Let the Build Begin

Pads

Pads

Joined
18 Aug 2008
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Location
Joburg, Bryanston
I finally decided that the glass I bought a year ago and had stashed behind the couch needs to be transformed into a slightly more operable tank. My 100l was not only small but limiting. Here are some photo's of my progress.

Dimensions: 1500(w) X 500(d) X 600(h)
Glass: 8mm side walls
Base: 2 x 6mm
Total Volume: 450l

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Step 1: Laminating my base
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Step 2: Mount Back and Side Panes
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Step 3: Mount Front and Side Panes
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Step 4: Silicone in Bracing(Base and Top Rim) - with a little bit of added pressure
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Step 5: Begin washing Playsand, good thing I listened to what was said on the forum, howz this ****
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Finally the full frontal ;)
But that has nothing on my lighting unit, totally futuristic! Check it
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looking very cool there pads, nice construction work
 
Nice work, are you going to use the play sand for your DT or sump?
 
Nice going there Pads. I wish I had the guts to attempy my own tank.
 
LOVELY build !!!

what brand of silicone did you use?
 
Neil H said:
LOVELY build !!!

what brand of silicone did you use?
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Hey Neil, Its Black Aquaria Silicone from Den Braven. An awesome effect but not the cleanest to work with. Got some on the curtains the floor, on 3 pairs of my jeans and I even look like a mechanic with black under the finger nails. I can't wait to get it done. Just letting it cure now.
 
Pads said:
Hey Neil, Its Black Aquaria Silicone from Den Braven. An awesome effect but not the cleanest to work with. Got some on the curtains the floor, on 3 pairs of my jeans and I even look like a mechanic with black under the finger nails. I can't wait to get it done. Just letting it cure now.
Click to expand...

I see you are in north riding, where did you buy the silicone from ?
 
jacquesb said:
I would like to suggest that you go go as big as possible for the sump, Pads..... More water = more stability... ;)
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Jacques I fully agree, that why I'm so chuffed to get shot of a 100l DT for a 450l.
At the mo I've got a spacial issue at home so I might have to go small and upgrade later.

Mudshark said:
Is the glass drilled anywhere for an overflow?
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Nothing yet Mudshark. I was contemplating having the overflow and return drilled through the base in the center of the tank so that the tank could be viewed from all sides but I'm leaning towards drilling on the narrow side instead. I want an overflow as quiet and inconspicious as possible (everyone's dream I suppose) you got some suggestions? I'm all ears.

Neil H said:
I see you are in north riding, where did you buy the silicone from ?
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Neil its on Highview Boulevard Ferndale. Across the road from the Velskoen Drive-In.
 
let me know if you want help with drilling, i am in the area, and drilled 6 x 50mm holes in 6mm glass on friday evening
 
Your overflow should be on the side as your tank is too narrow to have an internal overflow in the centre. Can you not remove a side pane and shorten by 50mm to create a corner to corner overflow? Then you have your external overflow box with 2 holes drilled into the bottom with durso standpipes in them. Totally silent
 
Mudshark said:
Your overflow should be on the side as your tank is too narrow to have an internal overflow in the centre. Can you not remove a side pane and shorten by 50mm to create a corner to corner overflow? Then you have your external overflow box with 2 holes drilled into the bottom with durso standpipes in them. Totally silent
Click to expand...

Can you not drill a overflow hole in the side pane and have the durso attached directly to that? Instead of having an overflow box and the durso's in that? I might just be a little ignorant on this issue.

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It is possible but not ideal. You want to skim the top layer of water surface off to remove all the floaties etc. The way that you are suggesting makes it difficult to put a wier in front of the drain. If you don't want to remove the side glass, rather drill the bottom corner and make an internal corner overflow.
 
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