Polycarbonate Window

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
D

Desdinova

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 1, 2010
119
0
0
Kentucky
Maybe I don't have my facts straight, but here is what I think is going on:

1. Most MFK builds use glass or cell cast acrylic.
2. Some people think Polycarbonate is dangerous, such that it releases substances into water that could harm the fish.
3. Wikipedia has an image of a DRINKING WATER BOTTLE made of Polycarbonate right on their page for it! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Polycarbonate_water_bottle.JPG
4. There certainly isn't anything stopping us from putting a 1/8" sheet of cell cast acrylic between the polycarbonate and the water...
5. "A fully tempered glass is 4 to 5 times stronger then an annealed glass of similar thickness." (http://www.aisglass.com/flat_tempered.asp)
6. Polycarbonate is about 250 times stronger than glass.
7. Delvie's Plastics says acrylic, "Cast acrylic plexiglass sheet does not have the rigidity of glass or metals. However, it is more rigid than many other transparent plastics such as acetates, butyrates and polycarbonates."
8. Cost does not appear to be an issue:
* http://freckleface.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/polycarbonatesheetonehalfinchthick.html
* http://freckleface.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/acrylicsheetonehalfinchthick.html

Thus, unless the rigidity problem is very severe, I don't see why everyone isn't replacing their 3/4"+ windows with 1/2" polycarbonate windows.

EXPLAIN YOURSELVES!!!
(just kidding, but I'm curious as to why people are not using polycarbonate sheets :)
 
Agreed, Ive heard similar arguements for and against it, but nothing of any real substance before. Lots of 'I think this' and IMO that, but nothing to back either side
 
Id say its pretty safe...i use it for lids all the time with constant condensation dripping back into the tank. It is also used almost exclusively for window installs on stock tanks :). It bends more than acrylic but is stronger and thats why they use it for round tank windows with bolts. Ill get a pic.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
uploadfromtaptalk1359084402009.jpg
Not my photo its prob someone's on here lol...but you cant do this with cell cast acrylic its too firm. Two .25" sheets stacked of poly carb were also used in a 800 gal pond build on here a couple yrs. Ago with sucess.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
Also its common sense y cast acrylic is used for full acrylic builds due to its rigidity to prevent bowing. Polycarb even at 3/4" would have alot more give than cast. This doesnt mean its not the perfect cheaper alternative to cast acrylic in a d.i.y. with window situation. I believe bolting the polycarb is also very beneficial.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
No rebuttal lol? Poly carb is also more expensive than regular cast acrylic so unless someones gives it to you for free theres really no point to pay extra for it. .25" windows for stock tanks in poly carb is the only time money can be saved :)

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
Personally, I'm not going to have much help when I start to build a tank. Thus, weight will be an issue and the prospect of bolting down a Polycarb window seems easier. I'm even wondering if it would be possible to simply liquid rubber a thick pad onto the window frame (or use rubber strips) and then rely on the bolts to hold the window against the frame and silicone to keep water from getting between the liner and the window. Thus, the window would be compressed, as with a gasket, as opposed to actually glued to the frame.

That's why I like this idea so much.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom