Max aquarium height in 15mm float glass?

[Ramesh]

I recently been offered some 15mm float glass at $100 per sq m and wanted to use it to build a 12'x5'x3' tank.

I know 19mm would be better i.e. safer but with 15mm euro bracing on the top and bottom, and with the tank filled to 80cm I think the tank should be fine.

The pannels are 321cm x 151cm so 12' long and 5' wide would be the logical foot print but I also wanted to go 30" plus.

The tank should consume about 14 sq m of glass which is very cheap for such a larhe aquarium.

My initial plan was a 12'x6'x4' plywood glass tank but with glass this cheap I thought I would reconsider.

Does anyone have any thoughts about 12'x5'x3' in 15mm fully braced run at about 32" (water height)?

Cheers.

 

[Pharaoh]

You would be dealing with a safety factor of about 1.0-1.2 if you went this route. I wouldn't suggest anything below a safety factor of 2.0.

 

[Ramesh]

I agree with you 100% Pharaoh about a safety factor of at least 2 or more.
I have used the aqua tools website and put in that the the tank would be 80cm in height and I got a safety factor of 2.4 which is quite good. http://www.theaquatools.com/building-your-aquarium

My proposed paln is two run the tank water level at this height but have an aquarium glass height of 90cm.

What do you think?

 

[Pharaoh]

I'm not sure how they calculate the numbers on that site. If I knew, I could compare mine to his. All I have to go on is the math that I have and the numbers that I found. Which, for the most part has proven pretty solid.

The associated number can vary based on how the equation is setup. I ran the numbers for my 96" x 36" x 36" 540 and came up with 19mm @ a safety factor of 2.5. That seems a bit off to me. I think the safety factor should be lower for my tank. Probably closer to 2.0.

Honestly, it is up to you which one you want to go with.

 

[Ramesh]

Thanks for your advice mate, I am now going to speak to some tank builders and ask them what they think.
I am also going to price some 19mm glass and see how the costs compare.
I in the process of building my new 7mx5m insulated fishroom so I would really like it to house a new monter tank.
I will keep you posted about which option I decide to take.