The perfect tank size

[tcampbell]

Well I a have been considering getting a third tank.

Now that the angel babies are growing fast I will need one. I have been looking at a 3 foot (90 cm) tank, but it seems they come in all different sizes
90 X 55 X 45, 90 X 45 X 45, etc

Just wonering what is considered standard size for a 90cm tank? Seen many posts about people complaining their 55 gallon tank are hard to deal with or a 50 cm tank is terrible, etc.

What are the standards?

Have a place that will make a custom 90 Cm tank with 8 mm or 10 mm glass for approx 40 CDN (1000nt) which is a great deal, just need the sizes.

[|squee|]

ADA uses 90cm x 45cm x 45cm.

[mickthefish]

the best tank size to grow or keep angels in is any tank with a height of 15 ins or higher, in this size tank the fin development will grow to the right proportions, a tank of smaller height will stunt the fin growth.
this is just my opinion though.
mick

[tcampbell]

OK. If it is 90 cm by 45 by 45 cm. How thick should the glass be?
I have herad that the thicker the glass the better the light reflects through it and the better the tank looks (up to a point of course)

Should it be 8mm, 10mm or something less?

Thanks

[richietay]

if there is an option for you, go for 10mm. my 4ft tank is also custom made, with thickness 8mm.

[mickthefish]

i agree with richietay, the thicker the glass the safer it will be.
mick

[tcampbell]

There is any option I want. The shop is well experienced and will do what ever I ask. A standard 90 cm by 45 by 45 with 6 mm glass is less than 40 CDN. The 8 mm or 10 mm just adds a few dollars more. I guess the thicker the better, all other tanks I ahve are 4mm and 5 mm!!

[richietay]

perhaps is whether it will able to withstand the volume of water in big tank. look forward for your upcoming scape.

[|squee|]

I'd go for thicker as can be so that I can have the tank without bracing.

The lack of bracing really makes a difference.

[joelwong]

I think the most commonly produced for 3 feet would be 3 feet by 18 inch by 18 inch, 6mm glass. If you are looking at something of a different specification, it might not be so value for money.

[benny]

The thickness of the glass is dependent on the contruction of the tank and the upper braces. Thicker glass is needed if you have no brace or euro style bracing. For a 3 ft tank, I have seen 4/5 mm tanks with 2 top brace and they lasted beyond the owner's interest in the hobby.

To note. Thicker glass cause view distortion when enjoying your tank up close. Inherrent properties of light passing through glass.

Cheers,

p.s. What's CDN? Canadian dollars? I had the impression you were based in Taiwan.

[valice]

And 90x45x45 give the perfect 3:2 ratio when you decide to take a picture of your tank in future...

[tcampbell]

Sorry yes. I am living in Taiwan. From Canda originally so I often think in Taiwan dollars and often in Canadian dollars.

So 8mm will be the best of both worlds. Will not need massivebracing, will be stronger and will not cause viewing distortions?

Thanks

[Nicky]

And 90x45x45 give the perfect 3:2 ratio when you decide to take a picture of your tank in future...

I must be missing something here...
wouldn't 90x60 give 3:2 ratio? How does 90x45 give 3:2?

[valice]

OOOOOOOPPPPPPSSSSS...
I am so blur...

[kemp]

8mm looks fine

[gks]

The "standard" size for 3-foot tank is 36"Lx 18"Wx18"H.

Indeed, 8mm glass thickness is a very compromise considering safety, weight, cost etc.

If you are custom building the tank, a few factors to consider:
1) Rounding/chamfering the edges to prevent getting cut by glass. Unpolished edges can be evry dangerous.
2) Bracing is recommended as glass deform/flex under water pressure, this may cause the silicone to weaken and the tank to leak. In the worst case scenario, the glass may "explode".
3) Make sure base of the tank is supported with styrofoam sheet or shock absorbing materials to minimise damage to the tank.

[tcampbell]

The local fish store will be doing it. They guarentee the tank and have been in business for over 10 years.
8 mm is my choice they said 6 is fine. I would love to have a tank with no braces but I will leave it up to them.
Absorbing material will be on the stand build for the tank, under the tank so that should not be a problem.

rounded edges? The sould be polished so that should be fine.
I have decided on 36" X 16" by 16" (90 by 49 by 40cm)It is the best I can do based on location and room style.
standard 3braces, side middle and centre fine or just centre if using 8 mm glass?

[joelwong]

The local fish store will be doing it. They guarentee the tank and have been in business for over 10 years.
8 mm is my choice they said 6 is fine. I would love to have a tank with no braces but I will leave it up to them.
Absorbing material will be on the stand build for the tank, under the tank so that should not be a problem.

rounded edges? The sould be polished so that should be fine.
I have decided on 36" X 16" by 16" (90 by 49 by 40cm)It is the best I can do based on location and room style.
standard 3braces, side middle and centre fine or just centre if using 8 mm glass?

I think 36 by 16 is a very nice ratio, gives it a 'mini' 4 feet longish look.
141 litres when 80% filled is pretty decent too

[gks]

Without at least the centre bracing for a 3-foot tank, there will be considerable outward force pushing around the central portion of the 3feet glass.

Several ways to counter this effect:
1) support the external edges with metallic angle bars (used to be the norm many years ago, nowadays extremely rare).
2) extra thick tempered glass (eg 12mm thickness for the 3feet glass sides) especially for the longest glass pieces.