Mike Tuke’s

Making glass tanks Requirements 6mm glass with the following sizes: base: internal length + 12mm x internal width + 12mm sides: internal length + 12mm x height   ends:  internal width x internal height (Bargain with the glass supplier because he will be able to use offcuts which he would otherwise throw away.) Aquarium sealant or clear sanitary sealant Emery paper 2 rectangular wooden blocks 10cm x 10cm x 20cm or bricks Instructions 1  Use emery paper to round the edges of the glass so they are not sharp. 2  Place the base on a flat surface. 3 Take one side and put a continuous bead of sealant along the lower edge. 4  Place it on the back of the base. Press it down and support it with a block. 5  Take each end piece in turn and put a bead of sealant along the bottom and side edges. 6  Press each onto the base and against the side. 7  Take the second side piece and put sealant on the lower edge and place it on the front of the base and against the ends. Support it with a block. 8 Make sure the sides are pressed together using two G clamps 9 Smooth out excess sealant along all joints on the inside using a wet finger. 10 After it has hardened (24 hours) remove any excess sealant from the outside using a knife. If there is any leakage put another bead of sealant all around the inside and smooth it out. For tanks longer than 50cm it is convenient to have a way of emptying the water. Get a glazier to cut a hole large enough to take a 15mm tank connector in the end plate. Assemble the pipe as shown in the diagram. Do not solder the bend. Vaseline in the bend will prevent the water escaping and will allow you to turn the end up to keep water in or down to empty.

Earth Science Activities and Demonstrations