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	durability of aquarium bottoms and weight max?
BeastKeeper Big Fish Posts: 444 Kudos: 389 Votes: 47 Registered: 27-Apr-2004	how often and can a tank bottom break due to weight?
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:58
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002	Hi, The answer is "Yes," but thankfully very rarely. Usually when the bottom of an all glass tank breaks it is because of a large amount of weight on a small point of contact. When creating a background of rocks, a thin layer of gravel first can distribute the weight. An even better idea is to construct the background on a piece of "eggcrate" to distribut the weight. Flaws in the glass, are another reason. Poorly made or inappropriate stands are the leading reasons for cracks, leaks, and broken glass. Know your woodworking skills before creating a DIY stand. Aquariums can weigh in excess of 10 pounds/gallon of capacity! Fully support the entire tank, don't have any overhang - at all. Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:58
keithgh Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 6371 Kudos: 6918 Votes: 1542 Registered: 26-Apr-2003	BeastKeeper I agree with Frank on this one as usual. I personally think age is the biggest factor. Also make sure your tank base is fully supported by a good thickness of Styrene 3/4ins minium. Glass is extremly brittle yet again extremly flexable I have seen a photo 30+ years ago of a large sheet of glass supported on the ends only holding many standing men naturally the glass had a big bow but it did not break. I have even heard of an experment done by glass manufacturers of hitting a nail into wood using a beer bottle. Keith Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do. I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT? VOTE NOW VOTE NOW
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:58


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