How thick does tempered glass have to be for an aquarium?

Question

I have sheets of tempered glass 5 feet X 20 inches. 1/2 inch thick. Can I use these sheets of glass for an aquarium?

Answer 1

Nosoop4u is right except for one thing, tempered glass is typicaly used on the bottom of tanks to support the weight of the gravel and water. The sides are not tempered and the thickness depends on the size of the tank. Here are some links that you may find very helpful in building your own tank.

http://www.austinglass.com.au/aquariums.html

http://www.alysta.com/books/fishtank.htm

Answer 2

My glass on my aquarium is about half an inch. It depends on how many gallons the aquarium will hold though. It's probably best just to purchase an aquarium to make sure it doesn't leak and is well built.

Answer 3

You do not want to use tempered glass! All aquarium glass is non-tempered because tempered glass shatters. Aquarium glass cracks. If you have one wall of your tank shatter, the whole thing drains and all your fish die, if the tank cracks, you have time to stop it as it slowly leaks. Unless you are building a monster tank (150+ gallons), it is much cheaper to just buy an aquarium (cutting is very expensive).

Nosoop4u

Answer 4

Yes, that will be fine.

The problem is going to be a frame for the tank. Even after is is siliconed together, it is still going to need to be braced.

Consider 3/4 plywood coverd in a foodgrade waterproof material.

Honestly though, you can usually pick up 120 gallon tanks cheaply. They are like pool tables, they seem like a good idea when you buy them, then you can't wait to get rid of it.

It might be cheaper and less work to buy a used one.

Answer 5

The water has weight not pressure. Build your dream! If you are a skeptic, place the finished unit in the driveway and fill it with water. drain and refill when you get it where you want it.

Answer 6

IT all depends on how big your aquarium is going to be.

Answer 7

follow what soup Nazi is telling you! he is defiantly right!