What type of glass to use?

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beantickler

beantickler

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Jun 5, 2008
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~Pittsburgh~
Hey guys and gals... Is there a specific type of glass I have to use to build a plywood tank? I have seen quite a few pieces on craigslist but they are from Diningroom tables and other home furniture. Some are 1/2" thick and I found a few that are 3/4" thick. 40-45" tall. Let me know what u think or if these will even work?
 
You will want to use standard plate glass. You would need to know if these pieces were tempered or not. If they are, you cannot cut them. From what I can gather, the highest you would want to go with 3/4 would be 36", but that can really depend.
 
I think a lot of those glass table tops are just plain plate glass. If you look real close and under the right angle, if the glass is tempered a pattern will be visible. Using polarized sunglasses makes it easier to see this pattern.
 
Regular ole plate glass is what most people use.
Tempered is stronger but it doesnt crack....it like blows up. into little chunks everywhere. Cant drill or cut it.
Plate is cheaper to buy also.
 
Ok so if the glass is 1/2 inch thick and non tempered I can get it cut right? Most of these pieces are 40" and taller. At 1/2" What is the max height the glass should be? I am looking to build a pretty large U shaped tank with 4 viewing pieces at least 48-60 inches in length each. 2 end pieces will be 20"X20".

IMAGE_307.jpg
 
Check the glass thickness sticky, but I am going to say roughly 24" is max for 1/2", but that changes with the length.
 
Your design looks like it will be a handful. I would equate your design to being the equivelent of building 3 or 4 square one's in difficulty. Just something to consider if you're building this as your first DIY.
 
spiff;2712155; said:
Your design looks like it will be a handful. I would equate your design to being the equivelent of building 3 or 4 square one's in difficulty. Just something to consider if you're building this as your first DIY.
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It is my first but I am pretty good with building things. My only concern was the glass thickness. I figure everything else is pretty basic.
 
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