tank glass

[JonPhillips]

What thickness of glass would you recommend when building your own tank? Any estimate on how much glass should cost? When you bought your own how much was it? I know I don't have the skill to work with acralic and I have thought about buying a used tank and using that glass, but I plan on just buying it from the glass shop and having them cut it for me. Thanks!

 

[theatrus]

This is a quick and dirty calculator : http://www.garf.org/tank/buildtank.asp

If you want a rimless design the sides and front/back need to be 1-2 thickness steps higher.

I've only built sumps out of acrylic sheet.

 

[JonPhillips]

Thank you! That is a fantastic calculator! Just curious, it would be nice if a diagram was included some how. I am confused as to how his whole bracing system is operating.

Here is my tank info when inputed into the calculator:


Tank Information:
Material = Glass
Tank Height = 18"
Tank Width = 24"
Tank Length = 72 "
Glass Thickness = 1/4"
Approximate Gallons = 135

Cut List:
Bottom = 71 1/2 " x 23 1/2"
Front = 72 " x 18"
Back = 72 " x 18"
2 Sides = 18 " x 23 1/2"
Top Front/Back brace = 71 1/2 " x 2"
Top Sides brace = 23 1/2 " x 2"

To me, the bracing is not making any sense. Thoughts?

 

[theatrus]

Hunt around a bit on the GARF website - I believe they are building a top eurobrace over the tank.

I'm not an expert in glass construction by any means, just found the calculator handy for starting to get into the right ballpark for tank designs.