O.k. Here goes on the manufacture of tanks. At least how I do it, and by no means is this going to be a complete how to manual. It would take a manual to explain everything, but if you have a basic knowledge of tools and woodworking I think you will understand. Also, I am a visual person but I will do my best to explain in words.
I make my tanks out of wood frames and untempered glass. The glass is perfect for herps, but not for aquariums, however, it is alot cheaper.
Tools required:
Table saw, router and router table with a rabbiting bit, screws, screwdriver, drill, staple gun, caulk gun
Materials:
1" x 2" maple stock
1/8" glass panels
1/2" metal angle brackets (zinc) the kind used for picture frames. You need 8
#6 zinc wood screws
Tube of clear silicon bathroom caulk
Can of satin polyurethane
I get all materials from my local home improvement store, except the glass I get that from a local glass company. They charge only for the glass used and cut it at no charge, so I have it cut to the exact dimensions I need.
I rip the maple into 3/4" X 3/4" strips on the table saw the length of the longest side of the tank. Then use the router to cut a platform out of enough stock to make the bottom frame, and then cut a channel out of the middle of enough stock to make the top frame. Then cut the stock on the tabel saw to the correct lengths for the sides, front and back. Cut the ends at a 45 degree angle, assemble the pieces to make a frame, and secure them with the angle brackets. The frames should look just like the plastic ones on store bought tanks, only made out of wood. Get some help for the next part. Put the bottom glass down, insert the side, front and back glass between the bottome glass and the wood frame. The assisstant is to hold the glass while you put on the top frame and silicon caulk all the seams. You can use dowel rods to wedge the glass in place until the silicon dries (about 24hrs.). VERY IMPORTANT....when assembling and measuring for glass, make sure the side glass fits inside the front and back glass. In other words, the side glass is holding the front and back glass apart.
Now, you can order the plastic aquarium frames from
www.glasscages.com, but you are restricted to standard sizes. I like my tanks deeper than that so that's why I make my own, and it's fun. If you deviate from the standard size, you will need to make your own screen top. Basically, you will make another bottom frame, only slightly larger than the top frame so the platform cut fits over the top frame. Once the screen frame is made, lay in the screening of your choice, and attach it with the staple gun, make sure you use short staples so you don't split the wood.
Seal all wood with the polyurethane, and let the tank dry/airout for at least two weeks to get rid of all the solvent fumes. It takes forever for the silicon fumes to disipate.
If you want front opening doors, I'd rather you e-mail me your phone number and let me describe it to that way than trying to write it out here. It's a little more compllicated, but totally doable.
If you have any questions let me know.
P.S. I wouldn't use 1/8" glass on anything bigger than a 25 gallon tank.
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