tempered glass for aquariums?

[terror]

are tempered glass stronger than ordinary glass when used for aquarims? how much stronger would it be??
would it be better to use 3/8 inch tempered glass or 1/2 inch ordinary glass??

 

[Cearbhaill]

Tempered glass is stronger and lighter than plate glass, but tempered glass cannot be drilled. If you are planning to drill holes down the line for bulkheads plate glass it is.

In order to calculate what thickness glass to use you will need to know the finished size of the tank you are building- length, height, and depth.

 

[Hound]

I also agree that tempered glass could be used, but not drilled. I'd say as long as the clarity of the glass is fine go for it, but find someone who builds aquariums and ask them about thickness that you can use.

 

[terror]

size..

i'm planning to build a 7 ft X 30 inches X 2 ft tank.
will 3/8 inch ordinary aquarium glass be enough?
or shoudl i use 1/2 inch glass??
since tempered glass cannot be cut and much more expensive so i'mplanning to use 3/8 or 1/2 inch glass will this be strong enogh?

 

[Hound]

Not having experience in tank building I would think 1/2 inch would be minimal on such a large tank. I'm actually thinking more like 5/8 inch really. One thing for certain is that it is going to be a heavy tank.

 

[terror]

thanks.

Originally posted by Hound
Not having experience in tank building I would think 1/2 inch would be minimal on such a large tank. I'm actually thinking more like 5/8 inch really. One thing for certain is that it is going to be a heavy tank.

i'm planning to put one outdoors.
for my arowanas...

 

[Hound]

Ok, did some research around the web and this is what was finding. With the safety margin counted in it is recommended that you use 3/4 inch glass on the 7 foot by 30" span. I'm guessing the tank you are looking to build is 30" front to back so that would be the bottom of the tank. From what I'm seeing 3/8 inch should work on the other spans, but 1/2 inch is recommended for safety factors. The tank itself should weight about 450# (+/- 10%) with a capacity of approximately 260g. Water weight will be approaching 2100# along with approximately 230# of substrate at a depth of around 1.5". Total weight of tank filled will be in the order of 2800# so I really hope you have something sturdy to hold it up along with a strong floor.

Check this out for reference.

 

[terror]

thanks!

thansk for the info
i'm planning to have a stand specially made for it.
problem is i still have to build a roof for my outdoor tank

Originally posted by Hound
Ok, did some research around the web and this is what was finding. With the safety margin counted in it is recommended that you use 3/4 inch glass on the 7 foot by 30" span. I'm guessing the tank you are looking to build is 30" front to back so that would be the bottom of the tank. From what I'm seeing 3/8 inch should work on the other spans, but 1/2 inch is recommended for safety factors. The tank itself should weight about 450# (+/- 10%) with a capacity of approximately 260g. Water weight will be approaching 2100# along with approximately 230# of substrate at a depth of around 1.5". Total weight of tank filled will be in the order of 2800# so I really hope you have something sturdy to hold it up along with a strong floor.

Check this out for reference.