Where would I get glass?

[smcnally]

Thinking of building my own cube...Who would I call to get the glass from cut to size? I'm thinking 3/8 would be plenty thick for what I want to do. I'm thinking now that I want to built it to 28L x 24D x 24T which is 69.8 gallons. I figure it would be closer to about 65 gallons once the overflows are built and installed.

 

[grundig5]

Steve,
This is a very good idea, and not that hard to pull off. I did a lot of research on it but decided the glasscages tank was cheaper than buying the glass locally by itself (mine is 3 side 1/2" starphire). Local glass shops were not too willing to make the glass happen for me, but if you call around you might get lucky. My tank is 24/24/18 and the glass quotes were in the $300 range and higher. There is a guy on nano-reef.com called NanoPaul or something that has a shop that sells glass and he ships it pretty successfully apparently. Maybe try and get a quote from him on it as well. BTW I'm assuming you want starphire when saying all of this, cause standard float glass is easy to get at any shop IME.

Also, the silicone choice is of great importance. Standard aquarium grade silicone will work but needs a huge bead for a good seal. If you use something made by GE called RTV 108 (I think its 108 for the black stuff, another number for clear) you can use a tiny bead and have much better seals. There are a few really good rimless build threads around.

 

[smcnally]

Thanks! I'm actually not too concerned about it being starfire since my current tank isn't starfire. I would prefer that it isn't super green though. I'll look up that silicone too! Thanks for the info.

 

[maxfischer]

talk to Dave and Gina, dave made his 240 himself!!!

 

[reefinghabit]

if you call sea world and ask for chris quin. he knows a glass company, and a specialist his name is tom. he used to work for monster tanks. just trying to help.

 

[Dave McReeferson]

A very rewarding experience Steve, it is nice to be able to say "I built that!".

JMO/IME

 

[marco67]

Thinking of building my own cube...Who would I call to get the glass from cut to size? I'm thinking 3/8 would be plenty thick for what I want to do. I'm thinking now that I want to built it to 28L x 24D x 24T which is 69.8 gallons. I figure it would be closer to about 65 gallons once the overflows are built and installed.

Sounds like an awesome project, I've been giving some thought to trying the same thing for my new office (if it's ever finished )
My cube will be a bit different than your "cube" though, I'm thinking equal measurments H x W x L.

Good luck with it

 

[NateHanson]

What sort of finish do you ask the glass shops to put on the edges?

 

[smcnally]

Sounds like an awesome project, I've been giving some thought to trying the same thing for my new office (if it's ever finished )
My cube will be a bit different than your "cube" though, I'm thinking equal measurments H x W x L.

Good luck with it

LOL...I have actually thought of doing 24 x 24 x 24, but I thought the extra 4" in length would help with overall water volume. I guess I shouldn't call it a cube but it is pretty close.

What sort of finish do you ask the glass shops to put on the edges?

From what I've read, it is recommended to just buff of the sharp edges with emery cloth.

BTW, I think I might blog the whole build of the tank and stand.

 

[NateHanson]

"Rectangular Prism Tank" doesn't sound nearly as cool.

 

[grundig5]

Any glass shop should be able to get the stuff you need if you dont want starphire and can bevel/polish the edges for you. Its not expensive to have them do it, and probably a lot of work for you to do it.

 

[Dave McReeferson]

Building a tank this size would be for personal satisfaction alone IMO/IME.

It is really not worth it "money wise" until you work your way into large tanks ("large" being upwards of 200 gallons) or unless you are looking for something "unique" in the design. It is a bit of an art as well, my first build wasn't all I could have hoped for, the second time was better (maybe on par with GC work), the hypothetical "next one" however...

What I am trying to say is, I wouldn't expect to build a masterpiece right out of the box, there is a learning curve, and most of us don't have the time or money to do it 2 or 3 times before getting the finished product you are looking for.

Just my honest thoughts on this...

 

[Dave McReeferson]

What sort of finish do you ask the glass shops to put on the edges?

Ground and polished. You need to be clear that you need all edges straight and square.

 

[DavidGallant]

You should make a pyramid tank.

 

[smcnally]

Well I am trying to save some money on this because it will be a temporary setup. I'm going to have to weigh my options. I was kind of hoping to be able to get a tank close to these dimensions (reef ready) for around $200. Looks like I can get a non RR one from Glass Cages for $200...Maybe I should just go with them and have them drill it for me. I can build the overflow myself. I'll just have to see if they are going to be in the area anytime soon.

 

[smcnally]

I think I may just build this my self...I could get the glass for around $130 from Contract Glass (about double that price if I get the edges buffed). So lets say around $260... I got a quote just now from Glass Cages for $445 if I pick it up from their truck in July. That seems a bit steep for a tank that small if you ask me. So, either I'll be building this myself or I'll be buying a more standard size from a local store. BTW...the tank itself from GC was $345...I don't get why they charge you $100 for shipping if the truck is already going to the location.

 

[smcnally]

Alright...I'm gonna do this. I'm calling the glass company tomorrow to get definite prices and if the cost is right, I'm going to tell the to start cutting.

 

[MichaelJ]

Hey.. there's a glass company down 139.. (Towards Pembroke) take a right onto 53 about a 1/2 mile on the left... right next to the Pet Shop and Building 19. They'll cut and buff glass for ya.

The Pet Shop also sells live brine ... 3.00 for a huge scoop.

Michael


(They don't have a clue about taking care of Saltwater fish as far as I can tell)

 

[maxfischer]

I think I may just build this my self...I could get the glass for around $130 from Contract Glass (about double that price if I get the edges buffed). So lets say around $260... I got a quote just now from Glass Cages for $445 if I pick it up from their truck in July. That seems a bit steep for a tank that small if you ask me. So, either I'll be building this myself or I'll be buying a more standard size from a local store. BTW...the tank itself from GC was $345...I don't get why they charge you $100 for shipping if the truck is already going to the location.

They have gone way up on the price, i picked up a 120 RR drilled for CL for $250 (tank) + $70 RR, CL and overflow cover. They also would ship for a price, but if you picked up off the truck it was free! Since then they have been sold. The price does not reflect the quality! This might still be around
http://www.bostonreefers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=37851

 

[smcnally]

Hey.. there's a glass company down 139.. (Towards Pembroke) take a right onto 53 about a 1/2 mile on the left... right next to the Pet Shop and Building 19. They'll cut and buff glass for ya.

Thanks Mike! I'll check them out. If they are close to the price I got then I'll definitely go with them. I'm going to start a tank build thread, I've been drawing up this project since last night.