Glass Thickness - Sides and bottom

Good day,

I want to build 2 custom tanks for an area I built. They will be for my Tanganyikan Shell dwellers.

Size: 1200l x 500b x 350h

Already checked with glass calculator. Safety Index of 10 (I know it’s a crazy number and I need around 4).
Glass thickness given is 7mm, will be using 8mm (within my budget).

I will be using euro bracing top and bottom.

Any input will be appreciated. I understand with the height of 350mm, the tension on the glass is less than say 450mm or 500mm on a normal tank.

 

Photos for Example, will add Eurobraces

 

I think the bracing is unnecessary. I checked an online calculator, and 8mm glass will give you a safety factor of 6.7. For reference, most braced tanks have a safety factor in the mid 2s and the nice rimless tanks from ADA or Evolution Aqua are only around 5.7. I wouldn't worry about the eurobraces unless you are also using them for lids, but there are alternative ways of getting a lid in place like these: https://mcmerwe.co.za/shop/aquarium-lid-clips/

Judging by the holes in the side panel you want to run a sump or have an auto water change system - maybe double check how close those holes can be to the edge of the glass? I have no info around that, but it looks a little too close.

For the stand I'd make sure there is almost full coverage of the bottom panel of the tank, using MDF or plywood, and put a thin layer of a yoga mat or neoprene under the tank. I have seen stands working fine with just the edges supported, but my paranoid brain would worry about too much deflection of the bottom glass.

 

Not sure about the placement as well, will need to do more research before I commit to the idea. Yes it will be an auto water change, from a bin at the bottom.

I was thinking full panel as well. I don't need things that might keep me up at night. I double up on the yoga matt, but it looks much better than white polystyrene.

 

8mm will be thick enough and wont need bracing.
And also really dont need full coverage on the bottom. Just make sure your stand is level. The most stress is on the sides.
Thicker glass looks better in my opinion also.
My 900x600x450 tank is 10mm glass and braceless. Just for aesthetics.

 

Thanks for the welcome! I’ll update as I progress, busy with the drywall.

 

Wall skimmed and stand dry-fitted.

 

Tank holds water, loving the machine polished sides. Deflection of front panel is 0.2mm when full, so yeah!

The final measurements are 150 L x 50 B x 35 H, 10mm all round. Thanks for the advice!

 

Busy with plumbing and electrical.

Counter and cabinet work after that. I had to amend my design to appease the townsfolk. Ordered black vinyl for the background. Still unsure about substrate.

Splurged a lot (too much) and bought a Oase Biomaster Thermo.

 

So the wife accepted my design, so this is the direction we are going in. I'll use the spotlights pictured below as tank lights. We will have books and plants on the shelf above, with downlights to help them grow. The one side with the 2 doors will house the 100lt waterchange bin, it will be pre heated and treated for the Tanganyikans.

 

How did you make this design? Did you use an app or program.

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Google SketchUp. It has a slight learning curve, but a lot of tutorials on youtube. I’ve been using it since 2011 for woodworking designs and later on kitchens and renovations. Very flexible and there is a free version available.

 

Thank you very much. Want to design my fish rack but haven't found anything I can use besides Microsoft paint and or old. School pen and paper.

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So I got side tracked by life and as soon as I had a moment I rushed the build to get water in it. Not the ideal, but I don’t foresee another chance in the near future to get the tank wet.

I’ll let it run a week then do the next step to get it ready for fish.

 

Fish added, plants added. I’ll remove the sponge filters after a while and the canister will take the load. I’m paranoid because the fish are expensive and dear to me. Canister filter has a heater built in so will remove that after a while as well. I’m going at @Grissom speed.

 

I’m reverting back to the original plan. Now I can start to make things pretty, doing the cabinet doors etc. That will probably only be once I get round to drawing up a plan and making a cutting list for the newly built bedroom. Fingers crossed early 2022.