sump tank glass thickness

[batang_mcdo]

I'm planning to build a sump tank.
would like it to be 4x2x2 , 5x2x2 or maybe 6x2x2.
Can i use 1/4 inch glass for the sides and just use a thicker one for the base? maybe 3/8 ? since only th ebuttom would really recieve more pressure and the side would not have as much pressure since sump tanks don't fill up full with water?

 

[nolapete]

You could. A lot of tanks use thinner on the ends than what is on the front, back, and bottom. With the baffle glass, you have additional strength.

Should you. Well, what's the difference in cost overall between using all 3/8" and using 1/4" on the sides?

 

[Egon]

^^^ I agree.

Your going to have baffle going front to back in many different places in the sump. This will effectively reduce the load across the front and back panel. Also like you said you wont fill it up all the way. But you gota account for power outages or maintenance when the sump may be fuller than normal.

Also go with the largest sump you can, of course every one has $$$ limits.

 

[mdb_talon]

The only measurable amount of strength that baffles add is to limit the amount the glass bows. Clearly that is a good thing since glass wont bow much before bowing, but baffles are not going to change the water pressure at the bottom of the tank any significant degree.

As for the OP there is no way I would build a 2 foot tall sump with 1/4 inch glass it sounds like a disaster in the making. Guess it depends on how it is set up, but my sump has sections that at most have water 60% to the top during operation. However; if I have a power outage my sump fills up about 85 to 90% I am sure I would not want 18 to 20 inches of water pressure against 1/4 inch glass.

 

[batang_mcdo]

thanks.
The price of 3/8 glass here is 3 times that of 1/4 inch glass.
I'm planning to fill my sump only about 3/4 with water , that is even if the pump stops working 3/4 volume would be the max. maybe i can just make the sump 6 x 2 x 1.5 ft , i'll use 3/8 inch glass for the base?