DIY tank. How thick glass?

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H

HrHagel

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Sep 7, 2009
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How thick glass would i need, for the front (and only) viewing window, is my question.

Dimensions will be:

102"x20"x18"

I've read somewhere in the past, about a paradox about water pressure. That the presure will always be the same, no matter the dimensions, as long as the height is the same. Is this true? Cause if it is, i wouldn't be needing a very thick piece of glass, even for a 102" tank.

Thanks in advance guys
 
I think 1/2" or maybe 5/8". I believe it would be advised to error on the thicker side. I have seen 250g made from 1/2", but then again, how its constructed could make all the difference. 160g isnt really that big and the depth is only 20". 1/2" is probably perfect for this size tank.
BTW, why 102"? Thats a custom piece of glass I do believe...
 
Yep, 1/2" would be fine.
 
Hmm.. 1/2" = 1,27cm = 12,7mm..

My 180litre tank is also exactly 18" TALL. And this aquarium uses 6mm glass. (under half of what you recommend)

If that paradox is correct, which ofcourse it is, then why would i need twice the thickness glass of the 180litre tank, when the hydrostatic pressure remains the same, as long as the height of the tank is the same?

So basically, why is 6mm glass not sufficient for the larger tank, when the height is the same? even though this tank holds more water volume
 
I would imagine that the longer panel of glass with the same amount of pressure would be able to flex far more than a short panel with the same amount of pressure,and ultimately glass has a very limited ability to resist flex that of course is just my opinion
 
ozzyboo;4865925; said:
I would imagine that the longer panel of glass with the same amount of pressure would be able to flex far more than a short panel with the same amount of pressure,and ultimately glass has a very limited ability to resist flex that of course is just my opinion
Click to expand...
I understand your logic, and i think the same. However, if the hydrostatic paradox dictates the pressure remains the same, as long as the height of the tank is the same, the strain on the glass panel should be the same regardless of length.

Or am i wrong about the paradox?
 
Yes I dont dispute that the pressure should remain the same for a given height but if you apply the same pressure to a short peice of material and a longer piece of the same material,glass in this case, the longer piece would show a greater degree of deflection IMO.I would also imagine that if you are correct that 6mm should be OK I would think it will be right on the lowest safety factor of 2 that is used by commercial aquarium builders as to what is safe and what is not.
If it were my tank I would feel far more secure with thicker glass.
 
ozzyboo;4866169; said:
Yes I dont dispute that the pressure should remain the same for a given height but if you apply the same pressure to a short peice of material and a longer piece of the same material,glass in this case, the longer piece would show a greater degree of deflection IMO.I would also imagine that if you are correct that 6mm should be OK I would think it will be right on the lowest safety factor of 2 that is used by commercial aquarium builders as to what is safe and what is not.
If it were my tank I would feel far more secure with thicker glass.
Click to expand...

Good point. all of my aquariums are made by the biggest (and best) manufacturer in my country. My 180Gallons is made out of 10mm glass, and people have had glass banging monsters in one just like mine for more than 20 years, and not a single dent or leak in it.

I too would much rather be safer than sorry, but a question in my mind pops up, when i read about the paradox, if we have always had a tendency to overdo it, when it comes to glass thickness. Atleast overdone it way too much, since the price on glass raises dramatically for each MM you go thicker.

Like mentioned previously my 180Litre tank (40-50ish gallons) is made of 6mm glass, and this tank has proven in many cases to last a lifetime.
 
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