DIY Glass tank questions:

[pepetj]

I am into a custom built 225gal tank for my West African Lungfish. I got the 72"L x 24"W frames. I have a few questions regarding glass thickness.

My questions at this point are about tempered vs non-tempered glass.

Question 1: If I use tempered glass (found a local company that can do this for me) do I still need to use the thickness suggested by on-line glass width calculators? or is there a correction factor I should consider (hoping to use a thinner glass but stay within a safety factor of 2.0)

Question 2: Does tempering glass affect the transparency of it? I mean if tempered glass changes the way we can see through it (either improving it or downgrading it, respect of untempered glass).

Question 3: I have worked with DIY non-tempered small tanks before (a few DIY sump projects, nothing big). I feel comfortable handling non-tempered glass safely. Are there any extra safety measures in handling tempered glass or is it just about the same as non-tempered? Example: I can "sand" or polish a corner here and there with non-temepred glass as I assembly the tank, can I still do that with tempered ones?

Thank you
Pepetj
Santo Domingo

 

[pjsmetana]

Do not use tempered glass. If it flexes at all, it breaks. Remember, water weights ~8lbs/gal... so multiply that by however many gallons the tank is, and ask yourself if you think the glass will bow.

so,
Answer1: If? No, Dont use tempered.

Answer2: Nope. Its as clear as the manufacturer wants it to be.

Answer3: You can not sand or modify, or even cut, tempered glass without an extremely high possibility of breaking it. Do not use tempered glass for an aquarium.

 

[sashimimaster]

Another plus for non tempered is if it does develop a crack it won't shatter as easily. You may have a little more time to remove water, transfer fish, etc. Where a tempered glass is instant catastrophe.

 

[apisto]

...and it's cheaper too. Can I ask you why you are using a frame? The tank's not that big

 

[pepetj]

...and it's cheaper too. Can I ask you why you are using a frame? The tank's not that big

I use frames even in 10gal tanks. I don't see why I would risk a 225gal tank without it. Plastic frames (some guys use metallic ones, not me) keep both the rear and front glass from bending too much.

Do you have unframed six footers?

Pepetj
Santo Domingo