jords' 65g Build
 

Okay, so long time in the thoughts, I decided it's finally time to upgrade. I'm going to say I'm tired of nano tanks, although I'm aware the new tank is only going to be about 65 gallons. Can't go any bigger right now because of size.

I'm going to be building this tank myself, for several reasons. So I've been contacting a couple local glass shops to get the glass for the build, and think I got what I need.

Dimensions of the tank of 24x24x30. Remember, in my current house, space is an issue (fingers crossed for new house in the spring), which is part of the reason why I'm going deep and wide for such a small tank. Also I like to be able to create "character" in the tank, and having a deeper tank allows for me to have low-light and high-light corals. However, I'll be tearing down my ~25 gallon and putting the fish/corals in this new tank eventually.

Overflow is basic corner box, 1x 1" hole and 1x 0.5" hole for a herbie-style overflow. Going to be building a basic wooden stand for the tank too, so pipes are going to go straight down into the sump (will find a used 20 gallon for that). Return is 0.75" hole on back, opposite side.

I have drawn up the blueprints for it, and as I said, have gotten into contact with local glass shops, and should be getting the ball rolling on this right away. Have determined I'll be going LED with the tank (never tried it, so I'd love to). At this point, thinking about a AI unit, and skimmer would be a Bubble Mugnus.

Always open to ideas, and tips. Whether it be for supplies/setup, or (especially) actually building the glass tank. I wanted to do a tank journal so I can track all my progress.

:pop2:

hey. Good luck

Personally I would just get a builder to build the tank not so much because its difficult or I can't just for the peace of mind that the one time I leave the house the front panel explodes.

I think I should be covered for that! The dimensions of the tank are only going to be 24x24x30. I'll be using 1/2" thick float glass. And, being the first tank I've ever "assembled," I'll be using TONS of silicone! That was my huge paranoia at first - so I figured go with 1/2" thick glass, and pile on the silicone and I shouldn't have any problems with either the glass or the seams. I guess time will tell. However, I'm sure that's always going to be in the back of my head with this tank. Just the risk I guess I have to take.

too much silicone and it won't dry, meaning no strength at all. There is technique involved and just piling on a ton of silicone isn't it.

I bet you can get that tank built for less you can get the glass for. Have you gotten a quote through Colby? He orders tanks from Concept here in Calgary and they have a really good rep if you didn't know already.

+1 to the above.

I too would also suggest talking to Colby about getting a tank built the way you want it. There are soon many little sublte things to building a tank. Best left to the experts IMO. Colby will get you a fare price I've bought a few tanks from him now and will certainly return when/if I want another one

Personally I took apart and re silicones a 180g and it hasn't fallen apart yet. If you want to build your own go for it just watch a few silicone vids and have at it or read threads others have built from scratch. You could buy a pre made tank which can pop as well there never is any real guarantees. But as they said above too much is not good but do your research go to a lfs see how those tanks look and your good to go. Most importantly have fun that's what it's all about isn't it. Not to mention the satisfaction of saying I did this.... All of it


Sent from my porcelain aquarium

I've approached Concept on several different occasions, and one of those was even through Colby. The only time I got a quote back was from reefwars on the forums, who has since stopped messaging me (I assume as this tank is very budget-wise, and it's my first build, so I was probably a tad annoying with trying to get one built).

I'll take the chance doing it on my own. If that doesn't work, then I guess I'll make a trip out to Edmonton and buy a tank from AI (even though I think they use Concept too).

Ahh the boy that cried wolf :wink:
Oh well maybe next time and yes AI works with concept.

....haha what? I'm the boy?