1/2" vs 3/4"

[Easttuth]

Doing a custom tank and I've talked to a few builders recently and up until today they have all quoted 3/4" glass on a tank roughly 450-500g. But today I spoke with a builder that said as long as you don't go over 30" tall that 1/2" was fine. They claimed to personally have a 130x30x24 that was 25 years old in their house.

I spoke with someone that got a tank from this builder that was 130x30x30 made with 1/2" and they've had it running for a year with no issues.

The price difference between 1/2 and 3/4 is almost double. Anyone have any info on this? Until today I assumed 3/4 was my only option.

 

[Nanook]

I have a 96x30x30 and 60x30x30, both in 3/4" glass. Most builders I spoke with recommended 3/4" glass. I wouldn't take the chance with a large tank full of saltwater, current and light. The tank is the cheap part of a large system anyway.

 

[nyvp]

my 120x36x30 was 1/2" with correct bracing it works fine.

 

[Easttuth]

my 120x36x30 was 1/2" with correct bracing it works fine.

Did someone in South Florida build it?

 

[Drae]

my 120x36x30 was 1/2" with correct bracing it works fine.

Your tank and wakesurfs tank are the first tanks that come to mind when I see any threads about glass size. 1/2" is pretty strong with proper bracing. 3/4" glass is double the price of ½".

 

[Easttuth]

The tank is the cheap part of a large system anyway.

I've had this thought a few times. Saving a little money on the tank really isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things, especially with the risk

 

[marty9876]

Cost is one thing but dealing with 3/4 is another. Cleaning magnets, power heads and such all need to be majorly upgraded. 3/4 is a pain.

I'd be nervous with 1/2 that size, just depends on how it's all braced I guess.

 

[dave.m]

I've had tanks up to 36" tall with only 1/2" Starphire (low iron) glass. Just make sure the tank is euro-braced both top and bottom. It is the height of the tank that determines the glass width, not the volume.

Dave.M