, so doesn't need to last forever.
http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/10-in-orbital-polisher/A-p8336885e


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[EricTMah]

Would this be suitable for the job? I can't see myself ever needing a buffer/polisher after this project, so doesn't need to last forever.
http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/10-in-orbital-polisher/A-p8336885e


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It might work. But will take you even longer.
I used a makita veritable speed buffer. Took me about 4hrs to do a 2'x2' section and it was a lot of work.

Sony Xperia Z3

 

[jeffopentax]

It might work. But will take you even longer.
I used a makita veritable speed buffer. Took me about 4hrs to do a 2'x2' section and it was a lot of work.

Sony Xperia Z3

Is yours like this?

I was thinking one similar in style to the one I posted would lessen fatigue a bit. Those grinder types I find are brutal on the wrist.

 

[EricTMah]

Yup. Like that.
I found it to be easier as I used the weight of the polisher to do most of the work

Sony Xperia Z3