Glass for Tank

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BillyBob 72

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 16, 2010
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So I was wondering how much it would cost for glass on a tank that is 8'X4'X3' the glass would be 1" thick. if you can help it would be greatly appreciated.
 
BillyBob 72;4660100; said:
So I was wondering how much it would cost for glass on a tank that is 8'X4'X3' the glass would be 1" thick. if you can help it would be greatly appreciated.

BillyBob 72:

With the technology there is today in making glass there are a few types of glass on the market which can be really pricey especially for 1" thick glass. There is regular floated glass (Not tempered); tempered glass; starfire glass (Very Spendy); bullet proof; etc.

With your dimmensions it's difficult to even guess how much you'll spend. I was quoted a price for two sheets of 6' x 3.5' x 3/4" thick starfire glass @ $2,500.00 delivered to my front door. It was a quote from a local glass shop in my home town that makes the glass on the premisis.

Not trying to discourage your endeavor, I would truly look into discussing the different types of glass available in your area with some local glass shops. Ask questions like, "Is the glass made on the premisis or is it shipped in from a manufacturer?" "What types of glass do you have available in your inventory?" "If it's shipped in, how long will it be to take delivery?" -meaning when can you pick it up at your local glass shop, if you do not want it delivered to your door. If you want it delivered find out a definite date for delivery and stay on top of it. Keep checking back periodically (two to three days before delivery to ensure the delivery will be on time and make definitely sure YOU yourself are ready to accept the delivery when it arrives.)

Also, have you thought about the weight of the sheet of glass that size and how you're going to get it installed in your tank once it's ready to be put in? You might consider going with a piece of plexiglass 1 & 1/4" thick. It might be the route to go if you are concerned about the weight, as glass is extremely heavy as it becomes thicker, wider and longer. Plexiglass is too, but not as heavy as glass.

These are just my thoughts and experiences in dealing with glass for a DIY Tank I had to consider as well. I thought I would share them with you just in case you have not thought through this entire situation thoroughly. I hope this helps and does not discourage your ambition for your endeavor. Good Luck. ~David
 
Well David thank you for the response. To make things short me and a buddy are planning on doing a science fair, this would include building a tank. As for glass we do have a glass shop in my city, but it was closed last night so i decided to see what other MFK'ers could come up with. And luckily you came along and everything will be noted!!! We still have awhile until this project will start, my buddy is more of an expert on building tanks, so it will be interesting to see what happens.

Once again thank you for the response
Sincerely
-Brady
 
BillyBob 72;4661242; said:
Well David thank you for the response. To make things short me and a buddy are planning on doing a science fair, this would include building a tank. As for glass we do have a glass shop in my city, but it was closed last night so i decided to see what other MFK'ers could come up with. And luckily you came along and everything will be noted!!! We still have awhile until this project will start, my buddy is more of an expert on building tanks, so it will be interesting to see what happens.

Once again thank you for the response
Sincerely
-Brady

Building a tank for a science fair?

an 8x4x3 tank of 1" glass will weigh 1600 pounds. You'll need a forklift nearly. Just so you know.
 
oh and don't forget 7000 pounds for water and gravel if your filling it. so thats 8600 pounds or 4.3 tons.
 
Heres some tank prices prebuilt to give you an idea...

8 x 3 x 3 = $4,689.00

8 x 4 x 4 = $8,299.00
 
BillyBob 72;4661456; said:
Yes a Science fair, do you need it in caps?

I guess I should have been more clear.

What are you doing for the science fair? Just building the tank or something more involved?

Just curious because that is a HUGE tank that is going to be costly and heavy. Also it's a tank size most MFK members would be very happy to have.
 
We plan to buy Gar, i do not know how many, but we will have them separated. We will then test the effects of food on them. so basically native food VS. Non native food. or possibly live food VS. Flakes and bloodworms, just something along those lines. This tank would be perfect for our experiment.
 
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