18' x 9' x 3.5' catfish tank build in progress.....

[X24]

Plus glass adheres to silicon MUCH better than acrylic and glass looks better and doesn't scratch as easily.

With a tank like this the pressure of the water does the majority of the holding, and I don't know how you get that glass looks better since no glass, especially thick glass is as clear as acrylic is.

You have go to think though that a single pane of the glass is going to end up being anywhere from 150-200 lbs where as the acrylic would be under a 100 at the very most.

If you can only get glass you are forced to go with it, but acrylic is the better option if its available.

You should visit your inlaws more

 

[I<3fish]

True but its just my opinion that it looks better.

 

[cvermeulen]

With a tank like this the pressure of the water does the majority of the holding, and I don't know how you get that glass looks better since no glass, especially thick glass is as clear as acrylic is.

You have go to think though that a single pane of the glass is going to end up being anywhere from 150-200 lbs where as the acrylic would be under a 100 at the very most.

If you can only get glass you are forced to go with it, but acrylic is the better option if its available.

You should visit your inlaws more

X2. Usually to joe nobodies like us as well, acrylic is cheaper than glass. I love my glass front on my tank for it's scratch resistance, but man it was a ***** to put in (heavy), it's greenish, and it was expensive. (3x5 window cost almost as much as a whole sheet of 3/4 acrylic)

 

[soggysandwich]

This tank is sweet. I would be happy with a tank at the size you are at not, lol. So what are you plans for sealing the inside, fiberglass?

 

[Redtailnobs]

He's at my house right now. We just got done taking in some scrap for extra cash on the tank build. We are going to call around to the glass shops today and get some qoutes.

 

[justin guest]

For 3 foot height you´ll need 1 inch glass. Hardened would be better but normal glass will also cope with the load. If the frame has any play in it I´d go with hardened glass though as it´s 7 times stronger for a given thickness. As for the green colour you can splash out and buy white glass if it´s important enough for you.
j<><

 

[justin guest]

P.S. Dead curious to see the finished product
j<><

 

[cvermeulen]

For 3 foot height you´ll need 1 inch glass. Hardened would be better but normal glass will also cope with the load. If the frame has any play in it I´d go with hardened glass though as it´s 7 times stronger for a given thickness. As for the green colour you can splash out and buy white glass if it´s important enough for you.
j<><

At the risk of sounding like a dink, don't tell people what to do if you don't know yourself... 1" glass is WAY overkill for a 3 foot tall tank.

3 foot height bare minimum to hold water and hold your breath while standing in front of is 1/2". 15mm is better, and 3/4 is more than enough. 1" thick glass is a waste in anything under 4 feet, and even then has a large safety factor.

As for tempered glass, it is much stronger, but it has the other property of shattering into a million pieces if chipped or scratched. This can be good and bad, as you don't have the potential for large shards of glass in an accident, but you also don't have the potential for a slow failure (cracking and leaking instead of exploding.) It is also much more expensive.

 

[necrocanis]

You guys think 3/4 acryllic would work? Not much progress today. Added a few boards across the top of the front. That's about it. Only got $40 for the scrap metal I took in. Waiting on a check in the mail and should have over $200 to spend next break! So lots of potential progress next break! I'm pretty much at a standstill right now until I can get some more lumber. I want to get it all in one load so next break it will be!!

 

[X24]

You guys think 3/4 acryllic would work? Not much progress today. Added a few boards across the top of the front. That's about it. Only got $40 for the scrap metal I took in. Waiting on a check in the mail and should have over $200 to spend next break! So lots of potential progress next break! I'm pretty much at a standstill right now until I can get some more lumber. I want to get it all in one load so next break it will be!!

I wouldn't recommend 3/4" acrylic, you are wanting 1" acrylic for this build.