glass film

[thomast77]

My first post here I have always wanted an aquarium stocked with a few lmb's maybe a crappie and a channel cat. I think a 200 gallon is in my future. My 55 will not be big enough. But 200 gallons make me nervous. I read some of the horror stories in the Lessons learned section. Maybe I am just a little too paranoid but bass are powerful fish for an aquarium. Then a lightbulb went off and I thought I wonder if anyone has ever used that security film that people use on their home windows. I've seen it on that show "to catch a thief" It makes the glass so strong that you can beat it with a baseball bat and it will still crack but not break. I saw a thread where someone had a tank cracked by some pacus (I think). This may be a really good idea. Has anyone else thought of this or tried this? Just throwing it out there for discussion.

By the way I really like this forum. I have been reading and learning alot in the Native Species forum. Kudos to whomever created this forum
Best Regards
Thomas http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34

 

[CHOMPERS]

What part of Florida are you from?

I haven't heard of that film but it sounds interesting.

The LMB's that I have had experience with tend to be energy conservers. Peacock bass have way more impulse and spunk to them; they are rarely a problem. I doubt that you'll have a LMB that will live up to the reputation of a pacu.

 

[thomast77]

Hi Thanks for your reply Maybe I am just a little paranoid here, But I still think this may be a great idea for some setups. And I live in Northwest Florida near Pensacola.

 

[daleros]

It goes for about $2 - $3 a square foot (ebay prices) and is made by 3M. If it has optical qualities the same as the tank glass it would be cheap insurance.

 

[thomast77]

Thank You Daleros for the reply. So have you ever used it or seen anyone use it on an aquarium?

 

[daleros]

Thank You Daleros for the reply. So have you ever used it or seen anyone use it on an aquarium?

I have never used it before. I am a Mechanical Designer and the film is just one of those things that I know exist. From what I have read, it seems to be a good product. Also, 3M has excellent customer support. If you email them about your intended use they should give you more information concerning your application. I say should because if they would rather say nothing than open up liability on their part. At the very least, they should be able to send you some material properties on the product. If you post it here, I will help you interpret it.

 

[nfored]

I don't see how this would help, the only thing this does is keep the glass together, so instead of the water rushing out in 1 second it would take 20 seconds.

This is just like putting duck tape on a car window before you break it, *I am not speaking from experience

here is some FAQ from 3M
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/WF/3MWindowFilms/Products/FAQs/

Are 3M™ Scotchshield™ (Ultra) Films hurricane-proof? Bullet-proof? Burglar-proof? No, 3M™ Scotchshield™ Ultra Films are not hurricane-proof, earthquake-proof, bullet-proof, bomb-proof, nor burglar-proof. Again, they are designed to make the window glass more shatter-resistant.
In the event of a windstorm, these films may have significant safety and security value. They can reduce the risk of injury from flying shards of broken glass, and possibly help prevent debris and water penetration through the window depending on the severity of the storm (and the type of glass, framing system, size and velocity of objects, and more).
In an earthquake, these films can reduce the risk of serious injury from flying shards of broken glass, and possible prevent glass from falling out of a home or building. Again, much may depend upon the severity of the quake (and the type of glass, framing system, and more, too).
Bullets: these films are not designed to stop bullets.
3M™ Scotchshield™ Films were originally developed to address international concerns and needs for improved safety and security against terrorist acts of bombings. These films can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury from flying shards of glass due to blasts, however, much depends upon the severity of the blast and the proximity of the window glass to the blast (and glass type, framing system, and more too).
3M™ Scotchshield™ Ultra Films are a low profile, high performance measure of security in the battle against 'smash and grab' crime. The tough, shatter-resistant qualities of the film can hold the window glass together even if a brick (or similar object) were actually to pass through the glass. The thief must now make a choice; continue to attack this window, try another window, or move on. Time is short, and often they move on. However, if they are determined to gain entry, they will get in. It is generally recommended that the property have proper alarm systems in addition to Scotchshield ultra Window Film.

Will 3M™ Scotchshield™ (Ultra) Film keep my glass from breaking?
This is difficult to answer with any degree of certainty because it is difficult to test for this. Window glass varies in strength from piece to piece, and lot to lot. So, if a 3M™ Scotchshield™ protected window were impacted, yet, failed to break, it would be difficult to determine if the glass alone, the film alone, or the film and glass together resisted the breakage.
When glass breaks, 3M™ Scotchshield™ Ultra Film demonstrates it's best performance!

 

[thomast77]

Interesting and Thank You all for your input. I think my next step it to email 3M and see what they think.