Aquarium Glass Thickness Calculator
Aquarium Glass Thickness Calculator
This aquarium glass thickness calculator takes into account various factors such as the aquarium’s dimensions, water pressure, and safety margins to recommend the ideal glass thickness.
When building a rectangular aquarium measuring 48 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 30 inches tall. Using our online aquarium acrylic glass thickness calculator, you input these dimensions along with a safety factor (typically 3.8). The calculator then recommend a glass thickness of 12mm (0.47 inches) for the front, back, and side panels, and 10mm (0.39 inches) for the bottom panel.Aquarium Glass Thickness Chart
| Length (inches) | Width (inches) | Height (inches) | Glass Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 12 | 12 | 6 |
| 36 | 18 | 18 | 8 |
| 48 | 24 | 24 | 10 |
| 60 | 24 | 24 | 12 |
| 72 | 24 | 24 | 15 |
| 96 | 24 | 30 | 19 |
| 120 | 30 | 30 | 25 |
Aquarium Glass Thickness Formula
The formula for calculating aquarium glass thickness is:
T = (L × D × H × SF) / (2B)Where:
- T = Thickness of glass (inches)
- L = Length of panel (inches)
- D = Density of water (0.036 lbs per cubic inch)
- H = Height of water column (inches)
- SF = Safety Factor (typically 3.8)
- B = Working Stress of glass (typically 1000 psi for plate glass)
Let’s use this formula for a 48″ x 24″ x 30″ aquarium:
T = (48 × 0.036 × 30 × 3.8) / (2 × 1000)
T = 0.49 inches (approximately 12.5mm)How Thick Should Aquarium Glass Be?
- Small 10-gallon tank (20″ x 10″ x 12″) might only need 5mm thick glass.
- Medium 55-gallon tank (48″ x 13″ x 21″) would typically require 8mm thick glass.
- Large 125-gallon tank (72″ x 18″ x 21″) could need 12mm thick glass.
The thickness of aquarium glass depends on several factors, including the tank’s size, shape, and intended use. Generally, larger tanks require thicker glass to withstand the increased water pressure.
Always err on the side of caution and consider using thicker glass for added safety, especially for custom-built or unusually shaped tanks.
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