Cheap glass??

[rubigonz]

So, I have been reading post after post. I am starting my 600 gallon build today and I am reading about others trying to build. I hear a lot of people chiming in about the cost to build a tank is cheap and I think I saw one guy post something in the $600 range. I am obviously missing something. Where are people getting their glass? My glass alone is around $1200 USD. My plywood alone for 5 sheets was $345(1") Sealant/fiberglass/resin is not cheap either. I'm getting 3/4" starfire glass. I'm just curious.
Where did you get your glass?
I wouldn't think that everyone has an uncle that works in a glass factory or a lumber yard. Lol

Anyways, feel free to chime in. I'm building my tank regardless. And it's going to be perfect and a piece of art to add to our home.(I hope) haha. So I'm going to spend whatever I have to.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[Drstrangelove]

What are the dimensions? If it's 10Lx4Wx2H, then I'm getting 13MM for the glass (about 1/2") not 3/4".

Some thoughts:

1) not everyone uses starfire. At Glasscages, 1/2" starfire is 66% more expensive than plate, while at 3/4" it's 50% more expensive
2) 1/2" glass is at least 33% cheaper than 3/4" (based just on materials), although in reality, the costs can be more along 50-60% cheaper potentially due to differences in skills, dies, the actual manufacturing process, damage potential and freight.
3) many (most) DIY builds I see are more towards the 2 foot high versus taller tanks. I don't know your dimensions, so that may be impacting your costs as well.

In summary, 3/4" starfire is $32/sq foot while 1/2" plate is $9/sq foot. That would convert $1,200 to $337.5 at the same amount of glass.

Of course, if you are using something much taller (and therefore thicker), than the expense would increase.