Aquarium thickness questions

[Crazyfingerz]

I'm in the process of upgrading my aquarium to a bigger size and just wanted some advice. I was looking at a shallow tank 48x30x16. I have a website that says the 3.8 safety rule states that a tank this dimensions would be very safe using 7mm glass.(which is approx 1/4 inch)

[Crazyfingerz]

whats your guys take on this?

[The Grizz]

Go 10mm just to be on the side of caution no less.

[tibob32]

funny as I'm in the planning process of the same tank. My calculator says you're borderline with 3.8, but that is for a eurobraced tank. And the bottom pannel needs to be thicker (9mm). If you were to go rimless you'd be looking at a 7.8 (or 7.6 I forget) safety factor.

Even though the safety factor works with 7mm, I don't think I'd be comfortable cutting it that close. I just made a 36x24x16 with 3/8 glass and I would NOT want it to be made with thinner glass. BTW, the "safe" and "very safe" indications on the aquatools calculator are wrong

[Crazyfingerz]

Originally Posted by tibob32

funny as I'm in the planning process of the same tank. My calculator says you're borderline with 3.8, but that is for a eurobraced tank. And the bottom pannel needs to be thicker (9mm). If you were to go rimless you'd be looking at a 7.8 (or 7.6 I forget) safety factor.

Even though the safety factor works with 7mm, I don't think I'd be comfortable cutting it that close. I just made a 36x24x16 with 3/8 glass and I would NOT want it to be made with thinner glass. BTW, the "safe" and "very safe" indications on the aquatools calculator are wrong

I also saw another calculator on garf that said those dimensions can work with 1/4 glass. so whats the deal with this information.

[tibob32]

I've never used the GARF calculator, but as far as I know, it doesn't give you a safety factor. As for the aquatools, it says its safe at factor 2, which won't even withstand water weight. Check the comments below the the aquatool calculator, you'll find interesting testimonies of tank bursting and even more interesting is AquaCalc.zip, a safety factor and deflection calculator, a very worthwhile tool

[Crazyfingerz]

Originally Posted by tibob32

I've never used the GARF calculator, but as far as I know, it doesn't give you a safety factor. As for the aquatools, it says its safe at factor 2, which won't even withstand water weight. Check the comments below the the aquatool calculator, you'll find interesting testimonies of tank bursting and even more interesting is AquaCalc.zip, a safety factor and deflection calculator, a very worthwhile tool

Ok thanks for the information. but that being said aquariums are very expensive in my country especially to build one. thats why i was looking to come as close as possible to safe without spending the extra bucks. but i may just hv to wait and see how the tank build goes

[AegeanAq]

You could be safe using 5/32 glass. 3/8 is the standard for 90 - 125 gallons but I have slid by on 5/32 easily. You can also use 1/4 laminate that is as strong if not stronger than 3/8 itself. I have a test tank I built ouf 3/16 CSB and 3/16 which was basically 3/8 laminate glass and the dimensions came out to 120x32x36 and it has held up much stronger than I thought. If you are weary of 3/8 then find someone who will do 5/32 over 5/32 lami .. Trust me strong as they come without the weight

[Crazyfingerz]

Originally Posted by AegeanAq

You could be safe using 5/32 glass. 3/8 is the standard for 90 - 125 gallons but I have slid by on 5/32 easily. You can also use 1/4 laminate that is as strong if not stronger than 3/8 itself. I have a test tank I built ouf 3/16 CSB and 3/16 which was basically 3/8 laminate glass and the dimensions came out to 120x32x36 and it has held up much stronger than I thought. If you are weary of 3/8 then find someone who will do 5/32 over 5/32 lami .. Trust me strong as they come without the weight

what is 5/32 glass?

[shifty51008]

Originally Posted by Crazyfingerz

what is 5/32 glass?

aprox. 4mm glass