Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

One reason not to do it is it adds a weak point to your tank. A lot of work for a small cosmetic improvement.
If you really want to see in the tank I would suggest a small video camera.

That is the captain sensible speaking... the kids would love a window I am sure. It was the first thing one of my friends with kids suggested when they saw my fish tank :-)

What if it was just a small one? I know I should be avoiding putting any unnecessary holes in our tanks.... But it's just so cool!

lol, see my previous answer. I understand the attraction :-)

+1 add me to party pooper Brian......

maybe if it was an IBC and you had nothing better to do.....

get a camera and wire it in to your TV so you can watch the little guys 24/7 - that should offset your need to watch fish.

[edit] I was going to say 'take the kids for a day at the Sydney Aquarium' but then I realised that it would probably be cheaper to buy an additional 2 raintanks and put the windows in after all - so then everyone had a window each

Anyhow my preference is for the platypus and otter tanks at the zoo anyway - maybe I need platypus AP..

What a mob of wa;'ers if you want to put a window in your tank do it done right it doesn't affect the strength of the tank
Some of the information given out to newbies I just shake my head in disbelief

lol

If you feel you must have one, I would suggest using rolled angle iron, inside and outside of the tank to suit the curve of the tank, flat angle for the vertical sections, welded to form two frames, to form a clamp effect on the perspex and the tank.Lots of nuts and bolts. And a quality sealant.
You need to remember the tank is somewhat flexible and will move, even if the water level is constant.

Yes go for it, shouldn't be to difficult as your tank will only allow a small window anyway. Apart from the entertainment value I think it would be usefull to be able to better observe the fish and check for diseases and odd behaviour etc

Oh really f&f, I expect more from a man of your standing on this forum.
If you are in a position to offer advice well please do as I for one value your opinion however the previous posters were only offering their opinion and should not be abused for doing so whether in your opinion, are right or wrong. A calm and educated debate is much better than name calling.
Anyway,
I've often thought about putting a window into a tank but never gotten around to it as I'm always too busy planning the inevitable expansion. Yeah plan for a window Sophia but the earlier you guys get the system cycling the better.

Yes I am sorry if I come over a bit rough Old age and cranky comes to mind
But there is so much negative information given out now a days [yes I know you are trying to help but please get your facts right] if I answered them all I would need a secretary
The people who say it will weaken the tank do they have proof, have they put a window in a tank
There has been dozens of windows put in ib,c [they are probly the weakest tank around ]
Havent herd of one failing
Going back to windows in tank you will need a cover on it [like Icemandood system ] to stop algae its a pitter to keep them clean
I have a friend setting up a small system at the moment
He is a great reader and every second day I get an email so and so said this should I do this is this right ect ect

Thanks for all the advice regarding the window.

The tanks will be in my shed and well shaded so algae is not so much of an issue.

Since we want to engage the kids with the Aquaponics as much as possible I think I will definitely put in at least a small window on the smooth walled tank and also some led light strips to provide some light when viewing.

My daughters Kindy teacher came out yesterday to have a look at the system build and she wants to bring the kids to our place on a field trip once it's all running ... So the risk of putting in a window is definitely outweighed by the added appeal the system will have with a window to properly observe the fish.

Hopefully our system will be so successful that we will inspire the Kindy and school to set up small systems to educate the kids.... Spreading the Aquaponics love if you will!

I just need to source the materials for the window a bit more cheaply as the kit I was looking at was $119!

I can get a 6mm thick clear Lexan polycarbonate sheet 420mm X 297mm for $30

My only concern is will this be too thick to conform to the curve of the tank?

The kit I was looking at uses 6mm Lexan but it is twice the size of the window I'm thinking of making... Link here

Work out what curve you need in the lexan and ask the supplier if it will naturally bend that much or if you will need to heat and form it. 6mm is probably thicker than the wall of your tank and lexan is reasonably strong so you could probably go thinner. Have a chat to a plastics supplier and see what they recommend.

What is included in the $119 kit? Easy to rack up close to that, $30 for lexan. $20 for selant. $10 for gasket rubber. Nuts, washers, bolt. Frame. All adds up if you have to buy all the parts

lol, just saw the kit link :-)

ok, so the kit is the lexan and the bolts. Guessing it includes nuts and washers?

Not the way I would do it, but I guess they have sold a few so it must work.

..
But Ummm.. Am I missing something or did I not see a corrugated wall tank.. (edit - forget that - I see there is a smooth wall tank)

and as for criticising folk for knocking the suggestion, then all I can say is that I would NOT do it..

I don't think that I am over stupid and can build most things, but against my sense of logic, I put a perspex window in a flat sided tank.. I was not prepared to do what I thought would be the BESTEST engineering solution and get two Marine-Grade Stainless "Picture Frames, for Inside/Outside..
I spent a good day cutting, drilling sealing and bolting and it leaked.. I had originally planned to use Butyl-Mastic tape, to give a high degree of compliance, but ended using PolyUrethane Glue..

What a total waste of time..

And it compromised the whole tank in the end..

So - My Opinion - Think Twice about windows, as fantastic as they appear to be..

For $20 you can buy a waterproof USB Endoscope / Camera, and I eventually plan to have a "Virtual Window" and NO LEAKS..



Assuming that you had a Non-Corrugated, Round Tank, then provided the lexan is fresh and strong, you could just let it flatten that area of the tank, and IF it was rectangular, then I would have it LONG side vertical..

PS - Just watched that video.. It does look easy.. Perhaps I should not have used a hard-setting glue and gone with my GUT feeling and mastic tape..
But again, I think I would go VERTICAL, so that different size folk can easily see, AND you have instant view of more of the water column.. AND - the plastic will be a little flatter, reducing the optical distortion.. Like that chap - I would still be nervous..
.

Ok. Duly noted.

I'll probably have to revisit this idea once my plumbing is all connected and I'm ready to fill the tanks.

Next question is: Affnan bell siphon

I want to do Affnan bell siphons in all our grow beds but I'm having trouble working out what size pipes I need if my stand pipes are 32mm

Also - 40-32mm reducing couplings are very hard to find. Bunnings doesn't stock them either. What could I use instead to create the "funnel" in my Affnan bell siphons?