Glass/ Acrylic question

psusocr

psusocr

Member
i was wondering, when i build large tanks out fo acrylic all you have to do with the bottom piece is put it on a sheet of styrophoam(sp?) and they hold 400+ gallons without no problem, whereas glass you have to support the bottom pieces by the outter edges(euro bracing) and some bracing in the middle,,,but they say that the glass should never touch a hard surface underneath except for these edges( such as the middle pieces where the euro bracing is noit)?? can someone explain this too me?? i know a good amount of physics and the only thing i can come up with is that water is by far the most dispered piece of weight,, and it covers a whole not just a piece..if this makes any sens to anyone?? also glasscages only uses euro bracing for the bottom, yet fish store tanks use braces in the middle of the tank also???
Anywya any help would be greatly appreciated
 
msd2

msd2

Active Member
center support and euro bracing are just different designs for tanks. The advangage of the euro is a clear center that doesnt block light the same as the tanks at your lfs. Very nice for mh lighting. I have an acrlyic tank and have never heard of putting styrofoam under it. I dont know why you would. Acrylic tanks are warrantied forever if, and only if on a metal base. At least this was my situation. As far as the physics aspect of the glass tanks can't help, maybe a bump will help.
 
psusocr

psusocr

Member
thanks msd2
im wondering specifically about the bottom bracing on the glass tanks,,,My question basically is about the glass not touching anythign at all on the bottom panel. and how everythign is elevated abotu a qurter inch off the stand which is supported by the outer bracing and some middle bracing(not always used) heres a picture to try to explain what i mean.. Im bad with paint sorry but i think you can get the idea...
 
S

starfishjackedme

Guest
All glass tanks have that on the bottom. Perfecto, oceanic, and AGA use molding that sets the bottom pane about a 1/4" up. It uses the molding around the tank and bracing for the load bearing surface. There must be reduction of static load or torsional forces. Either way, they all do it so there has to be a benefit from a engineering standpoint.
 
psusocr

psusocr

Member
Finally an answer i was looking for.. Ive been soo curious as to why they do this or what it does for the tank and i finally found out.. I guess both ways that i drew in paint are sufficent ???
Thank you!
 
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