glass overhang style tank?

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B

biznitch

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 4, 2012
8
0
1
Australia
I have this idea of a modern looking tank where the glass overhangs the stand by 50mm on the front and two front sides. The dimensions of the tank would be 90cm x 50 cm x 50cm high. Or 3ft x 20 inches x 20 inches. Glass overhangs the three sides by almost 1 inch. The tank would weigh roughly 300 kgs or 660 pounds. One way I have thought this achievable is by gluing a 2-3mm(0.2inch) sheet of steel to the bottom section of glass with all tank sides sitting on the bottom sheet. The glass I am thinking of using is 10 mm or 0.4inch.
Bad idea or good?
 
The steel has to have almost no deflection for the glass not to encounter stress at the seams. In theory yes, a steel plate under the tank could work, but I'm not sure what the correct thickness would be.

Steel does not have to be glued to the tank although that might reduce shifting during water changes. I would make sure that the steel was perfectly flat and that the glue was evenly distributed at all points of contact.
 
I think you'd need something considerably thicker than 3mm steel for it to make a difference, as above, even 0.25mm deflection in the steel will put most of the weight on the glass.

Personally I think it is a ridiculous idea and asking for trouble, but if you really want to try it then the best thing to do would be to go completely overkill with the base panel of glass, like 19mm or thicker. I've got no idea how thick you would need to go to support that sort of weight, but having three edges unsupported defies every convention about how an aquarium should be supported, so I'm guessing you would need a very heavy base.
 
Thank you for chiming in guys. I have sent off a few emails to get quotes/advice. Am now patiently waiting to see whether they respond politely or just tell me to get a clue. I do realize it defies tank building logic but that is why I think it would look cool.
 
I'm presuming that you're thinking of having a perfectly clear and see through overhang, right?

If this is the case, having a steel plate underneath or even a substrate in the tank will ruin this look anyway... so wouldn't it be moot?
 
No I am planning on a planted tank with DEEP substrate. Am also toying with the idea of drilled holes for both intake and outlet.
To get an idea of what it will look like think Fluval edge.(or google it)
 
I see! Nice look and now I understand the art of it.

They are likely thicker builds than normally required (I'm not estimating thickness from the pic), but a solid steel plate underneath, if thick enough, will work.
 
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