calcuating glass safety factor?

[12 Volt Man]

does anyone have a link explaining how to do the caculations to figure out the safety factor for glass thickness?

I see the numbers often quoted but I do not know how they are obtained.

for example, if I were to have a tank 72x24x24 say, using 1/2" glass, how would I figure out what safety factor this tank would have?

hopefully someone can help.


thanks

-12 Volt

 

[bubbles123]

I don't know the formula, but running your numbers through this calculator show a safety factor of 3.5 - 4.

http://www.theaquatools.com/building-your-aquarium

 

[Juruense]

Found this in the "sticky": http://www.theaquatools.com/building-your-aquarium

 

[Pharaoh]

Not sure if I agree with that calculator. I am coming up with about 1.9-2.0 for the safety factor.

I made my own calculator. Shoot me a PM..... I might be willing to share.

 

[The1and only]

Also what does a safety factor of 4 mean I know it is safer than 3 and not as safe as 5 but what does that mean in factors of useful relevant data. I have read you should always go for a factor of 3.5 or better.

 

[12 Volt Man]

I was curious as to how the manufacturers tanks hold up in terms of the safety factor.

for example, Aqueon and Oceanic makes their 150, 180 and 220g tanks out of 1/2" glass with two braces.

and their tanks have an excellent reputation for safety and quality.

but what sort of safety factor do these tanks really have?

are they as safe as we think they are?

or are they actually underbuilt?