Glass Corner Joining: Proper Detail?

Hello all,

I'm maybe a week away from finalizing my plans and contacting a glass shop. I'll probably have to start a build thread when I do.

Since I will be contracting a local glass shop here on the island I am giving them more detailed instructions than one would normally give to an aquarium maker. My question here is about the proper joint detail for glass.

Background:

Tank is 1200mm x 750mm x 750mm (48" x 30" x 30")
Capacity is 675Liters (180gal)
Glass thickness is 12mm (1/2")
Peninsula Type with overflow on one short end
Holes will be drilled in short side and possibly on bottom

Question:
Should the side panels go all the way to the bottom edge of the aquarium (as in Detail 1) or should the bottom panel go all the way to the perimeter (as in Detail 2)?

I guess a similar question should be asked on the side panels. Should they extend all the way to the front and back edges of the aquarium or should they fit within the front panels?

Steve

 

If I wer e you, I will go check it out at a store on how they are done. Go look for details. Also, don't take my words for it, but when I did my sump, did like detail 2; i think that' s what most tanks are like. Again, go look at other big tanks at the store and see how they are done; to be safe

 

PM Tangster, he will have answer...

I am wondering about same issue as I am building a new sump...

He will know, as he is doing for me...

Rgds,

Scott

(PS...get yourself on 3Reef World Domination map...you will be first from Indonesia...will get you lots of Karma...;D)

 

I would think, judging by physics alone, with the amount of psi being exerted on the bottom inner walls at 30", I would go with the 1st diagram, that way the seal is downwards instead of straight out after you finish sealing it (Should help minimize the risk of leakage). But than again, im not a physicist and you shouldn't rely on my advice alone.

 

have you decided on what compound you will use to join the glass? Been learning a lot (mostly the hard way) on the destructiveness of seawater lately. Thanks!

 

I would be using 100% silicone unless something better is suggested.

I am a structural engineer myself, but I don't put it much in practice anymore. I believe that there is really no difference between the two as far as the strength of the silicone connection. I do feel that Detail 1 would be better in that it gives you something to brace that side panel against (the bottom panel).

 

100% silicone is fine thats all anyone uses and as for the question .

I always build mine like fig 1 base plate is inside the vertical walls the base and will set thight and relive stress then the base sets on a soiild surface and gets its support from the band and the stand If you build to a standard size > you can order the bottom and top plastic suppor bands or build the base support from wood .

 

Hope all works out.. Can't waite to see the finished product...