Aquarium Glass Thickness Calculator
Calculate required glass thickness for aquarium safety based on dimensions and water pressure
Calculate Glass Thickness
Recommended: 3.8 for most aquariums. Higher values increase safety margin.
Advanced Settings (Material Densities)
Glass Thickness Results
Example Calculations
Small Aquarium (10 Gallon)
Dimensions: 20" × 10" × 12" (51cm × 25cm × 30cm)
Front/Side Glass: ~4mm (0.15")
Bottom Glass: ~5mm (0.21")
Total Weight: ~45kg (100 lbs)
Medium Aquarium (75 Gallon)
Dimensions: 48" × 18" × 21" (122cm × 46cm × 53cm)
Front/Side Glass: ~8mm (0.31")
Bottom Glass: ~10mm (0.39")
Total Weight: ~350kg (770 lbs)
Large Aquarium (150 Gallon)
Dimensions: 72" × 18" × 28" (183cm × 46cm × 71cm)
Front/Side Glass: ~12mm (0.47")
Bottom Glass: ~15mm (0.59")
Total Weight: ~650kg (1430 lbs)
Safety Guidelines
Safety Factor
Use minimum 3.8× safety factor
Higher for valuable fish or risky locations
Professional Advice
Consult engineer for large tanks
Especially >200 gallons
Quality Glass
Use tempered or low-iron glass
Better strength and clarity
Support Structure
Ensure adequate stand support
Distribute weight evenly
Glass Types
Float Glass
Standard aquarium glass
Most common, economical
Low-Iron Glass
Ultra-clear, minimal tint
Premium option, better clarity
Tempered Glass
4-5× stronger than regular
Safer failure mode
Acrylic
Lighter, impact resistant
Scratches easier than glass
Understanding Aquarium Glass Thickness
Why Glass Thickness Matters
The glass thickness of an aquarium is critical for safety and structural integrity. Water pressure increases with depth, creating significant force on the glass panels. Insufficient thickness can lead to catastrophic failure.
Calculation Factors
- •Water Pressure: Increases linearly with depth
- •Glass Area: Larger panels need thicker glass
- •Safety Factor: Accounts for imperfections and stress
- •Glass Quality: Material properties affect strength
Engineering Principles
Water Pressure Formula:
P = ρ × g × h
Where ρ=density, g=gravity, h=height
Glass Stress:
σ = P × A / (6 × t²)
Simplified for rectangular plates
Safety Factor:
t_required = t_calculated × SF
Typically 3.8 for aquariums
Important: These calculations provide estimates. Always verify with manufacturer specifications and engineering standards for critical applications.
Thickness Guidelines by Tank Size
| Tank Size | Dimensions (L×W×H) | Front/Side Glass | Bottom Glass | Weight (Full) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Gallon | 20"×10"×12" | 3-4mm | 4-5mm | ~45kg |
| 29 Gallon | 30"×12"×18" | 5-6mm | 6-8mm | ~130kg |
| 55 Gallon | 48"×13"×21" | 6-8mm | 8-10mm | ~250kg |
| 75 Gallon | 48"×18"×21" | 8-10mm | 10-12mm | ~350kg |
| 125 Gallon | 72"×18"×21" | 10-12mm | 12-15mm | ~550kg |