Reply With QuoteLook in the Aquascaping section. There are currently 2 member from Indonesia who might have done something similar.
I have constructed another 1000 litres hole in the wall tank using bricks and mortar for the rear and both sides, the front is to be all glass and the bottom is a concrete slab. The tank is built outward from the wall of my den and the glass front, where the wall used to be, would be the viewing side from my den.
Now I have built tanks like this before and have had no problems (except rectifiable minor ones) with them. What I intend to do next with this tank; is something I have never done before - line the 3 masonry sides with glass.
I intend to use 5mm thick dark tinted glass, 27 inch high (water level to be 24") and paste them to the three sides with silicone. I would like all your advice to avoid any future problems - with the construction and the longevity of the tank.
A rolling stone which has come to rest
Baton courtesy.....service with a smile!
Look in the Aquascaping section. There are currently 2 member from Indonesia who might have done something similar.
If you've learnt, teach, if you have, give.
Don't walk behind me as I might not lead, don't walk in front of me as I might not follow. Walk beside me, as my friend.
Mohamad Rohaizal is my name. If it's too hard, use BFG. I don't mind.
I have already carefully plastered the bricks with cement mortar paying attention to the plaster being vertical. Intend to smoothen the sides further by applying a thin coat of plaster of Paris and sand-papering the end product when cured. With a silicone coat over that, I don't think I would worry about pressure points building behind the glass.
I finally finished all the cement mortar workThe next job I must finish is chipping the concrete roof of the aquarium to enable me to attach white vitreous tiles on its surface. I use the tiles as my reflecting surface. Then the the plaster coat and trimming. Next will be the bottom glass - which has been delivered, its 12mm transparent.
The first 3 pictures are from the viewing side - my den, you see part of my existing tank 'The Incomparable'. The last 2 pictures have been taken from the terrace side.
Last edited by essabee; 31st Aug 2009 at 21:34.
A rolling stone which has come to rest
Being retired and with 6 dogs, numerous planted tank and my garden to look after, new projects only get so much time as I can spare. The type of work next on the project show what enthusiasm will be applied. As the work was chipping the roof of tank in preparation for the glazed tile work later - I did it in bits and pieces just before bath, as chipping showered me with bits of sand every time brought the hammer into play on the chisel. Now that's behind me- you will see better progress. If you compare the following picture with the second-last that I had earlier attached you will find what I have done last week.
Last edited by essabee; 31st Aug 2009 at 21:34.
A rolling stone which has come to rest
I hated that chipping work so it took a lot of time. I did the plaster of Paris work preparing the masonry surface to take the glass and finished it today.
Last edited by essabee; 31st Aug 2009 at 21:34.
A rolling stone which has come to rest
As the plaster of Paris cured; I took up the work of making the hatch doors. The rear hatch door is in place. The glass chosen for this is a half mirror with the mirror side facing the tank, the hatch opens outwards and hangs. This choice gives me several options - closed, it allows part of the natural light (including direct sunlight) in and also traps most of the aquarium artificial lights; while open I can get a lot of natural light including some reflected in by the mirror.
Today's Sunday, so let me see if I can get a couple of helping hands today, if so I can have the bottom glass laid today.
Last edited by essabee; 31st Aug 2009 at 21:34.
A rolling stone which has come to rest
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.
Last edited by essabee; 20th Sep 2009 at 10:03.
A rolling stone which has come to rest
Got the sun back after 4 days, so took this picture which demonstrate the light entering from the rear hatch and being reflected by the mirror behind the front hatch.
Last edited by essabee; 31st Aug 2009 at 21:34.
A rolling stone which has come to rest
The helping hands arrived but the time was spent more on discussions about the tank than work on the tank. I did take advantage of the hobbyist to get the bottom glass on the floor of the tank - but that's about all as all thoughts of silicone work disappeared once I found that I have a slight problem.
The floor is level. The glass does fit. The problem is that the right side inner corner is an inch deeper (more behind) than the left corner. I need to fill this gap before doing the silicone work that's all. So I have left the glass in place and have masked its rear with tape. The other masking tapes on the walls and floor are for the spillage of silicone when I take up that work. I will fill the gap with epoxy putty today and let that cure with the glass in place.
I am also adding a schematic cross section drawing (not to scale) to allow you to picture exactly what I am trying to build.
Last edited by essabee; 22nd Nov 2009 at 21:04.
A rolling stone which has come to rest
So the bottom glass is now in place and I took the liberty to climb on top of it and walk all over it. Now I weigh 100 Kgs. so my foot will create a dynamic difference of pressure under it which will be much more than the dead weight of substrate and water. The glass did not crack. So I would expect it to be safe enough to go to the next stage.
Last edited by essabee; 22nd Nov 2009 at 21:04.
A rolling stone which has come to rest
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.
Last edited by essabee; 20th Sep 2009 at 10:03.
A rolling stone which has come to rest
looking good! can't wait to see the completed tank. Going to have to invest in a snorkel or some scuba gear to do tank maintenance, hehe.
What kind of livestock are you intending to keep in this monster tank?
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.
Last edited by essabee; 20th Sep 2009 at 10:03.
A rolling stone which has come to rest
Now we know how much you weigh.Originally Posted by essabee
Your construction is looking good, and I really admire your patience in not rushing the construction.
Will check back regularly for your update.
- eric
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.
Last edited by essabee; 20th Sep 2009 at 10:04.
A rolling stone which has come to rest
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.
A rolling stone which has come to rest
The 2 holes are done. Hope I have help tomorrow to fit the glass.
Last edited by essabee; 20th Sep 2009 at 10:04.
A rolling stone which has come to rest
I made a mess with the third glass.
I attached the pad on the wrong side and had to correct it. This left a lot of silicone paste smeared on the glass. Now I have to spend a lot of elbow grease scraping the silicone off with a shaving blade.
Anyway the third side is now glass lined and the pipes have freely been inserted - that job is done. Now only the beam under the front hatch door requires to be lined with glass. I have taken the measurements and ordered the glass hope it gets delivered early today for me to finish this part of the job.
Last edited by essabee; 22nd Nov 2009 at 21:04.
A rolling stone which has come to rest
I cleaned up the mess I had created yesterday.
The 2 glass strips that I had ordered were delivered and I managed to complete the glass lining work as I had a 2 helpers today.
Last edited by essabee; 22nd Nov 2009 at 21:04.
A rolling stone which has come to rest
Started the tile job, slow going as lots of tile cutting involved. Hope to finish tomorrow. These white glazed tiles will act as the reflector. I have put the cooling fan in place although it won't be necessary till next summer.
Last edited by essabee; 22nd Nov 2009 at 21:04.
A rolling stone which has come to rest
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