How to Place Overhead Filters

H]-[H

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Oct 11, 2008
1,895
21
68
Malaysia
I need advice on placing two overhead filters(2.5ft x 5inch x 6inch) on my tank(4' x 2' x 2')
I have two pieces of custom cut arylic(26inch x 4inch x 0.3inch) placed across the tank and when I placed both overhead filters on top, the acrylic bends in the middle.. I tried stacking both acrylic pieces together and it still bends..
If I replace the acrylic with glass of the same size, will it hold the weight and not bend?
My tank doesn't have a top cover so I can have easy access to the filters..
Any ideas on how to fix this problem is greatly appreciated.. Thanks in advance.
 

markstrimaran

Potamotrygon
MFK Member
Nov 21, 2015
2,331
1,093
164
51
iowa
I have a 18" x 6 x 12 filter box on top. It is supported with 1/2" acrylic with a center brace. It bows a little.
Glass would flex less, than acrylic, if you can find 1/4" tempered glass. Better yet.

Or glue stringer on to the acrylic.
 

H]-[H

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Oct 11, 2008
1,895
21
68
Malaysia
Previously, the two overhead filters were placed on the center brace(a piece of 1/8" glass) and it held with no problems..
It was until one day I saw a post here about a tank build and realized that the center brace is for holding the tank from breaking and not for the purpose of putting filters, let alone two heavy ones..
The reason I went with acrylic pieces as support was because I was under the impression that acrylic is stronger than glass.. so how is it that acrylic would flex/bow but not glass?
 

markstrimaran

Potamotrygon
MFK Member
Nov 21, 2015
2,331
1,093
164
51
iowa
15110166496321267377808.jpg

Well acrylic is only stronger in so much, that it will bend alot, before failing.

Inch thick glass will stop bullets, but it would take alot more acrylic.

1/4 tempered glass is about 50 times more rigid than 1/4" acrylic.
A 48×20 span of tempered glass supported on the ends will hold 200 pounds, were the acrylic would bow, until the center curved out.
The difference is in the severity of failure.
 

markstrimaran

Potamotrygon
MFK Member
Nov 21, 2015
2,331
1,093
164
51
iowa
I find it for free, old 55 gallons curb tanks, glass doors on old entertainment stands. Shelving, end tables.
 
zoomed.com
hikariusa.com
aqaimports.com
Store