Emc2

I've seen zero edge or look-down tanks for clams that sound similar to what you are describing Niko. http://www.tropicalfishstore.com/Aquarium-ZeroEdge.htm.

Although it isn't exactly an infinity tank, there is a thread on reefcentral about the trials and tribulations of building one of these. It may be helpful to read.

Erin

 

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Art_Giacosa

Erin,

Thanks. I do remember seeing this. I think it will be much easier to do on a small scale like a nano. Nevertheless, I'll go dig it up on RC.

Emc2

I tried a couple searches on RC and couldn't find the thread. It might become an obsession with me now just because I couldn't find it and know its there. So, if your interested in checking it out and don't want to spend the time just sit back. My obsessive compulsive nature will surely take over.

Art_Giacosa

Thanks.

Here's an update.

I stole 30 minutes yesterday to do the router cuts. Here you can see the piece and router/table. I water tested it and it held water so no problems there.


As I can't take pictures and route at the same time, I can't show you that. However, here is the outcome. You see the floor of the nano has be routed to the dimensions of the tube. The shavings are incredibly sticky (electromagnetically) and stick to metal easily.


Here's a shot of the edge. I love the router.


Next was using a jig to open the hole at the bottom of it where the water will come in. I attach double-sided tape to the jig and then attach it to the bottom.


I then use an acrylic drill bit to open the hole for the router bit. It was at this moment that I realized a big mistake. In my haste, I didn't think through the jig placement. It should be on the INSIDE! This would allow the bit to follow the pattern.

Unfortunately, the jig was too big to fit in the tube and I didn't have time to make a new one. So, I went freehand. Not the best circle I've seen but it worked.


Once that was done, then I switched the router bit to a round over. This is to knock off the edges and make them nice and round.


Here is the result. Sorry about the poor quality pic. This is a shot of the top of the nano. I routed on the outside and the inside. This needs to be nice and smooth as the water will cascade over this.


Here is a poor shot of the bottom edge. I did this more for looks and safety in handling the piece. Acrylic edges can be sharp!


Next I have a couple of days of sanding and polishing.

EcleckticGirl

Are you going to be polishing edges with a mini blow torch, Art?

Art_Giacosa

No. Polishing will be done with sanding and buffing. I never flame polish because it weakens the acrylic and can result in crazing (tiny cracks).

I start sanding using 120 grit and work my way up to around 4,000 grit. I then buff using a buffing wheel. Leaves a wonderfully smooth finish.

dennis

What is that MDF jig and how did you make it?

niko

Art, Dennis,

How would you go about making a perfectly smooth, perfectly perpendicular cut on an Acrylic pipe or an 8" PVC pipe?

I want to attach a flange on such a pipe, just like calcium reactors are made:
http://jjgeisler.com/reeftank/diy_calcium_reactor1.htm

Is machining the pipe the only option?

--Nikolay

Art_Giacosa

I didn't make this one. It was given to me as part of a protein skimmer class I took some time ago.

Art_Giacosa

Niko,

Drill press if you are talking about a hole. Cutting a pipe is done using a table saw and a jig.

 

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