1\2" Vs. 3\4' Tempered

tank watch · #1 12/06/2007, 07:21 PM

A local fish store owner told me that 1\2" tempered glass would be more than strong enough for my 600 gallon tank. Window size would be cut at 91" x 28". He also stated that he uses 1\2" on tanks up to 10 feet long.
What is your opinion on this ?

tank watch · #2 12/06/2007, 09:47 PM

nobody with glass experience, eh?

john rochon · #3 12/06/2007, 10:32 PM

just make sure its braced well. I have a 1/2'' tempered starphire
on my 500g 8'x34''

tank watch · #4 12/06/2007, 11:04 PM

Do you experience any flexing or distortion when viewing at sharp angles ?

john rochon · #5 12/07/2007, 07:44 AM

flexing, no way.I'm sure the tempured wouldn't take much flexing[bowing].
the view is perfect.

Muligan · #6 12/07/2007, 08:14 AM

The only down side to tempered glass is in the event of a panel breaking you will end up with the whole tank on the floor in a split second. Where as with normal glass it will crack hopefully giving you a bit of time to panick...lol

I would go with 3/4" normal glass with good euro bracing top and bottom.

My 2cents.

john rochon · #7 12/07/2007, 01:59 PM

starphire does not come in 3/4'' its either 1/2'' or 2 x 1/2'' laminated =1''
1/'2 tempered is fine.
any crack on a float glass under pressure from the tank will explode anyways. tempured glass is super strong.

tank watch · #8 12/07/2007, 04:27 PM

Thanks everyone. I ordered 1/2" starphire tempered glass.
Should be in around 2 weeks, so the tank needs to be ready. One more day and its done.

(rubbing hands together), My mind controll device is working perfectly..........

Muligan · #9 12/07/2007, 05:50 PM

you can get other brands of low iron glass in 3/4"

Harleyguy · #10 12/07/2007, 06:00 PM

who did you buy from?

nyvp · #11 12/07/2007, 07:54 PM

my 120x36x30 tank is 3 sided low iron NOT tempred no flex and all fine. 3/4 bottom 1/2 inch sides

tank watch · #12 12/07/2007, 09:28 PM

I ordered from Dependable Glass in Covington, LA.
the 3/4" glass tempered was ski high, so I went with the 1/2" tempered starphire and was able to stay near my budget.

Brian Peterson · #13 12/07/2007, 11:52 PM

FYI...
Actually Starphire glass is available in 3/4". It is, as I am told, a more recent addition to the line. I know first hand because I have my parts cut in 3/4" Starphire sitting in a nice pile right now in preparation for assembling my new tank this weekend (310 gallon). It is available more readily on the east coast though. I had to have it shipped FedEx freight cross country to Oregon.
Look a little harder... It's out there ;-)