Glass lined masonary tank. - Page 3 - DIY Aquarium Projects

northtexasfossilguy · 08-26-2009, 11:28 AM

Wow, that looks like a museum quality installation you've got there.

essabee · 08-27-2009, 07:05 PM

I have yet to organize some helping hands for the bottom glass. Meanwhile the front hatch gets put into place, it is yet incomplete as the fittings on it can only be completed after I complete the glazed tile work. The rear of the hatch is a full mirror as I want the entire area of the aquarium top to be reflective. This mirror also ensures that the indirect natural light from the rear hatch is directed to the rear wall of the tank.

I also installed the fan for the aquarium cooling.

I have lots of promises for helping hands this weekend ............. so lets see if I can get some of the glasses up.

Tex Gal · 09-01-2009, 09:40 AM

Wow! You really get a sense of size seeing you sitting in there. You are so talented to be able to do this work. It's really going to be nice.

Veloth · 09-01-2009, 12:36 PM

This is an interesting build. I check daily for updates. Keep up the great work.

essabee · 09-03-2009, 04:34 PM

The rear glass was delivered. I first put it in and placed it against the rear to see its fit. No problems. Next was to mask the tank side edges, I want these virgin from silicon so when I ultimately seal the tank with silicone; the sealing silicone will not be interfered with by any old paste.

Next job was preparing the rear of the glass (the wall side). Keeping the edges free, I used silicone to attach a 4mm thick polyester pad with light touches of silicone. Next the glass goes back to the tank, a thick bead of silicone is applied to the edges and the glass is firmly pushed against the wall. Then I rest there with my back firmly against the glass. There was no danger of the glass falling back as the silicone had already started to cure but still I use some duck tape to be doubly sure.

Morning - I inspect my handy work and remove the duck tapes.

essabee · 09-04-2009, 04:44 AM

Most large aquarium have bracing for safety; why should this tank be different. For the safety of the front (viewing) glass I have external bracing in form of a frame made from 2.25" wide and 0.75" thick black granite fixed to the masonry sides. I put this up today as without it I could not take the measurements of the side glasses.

essabee · 09-07-2009, 06:15 PM

I got the left side lined with glass using the same method as the rear glass. This glass had to have the right upper corner cut off to accommodate the beam below the front hatch door. The glass on the right has to go through the same treatment with the addition of being drilled.

The preparation before the next stage delays the speed of work especially when you are in need of helping hands.

essabee · 09-08-2009, 06:50 AM

The right side glass is ready, I have cut the corner and tested the glass by keeping it where it would ultimately go - result acceptable. I then drilled 2 holes, 3" apart at a height which is just above the top stone frame member of the front glass. These holes are meant to take the overflow from the tank into the sump that I intend to create in the storage area next to the tank. I placed the glass against the masonry side of the tank and marked the position of the holes for drilling.

Tomorrow it is going to be a hammer and chisel day as I carve out the 1" diameter hole through the wall. The only thing that I feel happy about this evening is that the wall is only 5" brick work.

armedbiggiet · 09-09-2009, 02:43 AM

wish you would build one that is all the way to the floor soon, which is what I want to do in my basement. Can we see what is the entire room like with the 2 tanks?

essabee · 09-09-2009, 07:23 AM

^ Actually this is the 6th tank in the room. Will show you the room in another thread soon.

The 2 holes are done. I cheated used a drill instead of the hammer and chisel.

Hope I have help tomorrow to fit the glass.