Algae Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 I just posted this to RC, then I thought; "Hey, there is no off switch to genius in THIS club!" That is why it's called the Great Northwest. So take a shot, please, bring humility to others, and fame to yourself! I am buying an ADA nano tank (17"x10"x12", or so). Because the bottom glass is only 4mm thick and I will be drilling 3 holes for plumbing (2 -1/2" bulkheads, 1-1" bulkhead in the bottom glass) and with the weight of adding live rock I am concerned about cracking the glass. There have been people who have cracked their ADA/nano/small tanks through drilling or tightening the bulkheads. I was thinking that if I laminated a piece of 1/4" or 3/8" glass to the outside, bottom of the tank I might insure that I have less of a chance of cracking the tank while drilling and mounting the bulkheads. I am, even more, concerned about jostling live rock pieces against the bottom mounted standpipe and returns, thereby leveraging a crack in the bottom. HERE IS THE QUESTION (finally); What kind of glue, bonding agent can I use to adhere the 3/8" pane to the outside, bottom of the tank. It does not have to be clear. Silicone, because of it's viscosity would not be ideal, since a closer contact would be stronger. What about cynoacrylic, epoxy or a UV setting adhesive? I am lookin for stuctural integerity and not beauty. Thanks In Advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsoz Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Why not just bust out the thin glass, then replace it with a piece of thicker (1/4 or 5/8 inch) glass or acrylic? That way there is no need to bond two pieces of glass. The bottom molding should hide the thicker glass. Just an idea. dsoz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mister crabs Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 or cut a piece of starboard to fit and then glue it to the bottom glass on the inside . then silicone around it to seal it off. then the rock cant break the glass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Or just a 1/4" piece of acrylic glued to the bottom. The possibilities are endless!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Algae Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 If I break out the bottom glass I am concerned about weakening the side joints. The ADA tank is frameless/rimless. I do not want to ruin a German craftman's silicone job (although ADA is Japanese). Lee-Mar is still an option, but talking directly with them is pretty difficult (retail shops in CA & NV) . Glass Cages has had mixed reviews (and downright terrible for acrylic) and Aquarium Obsessed out of Canada is too busy to give customer sevice unless you are going for a 500 gal. tank. Bostik Titan Plus (repackaged as Mr. Skicky in US) may be an option for glass to acrylic. Again I am going to route the edges of the stand I construct, so the bottom seam will not be visable. Still debating glass to glass or acrylic/glass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsoz Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 did you already buy the tank? If not, send James (Acrylics) a message. He makes custom tanks (acrylic) and it is said that he does an AWESOME job. He will make the bottom of your tank to your specifications. Also, he is a sponsor here, and his shop is in Portland. It gives the locals some business. dsoz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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