How to Determine Glass Thickness for Aquariums

How to Determine Glass Thickness for Aquariums?

How to Determine Glass Thickness for Aquariums?

It is important to know the thickness of your aquarium glass. Measuring the thickness of glass can help you to understand most of its qualities. Many people are curious about this thing.

If you are here in search of a glass thickness measuring method, then we are going to share a complete guide with you. We will help you to calculate the thickness of your aquarium’s glass effortlessly.

What is meant by Aquarium Glass Thickness?

The actual thickness is the overall thickness of the plate. All sides of the aquarium are equal, and sometimes two opposite sides are equal.

So by measuring any of the side glass thickness, you can calculate the entire tank thickness. A fish aquarium should be one by 4 inches or 6 millimeters thick. Usually, the glass has a safety factor of 2.92.

How to Determine Glass Thickness for Aquarium?

There are some of the different ways to determine the thickness of a glass material. The thickness of the glass is directly proportional to the square root of the width factor multiply by height centimeter cube.

And then multiply it with the value 0.00001. We write glass thickness as the letter “t.” So the formula will be like t = Square root of width factor X H (cm3) X 0.00001. Here are the methods;

Aquarium Glass Thickness Chart

  2 inch

62 cm

3 inch

92 cm 

4 inch

122 cm

5 inch

152 cm

6 inch

183 cm

7 inch

213 cm   

8 inch

244 cm

15 inch /

40 cm

6mm (3.38) 6mm (3.09) 6mm (2.92) 6mm (2.92) 6mm (2.92) 6mm (2.92) 6mm (2.92)
21 inch /

53 cm

6mm (1.79 )

9mm (4.01 )

6mm

(1.79 )

9mm

(3.26 )

9mm

(2.98 )

12mm

(5.30 )

9mm

(2.82 )

12mm

(5.02 )

9mm

(2.82 )

12mm

(5.02 )

9mm

(2.82 )

12mm

(5.02 )

9mm  (2.82 )

12mm (5.02 )

27 inch /

69 cm

9mm (2.96 )

12mm (5.26 )

 

12mm (3.24 )

16mm (5.26 )

12mm

(2.63 )

16mm

(4.67 )

12mm

(2.40 )

16mm

(4.27 )

12mm

(2.27 )

16mm (4.04)

12mm

(2.27 )

16mm

(4.04 )

12mm (2.27 )

16mm (4.04 )

 

30 inch /

76 cm

9mm (2.30 )

12mm (4.06 )

12mm (2.42 )

16mm (4.30)

12mm

(1.97 )

16mm

(3.50 )

12mm

(1.97 )

16mm

(3.50 )

12mm

(1.80 )

16mm

(3.20 )

 

16mm

(3.00 )

16mm (3.00 )
36 inch /

92 cm

12mm (2.22 )

16mm (3.95 )

12mm (2.21 )

16mm (3.95 )

16mm

(2.42 )

20mm

(3.79 )

16mm

(1.97 )

20mm  (3.08 )

16mm

(1.97 )

20mm

(3.08 )

20mm (2.81) 20mm (2.67 )

Use MIG Laser Gauge 

It is an instrument which is to measure glass thickness. It is a highly durable and robust tool that works efficiently.

The laser reflections of the surface of glass appear on the graduated scale of this gauge. It measures the thickness via laser.

The laser reflects on a graduated scale of this instrument and even detects the soft coat low E coating. The two standard AAA alkaline batteries are present in it.

The radiations allow it to measure the thickness of glass. This measurement is from just a single side of the aquarium glass.

The operator of this instrument measures the glass thickness very effectively and precisely — even you can get the triple-pane glass assembly calculations by this tool.

The zipper pocket is perfect for carrying some additional scales. Its scales are available in inches and sometimes in millimeters.

It is not an expensive instrument at all, so spend some money on it and measure the aquarium glass thickness.

Use Online Calculators 

There are also so many online calculators available for measurements. You have to put the length, weight, and height of your aquarium in the given boxes of a calculator.

Along with this, you have to provide a safety factor. Different directors demand different kinds of information.

You can use the one which you find easy to use. Some also demand an aquarium glass area, volume, glass weight as well.

These calculators are base on the configurations that you want with your specific needs.

Do Manual Calculations

Using the formula given in the beginning, you can do the calculations manually. But definitely, you will need to use some other tools to measure height or any other parameter.

Manual calculations are not so perfect, but you can estimate for sure.

Simply Use the Vernier Calipers

Vernier caliper is also an excellent instrument to measure the thickness of the aquarium. Take this instrument and firstly set it to get the precise value.

Remove the error of the instrument and then measure the thickness from the aquarium wall. Adjust the Vernier scale on the aquarium glass walls and note the readings.

Make sure not to press the glass very hard and follow the safety precautions. Simply and easily, you will get the thickness value. It is the easiest method, but safety is a must.

It is the best instrument to give precise values.

Use Glass Measurement Application 

Yes, you will be amazed to know that there are apps available online, which help to measure the glass parameters.

You can use those apps for measuring aquarium thickness. They are very convenient and easy to use. The results may not come completely accurate, but a precise and proper estimation results can appear.

Why Consider Safety Factor While Measuring Glass Thickness?

The variability of the strength of glass because of any manufacturing limitations is called the safety factor. You must use this factor when measuring glass thickness.

The most common value of the safety factor is 3.8. It will remove any risk of inferior quality glass.

Only those people measure glass thickness who is very much concerned about their aquarium size weight, length, and width.

Construction defects, manufacturing problems, and a poor quality of aquarium glass can cause errors in the values.  

Final words 

We have done a very hectic search and wrote this article for those who are very concerned about their pet fish aquarium thickness.

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