Alternative to glass bottom

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
If glass was used for the bottom and the bottom is on a completely flat surface, would thickness still be an issue?

I've got 2 4'x8' pieces that were used on a sliding door, but arent very thick at all.
 
That's a tough question... I don't imagine it would matter too much, just make sure the tank walls are supported by something other than your tank bottom.
 
What do you mean?

All the sides would be siliconed down to the bottom glass.

Do you think this would still put stress on the glass?
 
What do you mean?

All the sides would be siliconed down to the bottom glass.

Do you think this would still put stress on the glass?
 
I eally dont know about this but Plywood? I have seen many people building plywood tanks on here so why wouldnt that work....seal it and put a pond liner on top of it for added protection...dont know if silicone adheres to either of these surfaces, but someone here should know. Sorry if this is just rediculous...have never done anythink related to this.

Chris
 
well if you're using 1/4" glass for the bottom, I'd think that resting the edges of the walls on it, and subjecting it to water pressure may result in the bottom cracking. you could seal the bottom to the inside of the sides, instead of the bottom edges of the sides, and even put external support (by way of a molding or something around the outside) so the bottoms don't want to push outward too badly.

Personally I'd be tempted to build the base out of whatever (wood, concrete, etc) with a rabbet all the way around for the glass sides to sit in. Seal the bottom with epoxy or polyester, silicone in the sides, and bob's your uncle. No flimsy 1/4x4'x8' glass sheets.
 
Thank you! Let us know what you decide and the final product! I'd like to see pics of this beast!

Chris
 
You can use double layers of glass for the bottom but it isnt as strong. example 2 x 10mm plate glass isnt the same strength as single 20mm. Run thin strips of silicone glue between them about 45 cm apart but you will never be able to separate them later. I dont think you could use thin glass over a plywood base just as waterproofing but I guess its worth a try if you can get the wood to stick to glass.
 
silicone does stick to wood but it isnt very good. i thi nk that getting 2 85x42.5" and thicken them to 3/4of an inch would probably be 3x less than a single 85"x85" 1/2" glass peice
 
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