bracing glass for a 750gal

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stephclay

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 26, 2007
38
0
0
san diego
will one pc of 3/4 ply be thick enough for the front of a 86x46" window? or should i sandwhich the glass between two pcs. there will be a top brace made of 2x6" at each end and at 28 and 56" as well for a total of 4 braces. the tank is put together minus the glass and there seems to be a little bowing.
I do have 2x4 rib bracing verically up the back and sides for extra strength but twithout the glass and top 4 braces in it seems to bow slightly. Is this Normal or acceptable?

I'm hopng the glass and 4 2x6's pull it tight enough. 750 gallons of saltwater will surely be a problem if it ends up on the floor
 
I wouldn't risk it. I wouldn't sandwich it either, the back part won't really do much. I would go double thick at a minimum and stick the glass in from the inside. The way I built my wooden tank, I used oak 2x6's for the front frame around the window.
 
I'd also suggest 1" glass for a window that huge. 3/4 may do it, but it definitely won't tolerate any chips.
 
Are you apposed to useing two 2x4's, bolted together like a L, one across the top and one for the face all the way around..., barring that i would get a cedar 4X4 and useing a circular say notch a 3/4"X3/4" section out of it.

=== <top
|| |
... | <glass
^
face

3/4" is fine for that hight, If you wanted to be a bit safer you can go 1", but 3/4" should be NP.
 
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