Pauly Posted October 25, 2003 Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 Hello people ,I'm wanting a tank made 120 cm / 50 cm / 50 cm. Ive been told you need thick glass for this and that it is expensive .Could any one tell me where I could get a tank like this ,and at a resonable price (ie. cheep ). Also how much is it likely to cost me ? Any help would be great . Thanx Pauly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted October 25, 2003 Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 What do you call cheap? Check Trademe or Buy Sell and Exchange magazines. I got my last tank that size for $80 about 6 years ago - secondhand. Make sure the glass is all at least 10mm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted October 25, 2003 Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 10mm glass for an about average 4 foot tank seems a bit extreme. I haven't checked on Warrens glass thickness calculator but my 4 foot tank (which is only a couple of cm short of 50cm) appears to be made of of 6mm glass with no problems, perhaps 8mm could be called for but 10mm? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted October 25, 2003 Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 Yeah, 10mm is definitely extreme. Be nice, but would probably double or triple the cost for overkill. About 6mm would be what I'd aim for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Posted October 25, 2003 Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 In MHO, 6mm is too thin, I think Warren will vouch for that, just a wee bit too much strain Although I do have some a that size I've made Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pauly Posted October 25, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 thanx guys ,I was told that 10mm thick glass is hard to find at the moment so very expensive if 8 mm is ok and cheaper it might be better . How hard is it to make a tank of that size myself , I have never made a tank before , so it might be better to get it done by a pro . Also any recommended tank makers close buy . Cheers \Pauly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted October 26, 2003 Report Share Posted October 26, 2003 IMO... Provided the tank has the correct top braces across the front, back, ends and centre, then 6mm is fine. Both four foots in my lounge have only 6mm glass, but then again, so has the three footer that is in there he he. How hard is it to make a tank of that size myself , I have never made a tank before , POC.... Piece O Cake.. no probs... if you can score the glass cheap http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/grumpy ... 0tanks.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MGilchrist Posted October 26, 2003 Report Share Posted October 26, 2003 recently brought some glass for a 120*60*65 cm tank at 6mm, cost $220 including silicone (went to pick it up and the glass man said hope you dont mind but I had some spare 10mm and used that, same price :lol: ). Since then someone here suggested that tinted glass is cheaper and while not suitable for the front it can be used for the base and back. I also have a tank at 120*30*30 made of 6mm, the top is braced and there have never been any problems. given the price of thick glass, i find bracing to be cheaper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dennis Posted October 26, 2003 Report Share Posted October 26, 2003 go see greg at brookfield he make his own tanks if he sill do so as he selling the shop in about a week last time i was talking tanks with him he said it was about $140.00 for a 4footer i got a phone number for some elseone that make tanks i try dig it out u can give me a ring if u like dennis 5766543 it be good to talk to u as we hoping to strat a tauranga fish club soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted October 27, 2003 Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 Well I am sure some of these people know more about glass thickness than I do as they make their own tanks but my list of recommended glass thicknesses says 120 x 45 x 30cm = 6mm 120 x 60 x 30 = 10mm Both my 120 tanks are made of 10mm glass and are also braced. Pegasus has made his own tanks for years so I am sure if he says 6mm is adequate then he will be correct. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted October 27, 2003 Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 I suppose "adequate" is the right word, for as Caryl points out, a lot of tanks are made from much thicker glass. It seems that 8mm is almost impossible to get (here anyway), so the old 3/8" is the next choice (9mm), but even that is scarce in some places, but there seems to be heaps of 10mm and 6mm knocking around, so I suppose they use what is currently easily available. Like heaters... there is little difference in price for a 150, or a 300.. and this may be the case with the glass (I'm not sure) but if 8mm is a special order type, then 10mm could work out cheaper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
count_sexy_tart Posted October 27, 2003 Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 i priced 10mm here in welly a couple of weeks ago $360 a square metre unless you can get second hand check trade and exchange for glass and then get it cut for you is what i would suggest or even better hunt around for some i picked up a good amount 8mm and 10mm for free down here just a matter of hunting around,mtcw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted October 27, 2003 Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 Hmmm, At that price glass alone for my 200 L would be about $450 dollars with 10mm. Ouch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Posted October 27, 2003 Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 I'm inWhakatane, a bit down the road from you. I could make it out of 6mm if you want. I have second hand glass and can make it for $90 if you want. Lid provided. $10 extra and I'll drop it off for you. Send me a detailed design on what you want if you want me to do it. I've made dozens of tanks, used to make them for Carine at one stage. Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pauly Posted October 28, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2003 Well it it looks like the debate is still out on glass thickness , but I might just take you up on that Alan , I need to think where to put it all first . Just moved into a 2 story place and I'm not sure the top floor could take the weight . Also got to diy a hood and base for it. Hmmm and I still need a bit of convincing about 6mm glass aswell (better safe than sorry) Dennis , sounds like a good idea about the club ,There are a lot of people in our area into fish . I also spoke to Greg ,Ive had tanks from him in the past (small ones though ) but he has taken his cutting table down and is focusing on his sea horses for now . It will be a shame to see him go , he is allways full of advice and good deals ( cheapest fish store Ive seen ) We will just have to train the new owner up to our liking :lol: Thank guys pauly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pauly Posted October 28, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2003 OH and pegasus I'm not sure Ive got the balls to make a tank that size as a virgin tank maker , but your advice and site is awsome cheers . Pauly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted October 28, 2003 Report Share Posted October 28, 2003 We all (that make tanks) had this thought at one time, but luckily someone in the past 'did have the guts to 'give it a go' and the hobby is much better for it Thanks for the compliment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted October 28, 2003 Report Share Posted October 28, 2003 Good luck with the tank Pauly and I for one would love to see you start a club in Tauranga - and affiliate to the FNZAS If I can be of any assistance don't hesitate to ask. I specialise in designing posters, leaflets etc. and am happy to print advertising posters and stuff for you if required. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Posted October 28, 2003 Report Share Posted October 28, 2003 Pauly, there are two women up that way that are in the NZKA that were talking at the last FNZAS conference, about starting up a club. Hazel and Jane. If you get one going, I'm happy to come along, meet your group and do a tank making demonstration Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren Posted October 28, 2003 Report Share Posted October 28, 2003 Ok, I've only just got my PC going again. It seems no matter how much protection you apply to your machine, the kids will always eventually find a way to break it. Do not download frilly looking desktop’s from MSN... Anyway, the thread is about glass thickness so here's my bit. 1200x500x500 with the glass manufacturers recommended safety factor (3.80) is 9.31mm. If you use 6mm even if it is braced very well, the glass will only have approximately 1.579 safety margin (a far cry from the recommended 3.80). However, there are many tanks this size around made from 6mm glass. It’s a risk, if you get good glass it will probably be ok. If you get bad glass then you get a wet floor. If you drop the height to 450 the safety factor goes up over 2. It’s really your risk. You’ll probably get away with 6mm glass. Many people already have. I have many tanks 1200x500x450 and none have ever broken. I’ve never tried going 500mm tall on 6mm though. Good luck… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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