The Importance of Aquarium Glass

Aquarium glass is one of the most important components in your fish tank. It provides a clear view for you and your guests to admire your beautiful aquatic plants and animals. It also protects the fish from being damaged by sunlight, wind or other external forces. Glass aquariums come in many different thicknesses and sizes, so it is important to know your options when choosing the type of aquarium you want to build.

The type of aquarium glass you choose depends on your personal preferences and budget. If visual clarity is your number one priority, a low-iron/ultra-clear glass aquarium is the way to go. If cost-effectiveness is your main concern, a standard float glass aquarium will suffice.

Standard float glass is made of molten glass that floats on a bed of molten tin during the manufacturing process. As a result, it contains some iron oxide that gives it a slightly greenish appearance. This is easily noticeable if you ever look closely at the edge of a piece of float glass.

White glass, on the other hand, contains much less iron oxide and has a neutral appearance. This is especially beneficial in marine aquariculture and aquascaping because it allows the true colors of your aquatic plant and animal layout to be seen. Some manufacturers also offer a variety of float glass that has been treated with a special coating to minimize the greenish coloration even further.

Another advantage of using glass is that it doesn’t yellow or discolor over time like acrylic panels are prone to do. This makes it a good choice for those who plan to keep their aquariums for a long period of time. If you do decide to use glass, it is important to ensure that it is properly prepared and installed. This is particularly important when building larger-sized aquariums. If you fail to follow proper preparation and installation methods, your glass aquarium could crack or break under water pressure.

When preparing the glass for your aquarium, make sure it is clean and completely free of dirt or grit. Apply a thin coat of silicone sealant to the edge of the glass, making sure that there are no bubbles or gaps. After the silicone has a chance to dry, tape over the edges to prevent any shifting of the glass while it is in place.

During the installation process, it is important to carefully work the silicone around the edges of the glass panels so that it forms a continuous and bubble-free seal. It is also a good idea to apply the silicone slowly so that it does not build up on one part of the glass surface more than another.

The most common cause of aquarium glass failure is not due to incorrect preparation or installation, but rather by the water itself. If the aquarium is built without a safety factor, it will likely crack and break under water pressure, either from a slam or by an external force. To prevent this from happening, make sure you have calculated your safety factor and that the tank glass is as thick as necessary.