350 to 400 gal. Tank - Aquarium Advice

CrazyArowana · 03-22-2008, 02:19 AM

Well I've decided to make my self a tank somewhere around 350 to 400 galllons. Maybe even a little bit bigger. This is a fairly large project so I though that I would take it to the forums, for more imput. Btw my name is Derek.

So to get to the point, I'm not exactly sure on everything that needs to be done to complete this project. Like how think the glass would need to be in order to support the weight, or if it needs to be specially treated. I am also woundering what types of silicon or glue would be strong enough to hold back this emense ammount of water. As for a frame, I am thinking about making steel frame, but am not entire sure of how think the steel should be, 1/4" mabye? If anyone has experience in making a tank of this size I'd love the help.

ccCapt · 03-22-2008, 09:35 AM

Welcome to AA!
That is one heck of a project. I've never seen a hand built glass or acrylic tank that big. I wouldn't even want to look at prices of 1" acrylic. Have you thought about 3 sides plywood and the front acrylic? I've seen a few tanks done like that.

cmor1701d · 03-22-2008, 11:24 AM

Check out GlassCages.com for some ideas as well as Reef Art Systems. Then look at the 280 build at Melevsreef and check out his sumps too. He used 1/2" glass for the 280 build.

If you are thinking acrylic check out this site for the thickness guide, for glass check here

1oscar · 03-26-2008, 09:41 AM

1/2 inch to 3/4 glass is best

CrazyArowana · 03-27-2008, 06:16 PM

thanks guys.

CHBGator · 03-31-2008, 07:12 PM

Plywood and glass will be much cheaper than all glass or all acrylic.

CrazyArowana · 04-01-2008, 12:03 AM

I'm making it all glass, I shouldn't be too costly I can get deals on glass since I know someone who works at a glass manufacture.

03-22-2008, 02:19 AM	#1
CrazyArowana Aquarium Advice Newbie Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3	350 to 400 gal. Tank Well I've decided to make my self a tank somewhere around 350 to 400 galllons. Maybe even a little bit bigger. This is a fairly large project so I though that I would take it to the forums, for more imput. Btw my name is Derek. So to get to the point, I'm not exactly sure on everything that needs to be done to complete this project. Like how think the glass would need to be in order to support the weight, or if it needs to be specially treated. I am also woundering what types of silicon or glue would be strong enough to hold back this emense ammount of water. As for a frame, I am thinking about making steel frame, but am not entire sure of how think the steel should be, 1/4" mabye? If anyone has experience in making a tank of this size I'd love the help.

03-22-2008, 09:35 AM	#2
ccCapt SW 10 & Over Community Mentor Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Northeast PA Posts: 1,861 Images: 3	Welcome to AA! That is one heck of a project. I've never seen a hand built glass or acrylic tank that big. I wouldn't even want to look at prices of 1" acrylic. Have you thought about 3 sides plywood and the front acrylic? I've seen a few tanks done like that. __________________ 125g reef See My Tank Info Check out The build project /Larry

03-22-2008, 11:24 AM	#3
cmor1701d Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Belle Mead, NJ Posts: 3,927 Images: 43	Check out GlassCages.com for some ideas as well as Reef Art Systems. Then look at the 280 build at Melevsreef and check out his sumps too. He used 1/2" glass for the 280 build. If you are thinking acrylic check out this site for the thickness guide, for glass check here __________________ Click here to Vote for Aquarium Advice on AquaRank . Vote EVERY day! Click Here for a list of commonly used acronyms and abbreviations. ____ Cmor Last edited by cmor1701d; 03-22-2008 at 11:32 AM.

03-31-2008, 07:12 PM	#6
CHBGator Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 110 Images: 2	Plywood and glass will be much cheaper than all glass or all acrylic. __________________ Ohio Fish Keepers

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03-26-2008, 09:41 AM	#4
1oscar Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: toronto canada Posts: 12	1/2 inch to 3/4 glass is best

03-27-2008, 06:16 PM	#5
CrazyArowana Aquarium Advice Newbie Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3	thanks guys.

04-01-2008, 12:03 AM	#7
CrazyArowana Aquarium Advice Newbie Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3	I'm making it all glass, I shouldn't be too costly I can get deals on glass since I know someone who works at a glass manufacture.