How to Install Glass VIEWING PANELS in your PLYWOOD AQUARIUM

Hey everyone! Welcome back to the Riffwaters fishroom. Today we are installing glass panels into our 200g plywood cube tank. This install is a bit unique, as we're creating a corner tank that will be viewable from two sides, but the edge of the two sides will be ONLY glass (no plywood support). Even though this build has some unique aspects to it, the instructions provided will help you install glass viewing panels on basic builds as well. I hope you enjoy!

[@llomax1067]

That is pretty smart idea with the shower rods..... Learned alot... Good stuff

[@Riffwaters]

Thanks! I'm kinda proud of that trick, actually. Haven't seen anyone else do it, and it's super helpful.

[@bubblerings]

Smart planning, the gap where the glass panels meet. 🤔🍻

[@kheilawarheart]

Wow this build is so amazing!! So simple but very well done. I'm so impressed and inspired! 😍😍

[@Riffwaters]

Hey thanks!

[@zachfranck7306]

That tank looks amazing!

[@Riffwaters]

Thanks Zach!

[@immelting9834]

Looks absolutely beautiful. What is the dimensions of the glass, and what did the viewing area end up being ?

[@TheHighpotinuse]

You can use a pair of pliers to crimp the caulk nozzle to make it easier to shoot caulk in the narrow gap

[@Riffwaters]

Good idea!

[@kheilawarheart]

Excellent tip! 😜

[@markkaupas8921]

I'm getting ready to build a 400 gallon wood aquarium and I'm curious as to how much adhesion area you have between where the silicone meets the glass and the inside top, sides and bottom of the aquarium?

[@KevinSQ]

I’m in the process of a 450 but once I’m done with that I’m looking for a 200 like yours but I was going to have wooded edges. What is the thickness of your glass to have a glass edge? My 450 will have 1/2” glass as it’s only 24” tall. Maybe 3/4” on yours?

[@Riffwaters]

Mine is 1/2", but only because the short length/width helps offset the height a bit, and I went with a lower safety factor. For most tanks this height you'd def want 3/4". Even so, I wish I went 5/8" on this one for peace of mind.

[@MagnaRads]

What could be used for acrylic viewing panels?

[@danis8455]

what thickness is the glass? basically dream tank :P

[@Riffwaters]

Hi! This uses 1/2" glass, but I wish I would've gone 5/8" for a better safety factor. Most tanks this tall would require 3/4" or even 1", depending on build specifics, but with this being only 3' long I was able to go thinner.

[@danis8455]

@@Riffwaters cool thanks :) basically i wanted 1 m x 1m x 1m or 3 feet and 3 inches in freedom units :P So this is very much as i would want it!

[@kevinkeagan4896]

What type of sillicone was that?

[@Riffwaters]

Hi! For this I used DAP 100% Silicone - Black.

[@bubblerings]

Magic trick...? It was black inside before you filled it.. Wait-what!?!