When newbies ask questions in the SS/FG forum they are usually hazed like new fraternity pledges. ;)

It's a ritual there.

I personally think we should start telling people that they can cut a horizontal slot in their vertical drop outs and use that for chain tension. Not only would it make them purchase a new frame (one with horizontal drop outs no doubt), but darwin may even take care of a few of them...

I mean honestly, it's the first thing that ANY fixie guide has. MAKE SURE THE FRAME HAS HORIZONTAL DROPOUTS. Is it really that hard?

I've come to the conclusion that the vast majority of fixie riders don't follow logic.......

Everyone starts somewhere so I'd cut OP some slack. And on the subject of dropouts - vertical is not such a big deal, just use WI eccentric hub, half link, magic gear, etc. Built many bikes that way, no complaints. Sometimes frame is so good or people simply attached to it and WI hub or similar solution works.
OP already posted is SS forum and as I said there - I'd start looking for another frame. Not because of the droputs but simply because I would personally start with the frame designed for 700c (or similar size) wheels.

Singlespeed & Fixed Gear

OP, you have a dropout, so a chain tensioner is the easiest thing to do with vertical dropouts. It sounds like you need a 43T front, not a 42T or 44T. 43T chainring | eBay

Also, if your chain pops, how are you going to stop? Many municipalities have requirements for a front brake.

He is building FG so chain tensioner is a no go

Chain tensioners don't work with fixed gears. Sure, they'll take up the slack in the chain, but as soon as you put reverse pressure on the pedals it'll just bind. (Ask me how I know.... I stupidly tried to install a chain tensioner on a bike with a coaster brake... Obviously didn't work.)

Oh, yeah. Fixed not SS.

It means that forum is known for being hard on people.

All you can do is try the different cogs and see if they work. You don't want it so tight the it is making noise. I think if you were to use some half links and keep trial and erring with rings and cogs you'll get it. It's a bit more fussing but it looks like you are committed to that frame, assuming you've put some work into it. You want the chain to almost but not quite have the suggestion of sag on the bottom. It's hard to describe good tension in words, but that is the best I got right now.

thankyou! And yeah I went over there and got roasted. To summarize, they said "give up dumb asphalt" but it wasn't asphalt. And yes, I am committed to this lousy frame. I'm just going to have to keep with my mix and matching, and eventually I'll get it right. Thank you for the sincere answer!

And for all of you that point out that I failed to realize it needed horizontal dropouts,
yeah, that went right over my head. But I've learned so much from building this bike, and got my mom to buy me a lot of tools. :p

Pics!

Surely there's someone who would trade for a frame with horizontal dropouts.