Height of Plywood Tank

[Balookis]

I'm in the initial design stages of a plywood tank build and wanted to get some experienced opinions on the tanks height. I'm wanting to build the tank 96 in. long, 40 in. wide, and have a 30 inch high glass viewing window.

Can a 96 inch long plywood tank be built to be safe and reliable with a 30 inch high glass viewing window? If so, how much additional height would I need to overlap the glass and provide enough support?

The G.A.R.F plans are saying not to exceed 24 inches in height on a plywood tank that long. I'm wondering if it can be done safely if thickness of materials and overlap are increased to allow for extra strength.

Thanks!

 

[BIG-G]

Yes It can be done. There are lots of build threads where people have built tanks 30 plus inches high.
I would use 3/4 glass or 19mm for anything over 24 inches.
Overlap about 2 inches around the perimeter of the viewing panel should give you plenty of space for sealing.
Acrylic is more expensive but will cut down on the weight and make for a clearer viewing panel.
Or you could pay a little more for starfire glass.

 

[Balookis]

Yes It can be done. There are lots of build threads where people have built tanks 30 plus inches high.
I would use 3/4 glass or 19mm for anything over 24 inches.
Overlap about 2 inches around the perimeter of the viewing panel should give you plenty of space for sealing.
Acrylic is more expensive but will cut down on the weight and make for a clearer viewing panel.
Or you could pay a little more for starfire glass.

Thanks, BIG-G. Would I be able to make it 34 inches high to allow for the 2 inch overlap on top and bottom and still have 30 inches of vertical viewing space?

I was just viewing an old plywood build I found on here that had very similar dimensions to what I am looking to build. That guy was a serious master craftsman, though...best build I have seen for sure. I don't have his carpentry skills, but I suppose it proves it can and has been done. I believe Isaak was his name.

 

[BIG-G]

Would I be able to make it 34 inches high to allow for the 2 inch overlap on top and bottom and still have 30 inches of vertical viewing space?

Yes you should be able to. But you may check price for the viewing window before you build.
Glass manufacturers will usually cut any size you ask for, but if the size you request causes excess waste for the rest of the piece they cut it from there may be an up-charge.
You may find that changing the dimensions slightly may save or cost you a few hundred.
Just ask questions about size and prices when you source your materials. Don't just order the piece by your set dimensions.
Unless price doesn't matter to ya, then by all means order whatever you wish.

 

[Balookis]

I wish price didn't matter! Then I would just order the thing all glass or acrylic and not worry about building it

I'll check on the price difference before I order. I'm flexible with the dimensions, especially if it is a huge savings.