Glass Thickness For Large Tank

[Jaws]

Hey guys. I'm getting some mixed responses when it comes to the appropriate glass thickness for a large tank so I thought I'd throw it out there and see what everyone here thinks. So lets say for an 8 foot long by 3 feet wide by 30" tall tank, what would you suggest? My other option is 7 feet long by 3 feet wide by 30" tall. I realize that you can make a tank bullet proof but I it doesn't need to be overkill either. I'm just looking for what's appropriate or recommended. I'd like it eurobraced too. Thanks in advance.

[justincgdick]

I'd go 3/4". Go as long as you want... it's the height that determines the glass thickness due to pressure. You may need a thicker bottom, I'm not sure.

If you get to 24" or less in hight you could probably drop to 1/2", IMO.

[sphelps]

I'd go 3/4". Go as long as you want... it's the height that determines the glass thickness due to pressure. You may need a thicker bottom, I'm not sure.

If you get to 24" or less in hight you could probably drop to 1/2", IMO.

Actually length is a major contributor for glass thickness, the longer the tank the larger the bending moment which results in more deflection.

For the size 5/8" min for sure but 3/4" would be better. A standard 230 is 72" x 30" and uses 1/2" but they show a noticeable bulge as a result. With 8 feet and 5/8" you may notice a similar effect but it still be perfectly safe but the deflection causes some slight distortion which can be annoying to some people. It also depends on the bracing.

[monocus]

go to aquarium tank calculator

[The Grizz]

My 300 ( 96"L x 30"H x 24"W ) is 3/4" all sides, euro-brace and bottom inside cleats ( front & back )

[Aquattro]

http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/planasystem/ig/Guide-Charts--Tables--Diagrams/Glass-Thickness-Calculator.htm

[bignose]

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=84185

[BlueWorldAquatic]

No less than 3/4 ", you especially for a 30" height

[Dive_dry]

for my 330 i got 3/4" glass it is 6'x3"x30" and it has a safety factor of 4.5 :mrgreen: . I know someone who just built a 12' tank and he used 1" glass

[Big Tang]

I used 5/8 on a ten foot 31 tall 40 wide.

[damtrees420]

call me crazy my tank is 84x42x28 half inch glass i did put in another strip around the top and bottom just in case but any higher i would deffintaly go with more

[Jaws]

Still sounding a little conflicted to me but it seems like most people are leaning towards the 5/8 of an inch and 3/4" would be if you don't want to take any chances.

[damtrees420]

just hope you dont have to move it with the thicker glass cuz at 1/2 inch it was still not a fun move at all and should have thought of that before i moved it in to the bacement of a rental

[sphelps]

Also keep in mind you can vary the glass thickness throughout the tank depending on it's design and layout.

For example 3/4" on the front with a 4" euro brace will eliminate any noticeable distortion. You could use 1/2" for the sides if you're OK with seeing a noticeable difference in glass thickness (not an issue if only viewed from the front). The back could be 5/8" or even less depending how the overflow boxes are laid out. The base can also be significantly thinner provided the stand offers adequate support, 1/2" is typically plenty provided the entire base area is supported. The overflows could be as thin as 1/4" unless they are being used to support the back in which case 3/8" is sufficient.