34g AIO cube build w/ pics

[YankyTexan]

BACKGROUND: Ever since I saw the Solano 34g cube I was in love. Thus after much research, postings and questions I decided to build a version of it. I have never built anything with glass and/or acryllic so this is my 1st attempt at it.

View from the front:



Top front view:



Rear view with potential equipment:



DETAILS:
The display area is 20"W x 15.5"D x 20"H and the filtration area is 20"W x 4.5"D x 20"H. The cube is made of 1/4" glass while the filtration area is made of 1/4" acryllic. I painted the main divider with Krylon Fusion. I plan to power it with a Rio 1700. It is rated at 600+ gph.

NEXT STEPS:
I am currently working on the base that will be 21"W x 21"D x 7.5"H. It will have a drawer for misc. supplies. The base is so short since the aquarium will reside upon an antique safe in my game/card room.
The canopy will be 21"W x 21"D x 5.5"H and will contain the lighting system which consists of five 15 watt 18" bulbs with a remote ballast. Both the base and canopy will be painted with black enamel.
The exterior of the filtration area will be painted with Krylon Fusion to minimize unwanted algea growth.

STOCKING PLANS:
Bkack substrate, heavily planted, school of neon tetras, with a plec & small catfish type to take care of cleaning up.

The only reason I was able to attempt this build is because of forums such as this. The information and expertise from others is invaluable. I appreciate all who have replied to my numerous posts.

FYI - the tank is currently sitting on top of the poker table I built last weekend. Anyone up for Texas Hold-em?

More pics to come. Thanks, Daniel

[Ellen4God]

Wow! That's pretty neat. I don't know much about any of this, but it looks good to me (that doesn't carry much weight though lol). Good luck with everything you're putting into it!! I'm sure it'll turn out wonderfully. Keep us posted!!

[gem]

Looks great. Have you filled it and tested for leaks yet?

[YankyTexan]

gem - I am going to let the silicone cure 7 days to achieve maximum strength (atleast thats what the tube says). Thus I'll add water next weekend (If I can wait).

[cabrego]

Nice Job!

Is the silicon strong enough to hold the tank together?
Do you plan on reinforcing the borders or top?
Did you simply clamp the pieces or something?

[Dsoto87]

Ive always wanted to try and do this. Did you cut the glass yourself or did you get it cut

[YankyTexan]

"Is the silicon strong enough to hold the tank together?"
Hope so. That is how the Solano and other rimless glass tanks are made.

"Do you plan on reinforcing the borders or top?"
The base n canopy will reinforce everything just for eaxtra insurance.

"Did you simply clamp the pieces or something?"
Tape held it together while the silicone cured

"Did you cut the glass yourself or did you get it cut?"
I had a local glass shop cut the five pieces to my specs. It was easier than I thought, although I must add I would be hesitant to attempt a significantly larger tank until I had done more small ones. I encourage you to give it a try.

Thank you both for your interest,
Daniel

[jbeining75]

Nice tank. Hope it holds up for you.... Good luck!!!!!!

[cabrego]

"Is the silicon strong enough to hold the tank together?"
Hope so. That is how the Solano and other rimless glass tanks are made.

"Do you plan on reinforcing the borders or top?"
The base n canopy will reinforce everything just for eaxtra insurance.

"Did you simply clamp the pieces or something?"
Tape held it together while the silicone cured

"Did you cut the glass yourself or did you get it cut?"
I had a local glass shop cut the five pieces to my specs. It was easier than I thought, although I must add I would be hesitant to attempt a significantly larger tank until I had done more small ones. I encourage you to give it a try.

Thank you both for your interest,
Daniel

What type of silicone are you using?

[cocoa_pleco]

nutrafin makes silicone, and one type of GE silicone is safe