Glass thickness question.

[frust]

Hi.
Just a quick question.
Im planing a DIY aquarium (with euro bracing on top) and wonder what thickness you think i should use for these dimensions..

35x21x14" LxWxH. Water level will stay at 13"

I was thinking perhaps 8-10mm?

Regards.

 

[cbm369]

6mm is enough, based on your dimensions with the proper safety factor.

see below link:
http://www.theaquatools.com/building-your-aquarium

 

[frust]

Yes, I have found a few calculate sites like that one. Question is though, can one really trust them?

Thanks for the reply.

 

[tennesseebob]

Most of the calculators haven't led me astray, on glass thickness i always step it up a bit though...paranoia and all lol

 

[cbm369]

Yes, I have found a few calculate sites like that one. Question is though, can one really trust them?

Thanks for the reply.

That one you can trust, as long as you put in correct numbers. (Remember, it has a section for you to put in a "Safety Factor" number) I think it defaults to 2.5, but industry standard (mostly), is 3.8.

You can always go higher, but don't go with lower safety factors. Also, it's the height of the tank that will significantly increase the required thickness of the glass. Taller tanks create higher loads/pressures more so than long tanks.

Also, a lot of times you may find that the recommended glass thickness isn't available near you or it's more expensive than a "standard" or "in stock" size. Typically, you would then purchase the thickness above what you wanted.

 

[frust]

Thanks for the help guys. I actually live above a glazier and the price i pay (even for thick glass) is not much. Still had to ask here because he was not sure what thickness to use.

I put in safety 3.8 to the calculator above. 6mm for those dimensions.

No, I think i have to give a real aquarium builder a call. As you said. "paranoia and all"