650G on grade slab is it OK

[SPC]

Posted by seven:
hi.
I know about that disadvantage, but sometimes, you just have to live with it. A few scratches is better than looking at your reef tank thru a green beer bottle all the time

- There is no doubt that glass is not as clear as acrylic, but I think a green beer bottle is a little over the top. In fact I have never noticed any green tint to my glass at all, some may see this green but I haven't.


I never have coralline problem. They only seem to grow on the LR in my tanks... I guess I am one of the minority who don't keep the alk up... but the coral are doing OK.


- Then there is the problem with sand or any other material harder than acrylic getting between the pad. When I read that one guy has a problem with urchins and another with some types of snails scratching their acrylic, I decided that I would stick with glass.

Osama, I would use the calculations that James gave you and then go for it.
Steve

 

[M.E.Milz]

Hey Osama, it has been a while since we talked. I wanted to let you know that Mitch is building a 78"x32"x36" tank for me right now, and he is using laminated Starphire 1" panels for the front and both sides. He is also using Starphire for all the braces. The tank would have been delivered by now but for a little mishap during shipping that left a broken brace and a few scratches (nobody can figure out exactly what the shipper did, but it wasn't good). Mitch is in the process of re-building the tank right now, and I expect to have it by the Middle of April. I will let you know when I get it so that you can take a look at it if you like.

As for the concrete floor, I can't offer much help without knowing what thickness and rebar was used. But I do like the idea of pouring an additional pad on top of the existing floor. By using a self-leveling concrete, you can ensure that you have a perfectly flat and level base upon which to set your tank.

 

[mikey98]

Maybe I can help witht he weight issue. I Drive a full size stock car and have had the car on scales many times. Each tire has about 750lbs per tire. The contact patch of each tire is only about 10"x2" witch is about 0.138 ft^2 so if i figured it right the car puts about 5400lbs ft^2. If your tank sat on a 1" ring around the base it would have a 2.22ft^2 surface to sit on. so if the take weighed 8000lbs then you only put 3600lbs per ft^2 on the floor. far less than a car does. If the tank were flat then the load would be about 228.57lbs per ft^2. Seams to me that the slab in your home would be built to take much more load than 228lbs per ft^2. But also remember you have a house sitting on the same slab. I am not positive if I am any were close to being correct but if anyone could check me and tell me if I am right or just plane crazy it would be great.

Michael
<a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>

 

[Anonymous]

hi.
I know the green beer bottle comment is kind of off the top, but it sure describe my bias quit well

For the pressure of car on the floor, I am no expert. But, Mikey, I heard that you don't need to calculate the weight and contact area. Just use a tire gauge. So if the tire pressure is 60 psi, it will be 60*12*12 = 8640pound/ft^2. Don't know how realistic the number is, but that's what I remember from textbook that I used back in the old days.

 

[aakks]

Thanks for the heads up on the laminated glass, I've never heard that before. I'll be sure to check that out before I order a tank.

Peter

 

[henkelsfamily1]

I have read that there is a problem with the laminated starphire showing what looks like an oil slick between the laminations. Do a search here and at RC.

Good Luck

Walter

 

[Osama]

Walter & Peter

I will do a search because I would prefer the starphire look BUT I have theese other concerns

 

[Osama]

Hi & thanks for all the suggestions. I have been gone for few days working to pay for the tank.
Regarding glass vs starphire I will wait to hear from Mike about his tank.. Hope you get it soon Mike & sorry to hear about the shipping mishap.
Regarding the floor can anyone tell me if a 4" slab with only a wire mesh reinforcing can take a 300lbs^2 load along the perimeter of the tank (tank dimensions 120"X 42" - 30" high).
By the way I do want to avoid acrylic because of the potential of scratching & potential damage from snails etc.....

 

[john f]

Osama,
I have 1" thick laminated Starfire for my 1000.
It is beautifull!!
I did have a very hard time finding someone to order from, and the first 2 pieces I had to reject because of bubbles in the laminate.
These problems are not inherent to Starfire however.
Overall the glass is as clear as acrylic to my eyes, and I am very happy with it.


John

 

[KanUCme]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by osama:
potential damage from snails etc.....[/QB]<hr></blockquote>

What? What damage do snails do?

 

[Renae]

Osa,
The two tanks we did In Florida this Year were 5 foot tall 1 inch thick (2peices Laminated 1/2)Starphire. They turned out AWESOME! If you need anything let me know.

I just happen to have 900lbs of Marshall Island Live Rock so if you hurry and get that tank up you should have it in as soon as I am done curing it...LOL

Renae

 

[Osama]

John:
I am in the early planning stages for my tank
What are the dimensions of your tank?
Who built & erected your tank for you?
Any pictures?
I am considering Inter American for the tank It sounds like laminated Starphire is the way to go. BUT I am concerned about laminates, refraction from laminates & seperation of laminates... Tell me about how long have you had your tank please and your overall satisfaction.?
Any problems with the foundation?

Sorry to bother you with so many questions But as you are well aware this is a huge investment and any input is always appreciated

KanUCme: I had read & heard of people having to move a snail off their acrylic tanks & noted a marking from the snail upon removing it. I do not have acrylic tanks and as such do not know first hand if this is real or not But I heard it recently at a LFS also!!!
Renae; Any picture & dmensions on the tank in Florida would help. will be awhile before I will need LR Thanks just the same. What services can you render in Chicago area Email me...

THANKS
Osama