New Tank... 72" W x 24" D x 24" H... What thickness of glass is best?

AI Hydra

Ignitros

Active Member
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
View Badges
Joined
Jun 10, 2014
Messages
262
Reaction score
112
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
Location
Spokane Valley
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hey Everyone!

I am looking to purchase a new tank for a project I'm starting. It will be either 72" W x 24" D x 24" H or 72" W x 30" D x 24" H. During my research I have seen glass thickness anywhere from 1/4" to 3/4" thick for these size of tanks. I already know I'm getting one with no tempering.

What thickness is best?

What about bracing the top?

What will last longer?

Should I go 24" D or 30" D?


This is going to be a through wall tank so only the front will matter as far as clarity... the back and sides will be blacked out and the bottom will have ABS sheet sealed to it to keep from breaking the glass with a falling object. The filter and backside of the tank will be enclosed in it's own room.

What are your thoughts?
 
Top Shelf Aquatics
Orphek OR3 reef aquarium LED bar

MSB123

Someone out there put something smart here.
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
View Badges
Joined
Aug 11, 2017
Messages
3,487
Reaction score
3,429
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
Location
Santa Barbara, CA
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Depends- if you are going with mp40s, then they will be fine. If you are going with cheaper pumps, then they might be an issue
 
OP
OP
Ignitros

Ignitros

Active Member
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
View Badges
Joined
Jun 10, 2014
Messages
262
Reaction score
112
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
Location
Spokane Valley
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I'm not too worried about the pumps. I have Maxspect Gyre's in mind for flow. I'm really more thinking about durability and longevity. This is a tank I'm not wanting to have issues with since it's through wall and custom I'm okay with the additional cost involved in thicker glass. I would rather do it right the first time. The company I'm thinking about having build the tank gives options of 1/2", 5/8" and 3/4" for the size panels and I'm looking at with low iron glass for the front panel. I just really don't want to go way beyond what is necessary. The tank is going down stairs into a basement so there is moving it into place to take into consideration. Why have 3/4" glass with that added weight to move if it's not necessary you know?
 
Top Shelf Aquatics

JoshH

Tank Status: Wet...ish, growing things....
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
View Badges
Joined
Dec 3, 2016
Messages
9,982
Reaction score
35,357
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
Location
Humble
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Are you having this tank custom built? If so the manufacturer you choose will give you a good idea on appropriate thicknesses. I ended up with 3 quotes for my build (60" × 24" × 16.5") 3/8" euro braced - 1/2" rimless was what I got back from one, 1/2" euro braced - 3/4" rimless from another and the last was 3/4" Rimless and didn't quote euro bracing. I ended up going with the second eurobraced quote (Miracles Aquariums) then going wider to 30" and it stayed the 1/2" thickness. If your going rimless I wouldn't go less than 3/4" But that's me, if your getting it eurobraced than I'd say you'd be okay with 1/2" but once again that's me I am by no means a glass expert I just tend to go with the safer option.

FWIW, when I got quoted a 1/2" one piece eurobraced tank was $200ish cheaper than the 3/4" Rimless with the same dimensions..
 
www.dinkinsaquaticgardens.com
AI Nero 5

Polyp polynomial: How many heads do you start with when buying zoas?

  • One head is enough to get started.

    Votes: 27 10.6%
  • 2 to 4 heads.

    Votes: 145 57.1%
  • 5 heads or more.

    Votes: 65 25.6%
  • Full colony.

    Votes: 10 3.9%
  • Other.

    Votes: 7 2.8%
Vivid
Back
Top