tank glass

[Richy]

Ok, I now have a good idea for a tank. My question to all the engineers out there is this: My existing tank is 72l x 30h x 18d. The glass is 7/16th in thick. My new tank will be 96l x 30h x 36d. I am assuming there will be more preasure because of the extra depth. 18 - 36". Or does the depth not mater? I will add 1 more support for the the extra length 72 - 96". Any help would be appreciated. There are lots of charts out there but they seem to be for 24" deep tanks only.

Thanks


Richy..........

[sphelps]

Here's the deal Rick, pressure is only a function of height, adding length or width will not actually increase the pressure, since the pressure is unaffected the hydrostatic force on the glass will also remain the same, however when you increase the length of the glass pane you're increasing the bending moment created on the glass by the hydro force. Basically this simply means the tank will bow more which can usually be fixed with appropriate bracing. I would recommend sticking with the 12mm glass (which is closer to 1/2" not 7/16" BTW) and using a 4" Euro brace with one center brace.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/tankbrace.jpg

Most tank manufacturers will go up a glass size mostly based on the extra length of the tank, however with proper bracing the tank will still have a good safety factor and you’ll still be able to see through it.

PS, I’m not responsible for any tank explosions caused by this advice :slomo: