Tank Builders

[nburns]

I just finished building a custom tank and I need some advice on what thickness I should us on the door. The tank is the type where the front glass rests in place and is just picked up and removed to access the tank. Door will be 32"x11.5". I am worried that 1/8" just isn't thick enough for a piece that big that will be moved around a lot but 3/16 is kind of heavy. Any suggests from your experiences with building your own tanks and using different thicknesses would be great.

Thanks

[booboo]

I have built alot of custome things for my hobbys but first i need to know what media you are using.

Glass?
Acrylic?

Also try using earth magnets glued onto the outside of the door and the inside of the tank. I know someone on this board used them and they work great all i remember is there is a pic of his daughter actually sitting in the viv putting in a bolt it was pretty big.

[nburns]

Thanks for the reply. The front will be glass. Like I said in my original post it will just rest there, no hinges or anything. To feed the frogs and such I will just pick that whole door (dimensions in original post) up and set it out of the way. Thanks!

[booboo]

Glass is wonderful b/c it doesnt warp so you can use thin glass as long as there is not going to be anyone too clumsy around.
I would suggest the earth magnets any ways to prevent it from falling over and what not as a precationary.

Sorry i missed the part that said it was glass :x dont know why i misserd it oh well.

How is it held in place it just "rests" there?

To answer your question simply the thin glass will be fine as long as nothing is hitting it

[joshsfrogs]

Use 1/4". It is common so it is often cheaper. I would recommend getting two pieces (usually doesn't cost any more to have them cut it in half). That way you can use a hinge and it keeps some top on to lessen chances of escape. You will also need to get a knob of some kind to allow you to open the lid.

[nburns]

There won't be any hinges. I am trying something new on this one. The front is slanted so that the door can rest in place. I have a piece at the bottom that is about 5" high so there won't be any escapes. I think that 1/4" will be too heavy and that is why I am considering 3/16" at the thickest. Getting the glass is no problem, there is a glass shop in town that I get all of my glass and acrylic from. I am just worried that 1/8 is too thin for a piece that big that will be moved around every day.

[HansV]

You can make a sliding door. This sliding door can also easy removed by lifting it up a little and tilling it over the slide profile. See also http://www.dendroboard.com/phpBB2/viewt ... ght=#65724
The 32” x 11.5” is not that big. I use 3 mm glass (1/8”) fore all my vivarium doors also for my big corner vivarium. For feeding you have to open it for about 15 cm (6”). Only for cleaning the glass and for some maintenance you have to remove it.

[Reptiledan]

I dont think you will have a problem using 3/16 inch glass and if you are concerned then just buy tempured. I do agree that it might be smart to hinge or at least put a lip on the bottom so the glass does not get accidently bumped and broken, I have been building several tanks that have a small plastic hinge on the bottom and a rounded lip on the top of the door, I actualy push the plastic hinge down so the door slips into place. Your measurements have to be exact but no flies excape.. Whatever route you decide best of luck and please post some pics when finished.. Dan

[nburns]

There is a lip on the bottom to keep the door from sliding and/or getting bumped out. I have a piece of 3/16" cut to fit but it is a little heavier than I'd like. If any of you have seen Lars' tanks this one is built on that concept. I am playing around with some different styles of tanks. I am trying to get away without having hinges. I've made a couple acrylic cubes by myself but I think I can make tanks out of glass for 2/3 the cost.

The tank is already built I was just wondering if I could get away with 1/8" glass instead of 3/16". The 3/16" is plenty thick/strong enough but a little heavy. I was just wondering if 1/8" is too thin (too weak for the purpose)?

Thanks again for all the advice, keep it coming!

[Reptiledan]

I think you may have problems with 1/8 inch, 32 inches in legnth and only 11 inches tall is gonna be pretty flemsy.