Does this sound right for a 225 gallon tank?

[paulthomas]

For a 225 (72 x 30 x 24), does a 3/4" regular glass bottom, 1/2" Starphire glass front/end panels, 1/2" regular glass back panel and a 5" brick style top brace of 1/2" tempered glass sound safe? Originally, I thought I was getting four 3/4" sides, but the proposal was a mistake. I was then told I'd need vertical bracing for the 1/2" sides. I wasn't happy about that and wasn't thrilled about paying several hundred extra for 3/4" low iron glass (Starphire doesn't make 3/4"). So the custom tank maker suggested the 5", over the typical 4", brick top of tempered glass to strengthen the tank. They said they typically don't use tempered glass on a tank unless it's really big and that this will make-up for the lack of vertical bracing. Should I be concerned? The thought of the 1/2" side(s) blowing out or of the seals leaking is getting to me.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[tankman10000]

i would go with 3/4" throughout

 

[ReefBum]

Paul-

AO did the following for my 225...

-72x30x24
-The front and sides 1/2" starphire glass
-The back 15mm regular glass
-The bottom 3/4" regular glass
-Eurobracing (regular glass - I believe 4 inches)

1/2" sounds fine on the front and sides but I don't see why you would need vertical bracing. Using 3/4" all around will also make for a very heavy tank.

 

[paulthomas]

Thanks tankman10000. You know, I didn't ask how much the 3/4" all around would be. I was too bummed because the proposal was for 3/4". I bet it was susbstantially more because the owner went right with the tempered top. I thought I was all set. I'll check with them today. Besides, I've got two months before it gets started.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11902090#post11902090 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReefBum
1/2" sounds fine on the front and sides but I don't see why you would need vertical bracing. Using 3/4" all around will also make for a very heavy tank.

K,

I know I said this already. Maybe I need to say it again to get it trough my head. They said that with the 1/2" all around and two panes at 72" and two at 30" width, they liked to use the vertical bacing to be on the safe side. So to make-up for the lack of vert. bracing, they are going to use 5" instead of 4" of tempered glass. I was told it's 9X stronger than regular glass. It's that or get 3/4" all around.

So you think I shouldn't worry? I take it you see no bowing with your tank?

I hope 1/2" is enough. I've seen 180s with 1/2" Starphire. Actually, the 180 I just saw from AO had 1/2" glass all around. It looked great.

Paul

 

[dogstar74]

With all the extra expense you may want to price out an A.G.E. Tank. They have the composite bottom that can be drilled to specks etc. And they can do a Euro top with acrylic bonded to the Starfire glass front and sides.

I'd check into it. Better to pay just a little more, and get exactly what you want.

225 gallon will run you about 10K to get fully set up and stocked, what's another 1K at the start to get EXACTLY what you want?

 

[khoile]

There's starphire for 3/4" I am having a tank build with almost that size, 72x30x25, 3/4" glass all around, starphire on front and 2 ends.

 

[paulthomas]

Thanks guys. I spoke to the owner again and was reassured that the tank as I listed earlier is plenty strong. But with 3/4" glass, the thing should last forever, so says the owner of the company. It's an additional $700, but I think I'd sleep better at night. Hmmm.

 

[paulthomas]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11904900#post11904900 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dogstar74
With all the extra expense you may want to price out an A.G.E. Tank. They have the composite bottom that can be drilled to specks etc. And they can do a Euro top with acrylic bonded to the Starfire glass front and sides.

I'd check into it. Better to pay just a little more, and get exactly what you want.

225 gallon will run you about 10K to get fully set up and stocked, what's another 1K at the start to get EXACTLY what you want?

I got a quote of $3300 from the fish store that pimps them out. It'd be roughly an additional 1K for shipping, totalling $4300. Eh...

 

[mcliffy2]

That seems really pricy. My 238g which is made of similar sized glass, slightly different dimension (60x36x26) is running 2400 shipped from AO. If you are going to be paying that much, I'd get an A.G.E. for sure.

 

[mcliffy2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11907043#post11907043 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TOO FLY
I got a quote of $3300 from the fish store that pimps them out. It'd be roughly an additional 1K for shipping, totalling $4300. Eh...

And by the way, its very possible that fish store is just ordering from AO or Miracles or something and tacking on an additional cost. If you cut out the middle man youll definitely save some cash.

 

[paulthomas]

No, no. The 225 AGE tank is $4300 shipped. And yes, the store is marking it up. AGE does not sell direct to the public, so there aren't any other options.

PM coming your way.

 

[paulthomas]

.

 

[Kannin]

After reading this thread yesterday... I went home and measured my 220 glass. My tank is 72L x 30W x 24H. It has external overflows and low iron front panel. The front and sides are 1/2 inch. The eurobracing is four inches. My tank is 5 years old and holding up great.

I wouldn't spend the money on the thicker glass... plus the added weight would alot.

 

[ReefBum]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11902471#post11902471 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TOO FLY

So you think I shouldn't worry? I take it you see no bowing with your tank?

Paul

No bowing. AO recommended 1/2 for the front and sides so I went with it due to their excellent reputation.

 

[cioutlaw]

3/4" bottom & 1/2" sides are plenty strong, I have a 225G & when buying EVERYONE I priced a tank from went with 1/2" glass.

 

[paulthomas]

Where did you buy your tank from?

 

[tbone28]

A.G.E

 

[paulthomas]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11972271#post11972271 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tbone28
A.G.E

Who? You or cioutlaw? We all already know you've got an A.W.E.

 

[tbone28]

you should go A.G.E. what's AWE?

 

[paulthomas]

You're right. A.G.E. it is. A.W.E. is really called A.W.P.T.E. They sell Acrylic and Wet Paper Towel Exhibits. It's a new concept. But I don't think it "holds water." Get it? :lol: :lol: :lol:

Sheesh. I need sleep.