Glass strength

[mh728]

I know alot of people put aquariams vertical to better suit arboreals, but how big is the the biggest tank anyones ever used this way? I bought a 50 gallon a couple months back (it was super cheap) and I really have no use for it unless I can put it vertical (it seems to me that it may collapse under it's own weight this way). I probably should have just kept my money but at that point I was actually considering setting up another fish tank (stupid me).

Let me know what you think, and of course thanks.
Matt

 

[gbhil]

Currently I have a 90 gallon (standard, black rimmed AGA glass tank with a braced top) in a vert setup, with no problems. Going on 3 years standing.

 

[mh728]

Nice, what are the dimensions? The 48" length and 12" width of my 50 is what worries me, seems tippsy, but I suppose if theres big stuff on either side of the tank it'll be fine. What's in your 90?
Thanks again.

 

[jabberwock486]

think about what these are made for. 1 cubic meter of water is 1000KG thats a lot of stress on glass. water is heavy stuff. as long as it is not cracked or chipped.

 

[mh728]

think about what these are made for. 1 cubic meter of water is 1000KG thats a lot of stress on glass. water is heavy stuff. as long as it is not cracked or chipped.

I realize this but I also realize that many things are not as sturdy when not used the way they are intended. The larger the horizontal surface area, the more sturdy it will be. The higher the ratio of height to base size the weaker the structure will be without being supported by something. Lol this is why tall buildings and towers took hundreds of years for people to perfect, unlike a low hut.

Example: the bottom and top of the tank are supported by a frame, the sides are not and the tank is heavey, this is why I felt I should ask, plus I was curious.

 

[gbhil]

Nice, what are the dimensions? The 48" length and 12" width of my 50 is what worries me, seems tippsy, but I suppose if theres big stuff on either side of the tank it'll be fine. What's in your 90?
Thanks again.

48x18x24, and I don't see any bowing or flexing. I'm sure you'll be fine standing up the 50 gallon.

Currently has a pair of unknown locality Rhacs. living in it, but I've been eying some Jamaican anoles.....

 

[mh728]

Nice, thanks for the input.

 

[dactylus]

(it seems to me that it may collapse under it's own weight this way).


I would say you underestimate the strength of glass.
Glazier by trade,
16' x 8' sheets of glass were stored vertically.
Supporting it's own weight I don't think would be an issue.
:crackup: