so my uncle got some bulletproof glass from a jail that was getting torn down.. he is giving me 2 pieces that are 5x4 so my plans are to build a inwall tank 66x66x50t (just shy of 1000gal) with 2 viewing windows. my first question is will 3/4 thick bulletproof glass hold up to a 50inch tall tank? also i want some links to some great sump builds where they didnt have very much space, my stand will only be 1.5 foot tall (if i even have one) so having the sump under the tank is out of the question.. if you look in the "sticky" DIY tank builds and you see the 1700gallon reef shark build thats exactly how i plan to build this one only smaller. right now im in the planning process so any links, ideas, comments will be considered and very helpful... POST AWAY GUYS!!!
1000gal "cube" pre-thoughts before build
- Thread starter wheatgerm
- Start date
Short answer is no the 3/4" glass will not be enough. Bullet proof glass is made from sandwiching panels of glass with a film that catches the bullet. In this application the glass is only as strong as it's thickest pane. I did a lot of research after getting a free piece of 2 1/2" thick glass form a bank that needed to up grade to something that could take multiple 50 cal strikes.
Well id just like to say good luck with the build and hope it all goes well for you,whats the stock going to be? Bass by any chance and?
Steve
Steve
can't wait! you should pm the guy who did that 1700 gal shark tank and ask him what he would do differently.
i havent actually seen the glass but from what i understand its either 3/4 thick or 1in thick. the middle piece is 1/4 acrylic, and the 2 outside pieces are tempered glass and are 1/4 or a little thicker.. this build IS going to happen even if i have to buy my own glass/acrylic.. the stock will be 6 to 8 pbass with my 2 spotted gar and down the road either some really cool cats and/or rays
i have done some calling aroung to glass manufacturers and ofcourse none of them will give me a certain answer, however every one of them i talked to said that if i need 5/8 thick "normal" glass then 3/4 thick "bulletproof" SHOULD work??? they are saying that the polycarbonsomething (plastic between the layers of glass) actually bonds the entire pieces of glass therefore a 3/4 inch thick bulletproof glass will hold easily just as much or more water psi than a normal solid piece of plate glass. where did you call to find all your info when you found out about your glass??? everyone feel free to chip in on this one, i want to know everything before i dump over a grand into this build and have the glass possible blow out
wheatgerm;4728108; said:NNNNOOOOOO!!!!! thats not good news... this is not what i wanted to hear, i thought that being if it can stop a bullet it can take the forces of water. ill have to do some more looking into this i guess.
Bullet proof is not water proof.
Bullet proof glass is layered glass with plastic film sheeting to prevent shrapnel. It's actually meant to break when shot because the break dissipates the force of the bullet throughout the glass. I've been behind bullet proof glass when it was shot and it works, it breaks all to hell and is useless after that but it works.
But it won't stand up to constant pressure from water. The glass may be 3/4 of an inch thick but is only as strong as the thickest portion. Which from your description is 1/4" tempered. While tempered is stronger the 1/4" thickness limits its uses in the aquarium world.
The only thing I've seen bullet proof glass used for was old bank windows were used as floor panels in a Chinese restaurant that had a koi pond under the seated guests.
im not argueing, just trying to further understand how come when i called some manufacturers they all said that 3/4 bulletproof would be able to withstand more psi than regular plate glass? they are saying that the plastic material bonded between the glass makes it stronger??