New Tank... 72" W x 24" D x 24" H... What thickness of glass is best?

Ignitros · Nov 21, 2018

Hey Everyone!

I am looking to purchase a new tank for a project I'm starting. It will be either 72" W x 24" D x 24" H or 72" W x 30" D x 24" H. During my research I have seen glass thickness anywhere from 1/4" to 3/4" thick for these size of tanks. I already know I'm getting one with no tempering.

What thickness is best?

What about bracing the top?

What will last longer?

Should I go 24" D or 30" D?

This is going to be a through wall tank so only the front will matter as far as clarity... the back and sides will be blacked out and the bottom will have ABS sheet sealed to it to keep from breaking the glass with a falling object. The filter and backside of the tank will be enclosed in it's own room.

What are your thoughts?

JumboShrimp · Nov 21, 2018

If you go 1/2” glass on a 24” deep, or 3/4” glass on the 30” deep, I think you’ll have good peace of mind. Let’s see what others think.

MSB123 · Nov 21, 2018

I would go with 3/4” or 5/8” if you can. Thicker is better if you have no brace

Blue Spot Octopus · Nov 21, 2018

The only problem with thicker glass is you will need stronger magnets for the wave makers.

MSB123 · Nov 21, 2018

Depends- if you are going with mp40s, then they will be fine. If you are going with cheaper pumps, then they might be an issue

Ignitros · Nov 21, 2018

I'm not too worried about the pumps. I have Maxspect Gyre's in mind for flow. I'm really more thinking about durability and longevity. This is a tank I'm not wanting to have issues with since it's through wall and custom I'm okay with the additional cost involved in thicker glass. I would rather do it right the first time. The company I'm thinking about having build the tank gives options of 1/2", 5/8" and 3/4" for the size panels and I'm looking at with low iron glass for the front panel. I just really don't want to go way beyond what is necessary. The tank is going down stairs into a basement so there is moving it into place to take into consideration. Why have 3/4" glass with that added weight to move if it's not necessary you know?

JoshH · Nov 21, 2018

Are you having this tank custom built? If so the manufacturer you choose will give you a good idea on appropriate thicknesses. I ended up with 3 quotes for my build (60" × 24" × 16.5") 3/8" euro braced - 1/2" rimless was what I got back from one, 1/2" euro braced - 3/4" rimless from another and the last was 3/4" Rimless and didn't quote euro bracing. I ended up going with the second eurobraced quote (Miracles Aquariums) then going wider to 30" and it stayed the 1/2" thickness. If your going rimless I wouldn't go less than 3/4" But that's me, if your getting it eurobraced than I'd say you'd be okay with 1/2" but once again that's me I am by no means a glass expert I just tend to go with the safer option.

FWIW, when I got quoted a 1/2" one piece eurobraced tank was $200ish cheaper than the 3/4" Rimless with the same dimensions..