how thick should glass be and should there be a support brace on the bottoms of tank

[Lt.]

So I bought what I think is a 45 gallon tank, but I JUST measured the thickness of the glass, and It's 3/16 inch, plus the trim is plastic made to look like wood. And then there is the support brace, there is a glass one 8 inches long on the top of the tank, but nothing on the bottom to help with the weight. Is this ok, or is this a terrarium?!?

 

[fort384]

For a 45 gallon tank, with a factor of safety of 2.5, the glass ought to be 1/4" thick.

Plastic trim that looks like wood is normal. The glass brace, not so much. I think that may be a terrarium. I have never had a 45, so someone might have a different opinion, but to me, you would want 1/4" glass on a tank that size.

 

[Lt.]

Ok, so much for 3/16 in. glass, I remeasured and the glass is a 1/4 inch on the sides, and just a HAIR under 1/4 inch on the front and back, so do anyone no how I can improvise a support for the bottom of the tank? It doesn't have a bottom brace on the bottom, but its a tempered glass 45 gallon tank.

 

[fort384]

I don't think you need a brace for the bottom. It ought to be fine if it is 1/4" glass.

If it is a used tank, you may want to water check it outside in case something goes horribly wrong.

 

[Lt.]

I think I'd prefer to have a brace, just to be safe. It's the dimensions of a standard 55 gallon tank, but just two inches shorter. So I think it'll need a brace. How should I improvise?

 

[fort384]

I've never seen a bottom tank brace. When they are braced, they are braced at the top.

 

[Lt.]

Uhh, I thought all tank more than 35 had one between the bottom glass and the stand in the middle on bottom.

 

[Kio707]

Uhh, I thought all rants more than 35 had one between the bottom glass and the stand in the middle on bottom.

I have a 180g and there is no brace on the bottom...

 

[Lt.]

Ok, I guess it'll be ok then, but I have another 45 I'm selling and it has a braces on bottom.

But to be clear, with the exception of the edges, there is nothing under the tank.

 

[Flaxon-Waxon]

I think the OP is talking about the plastic trim that should be on the bottom, but isn't... Right?

 

[Lt.]

Yep, I think, see, there is a plastic price on one tank the runs from front-back (short ways) in the very middle in the bottom of one tank, but not the other

 

[Flaxon-Waxon]

I'm really not too sure about the piece that runs front to back across the middle underneath,, but I am GUESSING that it depends on if the bottom is tempered glass or not. There should definitely be a trim piece that goes around the bottom of the tank tho...

 

[Lt.]

There is trim, and it is tempered glass.

 

[Flaxon-Waxon]

Tempered with the brace in the middle or not?

 

[Lt.]

There's trim on the edge, but no brace in middle

 

[Flaxon-Waxon]

If it looks like it hasn't been tampered with I would guess its ok. Maybe call Aqueon and ask their tech line for info... Also make sure to water test