Im planning on building a 300ish gallon ply/glass tank and was curious if it was possible to use the glass from a 55 gallon tank, the glass is 3/8" thick im not sure if its tempered glass or not. But the water level will never go past 2" down from the top of the glass. So the pressure will be around the same right? In theory it sounds like it would work if the ply frame is constructed well enough and doesn't flex. This is just an assumption and makes sense to me but i never have built a tank before and figured id ask before i possibly flood my basement.
Glass thickness ? 55 gal to 300 gal
- Thread starter timocules
- Start date
"But the water level will never go past 2" down from the top of the glass. So the pressure will be around the same right?"
Yes, the presure will be the same. However the force will be greater...
It's a complicated argument that is a bit out of my depth...
Generally speaking if the unit is built well the glass will be fine.
Yes, the presure will be the same. However the force will be greater...
It's a complicated argument that is a bit out of my depth...
Generally speaking if the unit is built well the glass will be fine.
"But my main concern is that the plywood would flex and that would cause the glass to break."
I think you will find that the flex in the plywood will be greater than the glass, causing the _seal_ to break and ergo 'a leak'. There is plenty of forgivness in most silicates tho.
Stiffen it up with a level frame and you should be OK.
I think you will find that the flex in the plywood will be greater than the glass, causing the _seal_ to break and ergo 'a leak'. There is plenty of forgivness in most silicates tho.
Stiffen it up with a level frame and you should be OK.
okay glad to know thanks! Ya i've never taken physics but it seems that force and pressure are very similar just pressure is force applied over an area... i think. i duno but im just worried that when i fill it the ply will flex causing the glass to flex because of the pressure and then suddenly soaking my basement. But i guess theres one sure way to find out.
"But i guess theres one sure way to find out."
Yep I hear ya on that.
There are plenty of builds on this site that only use plywood (and a thousand screws).
For bigger builds, framing and/or bracing is recomended.
One fellow who is selling them, doubles up on the ply and then uses another sheet to cover the thousand screw eyesore. His tanks are micky mouse and my latest effort is made using this strenghtening technique.
Yep I hear ya on that.
There are plenty of builds on this site that only use plywood (and a thousand screws).
For bigger builds, framing and/or bracing is recomended.
One fellow who is selling them, doubles up on the ply and then uses another sheet to cover the thousand screw eyesore. His tanks are micky mouse and my latest effort is made using this strenghtening technique.
nes999;4600842; said:
You are more than welcome to think that
I have talked to many tank builders who would disagree with you, how ever, its not my living room, everyone do as they wish!