72Lx30Wx18H 170 gallon rimless DIY

[Nate Chalk]

Hey all,
Planning a 170 gallon rimless peninsula build. An upgrade from my 90 gallon aqueon.

Ordering glass soon, I've used some calculators available online but looking for more advice before ordering.

With dimensions at
72Lx30Wx18H

I am planning 1/2 glass. Which gives me a safety factor of 11 roughly.

Not planning to brace if I don't have to. Any concerns or go aheads would be awesome! Pictures to come when glass arrives etc

 

[Nate Chalk]

First DIY build, first time drilling glass coming up as well!

 

[CMMorgan]

So, you are ordering the glass and building the actual tank?
You are far braver than I.
I think we are on a similar journey. I am upgrading from my 90 to a larger tank. They call it 143 but I calculate interior gallons at 127. My dimensions will be 72" x 24" x 19". I ordered acrylic - 1/2" sides, 3/4" bottom - eurobraced. I don't know that I'd go 72" x 30" without bracing.
I wish you the best... keep us in the loop. Start that build thread...

 

[Pntbll687]

First DIY build, first time drilling glass coming up as well!

Drilling is no where near as hard as you think it is. Buy a good bit and cheap used tank off of Facebook to practice on.

Plan on drilling before assembly of the tank. Easier to move one piece rather than 5 put together.

 

[Kershaw]

I have been getting quotes from some of the big names in custom tanks. And no one would do more then 48” length at 20” tall with 1/2 glass.Just FYI.
RS said from 48” at 1/2 glass and 3/4 at 60”.

 

[Nate Chalk]

I have been getting quotes from some of the big names in custom tanks. And no one would do more then 48” length at 20” tall with 1/2 glass.Just FYI.
RS said from 48” at 1/2 glass and 3/4 at 60”.

This is where I got additional backing :s

 

[Nate Chalk]

This is where I got additional backing :s

View attachment 1833372

Also have this

 

[Kershaw]

No worries, just wanted to let you know. I got quotes from reef savvy and miracles.
I wanted a 60Lx30Dx20H or 48x30x20
Neither company would go over 48” with half. However my last tank was 48x30x20 made with 3/8glass but it had a bottom frame and top was rimless.
good luck.

 

[Nate Chalk]

No worries, just wanted to let you know. I got quotes from reef savvy and miracles.
I wanted a 60Lx30Dx20H or 48x30x20
Neither company would go over 48” with half. However my last tank was 48x30x20 made with 3/8glass but it had a bottom frame and top was rimless.
good luck.

I appreciate the insight totally! Glad you dropped by 100%. Your concern has me thinking maybe bracing the bottom euro braced. I want to avoid if possible.

 

[Mooses]

I appreciate the insight totally! Glad you dropped by 100%. Your concern has me thinking maybe bracing the bottom euro braced. I want to avoid if possible.

I’m always a fan of the “if it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing” train of thought. Make sure you do a build thread so we can see it come to life

 

[reefingBeAmazin22]

Hey all,
Planning a 170 gallon rimless peninsula build. An upgrade from my 90 gallon aqueon.

Ordering glass soon, I've used some calculators available online but looking for more advice before ordering.

With dimensions at
72Lx30Wx18H

I am planning 1/2 glass. Which gives me a safety factor of 11 roughly.

Not planning to brace if I don't have to. Any concerns or go aheads would be awesome! Pictures to come when glass arrives etc

Hey I’m looking to do something similar to you in the future, could you update us on the steps you take to build the tank so I can be better educated, that would be much appreciated

 

[Nate Chalk]

Just ordered the overflow box

 

[Reverend Turtle]

½" will work, though I would personally euro brace or up to ¾". Just personal preference. Over engineer as I'm clumsy, my kids are clumsy, and so is the dog.

 

[Nate Chalk]

½" will work, though I would personally euro brace or up to ¾". Just personal preference. Over engineer as I'm clumsy, my kids are clumsy, and so is the dog.

experienced answer ? Looking for someone with build experience to chime in

 

[Reverend Turtle]

Unfortunately not yet. Waiting on new house before I build my 700 gallon plywood tank.

 

[MERKEY]

This is going to be a good one, following for sure!

 

[Kershaw]

Have you priced the difference in price for 1/2 vs 5/8vs 3/4?
Also how do you feel about euro bracing?
I have considered building my own also and I think would do euro brace on first build for piece of mind.

 

[Nate Chalk]

Have you priced the difference in price for 1/2 vs 5/8vs 3/4?
Also how do you feel about euro bracing?
I have considered building my own also and I think would do euro brace on first build for piece of mind.

price for 1/2 inch is roughly $18 a sq ft, 5/8 and 3/4 inch shoots up to $60+

Euro bracing considering using thinner glass from a hardware store as it costs significantly less. Current supplier min per piece is $60. So the bracing alone is $240. I dont feel super comfortable cutting glass straight myself

 

[Mooses]

It’s not too hard, just be sure to get an aluminum straight edge from Home Depot. Always “measure twice, cut once”.

 

[Kershaw]

I have had glass cut for 40 breeder sumps and small pieces always cost more.