DIY Hexagon Aquarium

Discussion in 'I made this!' started by Ryland, May 27, 2015.

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  1. Ryland

    Ryland Stylophora

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    I have built a few tanks over the years and I have been recently enlisted to build a hexagon for a friend. I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction here. The tank is going to be approximately 95 gallons. The dimensions will be 25x25x36. Calculators online say I need about .5 inch glass for the sides due to the height. However, I am wondering with all the different plates that will be attached will that rule still apply? Also, how about the bottom? Should I look at getting tempered glass and if so what do you think the thickness should be for the bottom? Just trying to get some ideas. Thanks all!
     
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  3. Flaring Afro

    Flaring Afro Purple Spiny Lobster

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    I have never built a tank and am by no means an expert. Having more glass panels shouldn't increase the needed thickness, I'd think. The less wide it is, the less it will want to flex. I've heard it's very difficult to repair hexagons with bad silicone, good luck.
     
  4. Ryland

    Ryland Stylophora

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    Thanks Flaring Afro. I believe it has to do with the PSI created by depth. Online calculators say about .5 inch glass is needed for a tank 36 inches in height. But, given the numerous panels I thought perhaps it would change the required thickness of glass to something a bit less. Could of course be wrong. If I do go ahead with the build (Should know by this weekend) I will post pictures of what I am doing. My main concern is the bottom. Local glass company is worried about making precise cuts for what I need. If the bottom is wrong then it will all be wrong. Anybody have any thoughts on the bottom plate?
     
  5. Flaring Afro

    Flaring Afro Purple Spiny Lobster

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    I'm sure it's possible to have it less thick but without a reliable calculator for hexagons, I wouldn't try it. Have you considered something else for the bottom? People use plywood for parts of tanks all the time. That should be much easier and cheaper.
     
  6. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

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    I suggest you look online for a precision glass cutter. It seems like the point that the side panels meet up would be best cut to specific angles. It seems like that would take specialized equipment and skills.
     
  7. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

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  9. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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    Not something I would try and I am a pretty handy guy.lol Even the factory built hexs I had over the years sprung leaks.:eek:Tell him a Cube is a much better idea.lol
     
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