Making a tank

[illumnae]

Different silicon is rated at different cure rates between 24 to 72 hours. However, from what I know, the cure rates are rated at a single bead that's directly exposed to air and at suitable temperatures (no idea what the suitable temperatures are). With large tanks, the silicone used is alot more than a single bead, and hence the rated times are too little as you have to take into account the silicon that is not exposed to air. It could take 2-3 times the amount of time that the silicon is rated for.

For the recent tank I ordered, the tank maker is allowing it to cure for almost a week to make sure that it's safe - he's not willing to compromise on standards. The smell is apparently acetic acid, which isn't a 100% indication of curing (i.e. smell may be still there but silicon is cured), but if the smell is entirely gone then you know that the silicon is very likely cured.

From my understanding, in 24-48 hours, the silicon is "set" and won't leech stuff into your water anymore. However, filling the tank before the silicon is fully cured may impact the tank seams in the long run.

That being said, however, I do believe that if the tank maker is willing to give a warranty against leakage, then even non-maximum curing is likely to hold the seams for the duration of the warranty. I guess full curing or non-full curing then becomes a matter of whether or not pride is taken to ensure a job well done.

The above information may or may not be 100% correct, I'm just recollecting from my imperfect memory.

[aquarius]

Haizzz...... I had the tank made cos the sillicon on my old one doesn't look good anymore and besides, it's a second hand tank which i used for about 10yrs - which means the tank is very much older if you take into consideration the usage time from the previous owner as well.

Frankly i ordered the tank on 22nd nov afternoon and they called me up on 24th morning saying they wanted to deliver on that same day but because i was not free and also i needed time to relocate my fishes to another tank, i told them to deliver on 25th nov morning. Which means the tank didn't really get a chance to cure properly and if i hadn't read this tread, i wouldn't have thought much about it.

I find it very unprofessional and irresponsible of them not to let it cure properly first before delivering to my house. Btw i did not rush them as i was told that it'll take a week for it to be ready, so i was already mentally prepared. What's the point of them giving lifetime warranty (as was stated in their website) if it leaks 1-2yrs down the road? Even if they give me a new tank or compensate me for the damages to the furniture also no use cos the problems and inconveniences it'll cause is just not worth it. For me i'd rather the tank maker give me 2-3yrs warranty and 10-15yrs of trouble-free and most importantly peace of mind. Now after spending money which is on the expensive side as compared to other tank makers, i still have worry at the back of my mind.

Anyway thanks illumnae for sharing your valuable knowledge. I don't think i'll ever get my tank from them again.

[David Moses Heng]

Seems like the quality and standard of this particular tank maker is in question... Sigh...

[ZackZhou]

What size tank did TS ordered from this tank maker? If its the common size, then maybe the tank maker had a premade one standing by/extra. So all he did was to make a cabinet to fit the tank instead?
Just providing another thought to the whole issue.

[Luc Tango]

Zack,

Aquarius did say he had his custom tank delivered to him. anyways, I am the TS. have not received my new tank yet, one more week before it arrives.

I feel that the integrity of the tank maker is more important than the price of the tank he makes. If a tank can last 10+ years with no issue, I would not mind paying more. (my tanks are in my room, I don't want my furniture or worse, MY BED!, to get wet.) Not to mentioned the prized fishes or the aquascape that took months or even years to perfect. What about equipment that have no water running through them and get burn out? (causing whatever danger) Scary thoughts?

[aquarius]

I feel that the integrity of the tank maker is more important than the price of the tank he makes. If a tank can last 10+ years with no issue, I would not mind paying more. (my tanks are in my room, I don't want my furniture or worse, MY BED!, to get wet.) Not to mentioned the prized fishes or the aquascape that took months or even years to perfect. What about equipment that have no water running through them and get burn out? (causing whatever danger) Scary thoughts?

Very Well Said!! There are some things in the hobby i'll never save on and the tank and stand is one of those things.

[Luc Tango]

got my tank guys, exactly the same quality as the previous tank. both from C328. no silicon smell this time.

[issacyeo]

usually, the tankmaker would advise you to let the silicon cure for about 24 hours before filling up the tank.
to each his own. as previously mentioned, i believe most tankmakers (who are still around), have their own merits. eventually, it is up to the hobbyist to decide who's service to engage.

[aquarius]

Here's something to note -
I went to a LFS recently and casually ask the boss about my concerns with my not properly cured tank being filled with water and he assured me that it is ok cos the lastest silicon that some manufacturers use are much better than before. He also said that we don't need to wait for a week for the tank to cure if the manufacturer use a good quality silicon cos he says that the recent tanks that he did in his shop were all filled up with water on the same day that they did his tanks. Hmmmm.... at least now i have some peace of mind.

But having said that, it's better to play safe and let it cure properly first before filling the tank with water. For me, i unknowingly made a "mistake", so got no choice but have to live with the "mistake" but luckily i had the assurance that it is ok.

[Luc Tango]

hmmm, not so sure on what the boss told is true or not.

I will check with the few LFS i frequent and see what's their input on this.

[David Moses Heng]

Just receive a 4 by 3 by 2.5 deep tank with sump and chengal stand from CR.

Here is the picture.




Enjoy.

[felix_fx2]

froggie tank? looks very awesome!

[David Moses Heng]

froggie tank? looks very awesome!

what makes you say froggie?

Here are some more pics...

[img=http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/4972/day28.th.jpg]
[img=http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/1484/day29.th.jpg]
[img=http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/7058/day210.th.jpg]


More to come....

[felix_fx2]

I saw the album hoho, very nice.
Merry Xmas.

[tiintinn]

Looking forward to what is to come

[David Moses Heng]

I saw the album hoho, very nice.
Merry Xmas.

oh... where?

[felix_fx2]

The imageshack album.
Btw. In school compound ?

[David Moses Heng]

The imageshack album.
Btw. In school compound ?

yup. It was a referral from other schools and LFS...