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Unread 07/10/2018, 10:55 AM   #1
SpinyReef
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220g glass thickness

I'm looking for the input of experienced tank builders.

I want to build a 5' x 3' x 2' tank with regular float glass. The tank will have a 3" eurobrace and starphire front pannel. I plan to use 12mm all around and want to build it with a floating bottom design. Here comes the question: what thickness of glass should I use for the bottom? I'm thinking 15mm. Any educated input would be appreciated.

PS: This will be my 6th build.


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Unread 07/10/2018, 11:19 AM   #2
Sk8r
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if 5/8ths inch = 12 mm, should be ok, I'd think. And half-inch would be 15. Opinions?


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Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.
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Unread 07/10/2018, 12:18 PM   #3
mcgyvr
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sk8r View Post
if 5/8ths inch = 12 mm, should be ok, I'd think. And half-inch would be 15. Opinions?
Your backwards..
12mm = ~1/2"
15mm =~5/8"

I can't answer what the proper thickness for a floating glass bottom would be ..Thats typically "industry secret" information thats rarely published or part of common knowledge..


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Unread 07/10/2018, 02:21 PM   #4
oreo57
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sk8r View Post
if 5/8ths inch = 12 mm, should be ok, I'd think. And half-inch would be 15. Opinions?
Good luck..

https://www.livingreefs.com/threads/...ulators.21048/

Quote:
If the bottom glass is only to be supported by all four edges then use the second set of calculations. The same thickness glass can be used on a uniformly supported bottom as well and this will significantly improve the safety factor. If the aquarium is to be supported from below in a uniform distributed manor, then the same thickness glass that is used for the largest side panel may be used.
Well, just coudn't resist.. downloaded and unzipped the xls file..
so.. for your tank seems 12mm is a wee bit too thin( considering the safety factor) and 15mm is pretty thick..but much safer..
feel free to check..

Actually re-checked 15mm...........12mm too thin.
L/W ratio of 1.66
1524L
915W
610D

It's very confusing..



Last edited by oreo57; 07/10/2018 at 03:10 PM. Reason: edit
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Unread 07/10/2018, 08:16 PM   #5
oreo57
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After looking at that website more.. and running the other calc. (odt) in the comments and seeing the tables correctly (also in the comments..)

The side glass is recommended to be 11.98mm and 15.97mm bottom..
.47 and .63 inches..


1/2" and 5/8"



Last edited by oreo57; 07/10/2018 at 08:24 PM.
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Unread 08/08/2018, 11:29 PM   #6
doubleohwhat
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I've had a bit of experience with this having two custom tanks built over the past few years. One was 72"x30x24" (LxWxH) and the other is 92"x40"x30". Both rimless with 3/4" sides and 1" bottom. Both with no top bracing but bracing was added at the bottom.

You should be perfectly fine with 1/2" sides (with euro bracing) and a 3/4" inch bottom. I personally wouldn't go with anything less.

I also don't recommend building a rimless glass tank as large as my current one. It pushed and physics and feasibility :P


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