How many gallons are you talking about? The reason I ask is that you might consider using plexi glass. It's stronger and lighter than glass of the same thickness. Plexi also has a closer optic quality to water than glass which might play a major role in visibility or clarity when using very thick pieces. On the filtration portion you will want to have both mechanical (remove debris) and biological(nitrifying bacteria to break down chemical wastes) filtration. Start with about 1/4 the population you wish to have for the first couple of months and monitor first ammonia and then nitrite levels. Once they spike and return to zero levels (this cycle usually takes 4 - 8 weeks) your biological Filtration will be ready to add more fish. After that if you have adequate biological filtration your ammonia and nitrites will remain zero. At this point start to monitor your Nitrate level ( this is the end result of breaking down the ammonia, and nitrite which are harmful) Nitrates are much less harmful until they are at very high levels which will then weaken the fishes immunities. At this point it will be time to make a 25 - 50% water change (usually monthly) unless you have many plants to utilize the nitrates as fertilizer. Just my $.02 from my experiences in my aquarium days. Good luck and Keep us posted!