Very heavy weights in an aquarium

[Backfromthedead]

The sunken stump would only weigh slightly more, say the weight of a completely dessicated stump, than just water would. It only has to be heavy enough to sink. What actually matters is the pressure points or how the weight is dispersed across the glass. If you can cut it flat across a suitable area so it sits flat and spreads the weight out without tipping over then I say you could put it right on the glass.

But for tanks this size I would actually be looking away from all glass, fiberglass with glass windows would be my choice if I was having it custom built. You could sink a tractor in a fiberglass tank if you wanted. A well built acrylic tank would also be preferable to a glass tank at that size imo.

 

[RyanScanner]

thank you definitely go in me something to think about

 

[FINWIN]

The sunken stump would only weigh slightly more, say the weight of a completely dessicated stump, than just water would. It only has to be heavy enough to sink. What actually matters is the pressure points or how the weight is dispersed across the glass. If you can cut it flat across a suitable area so it sits flat and spreads the weight out without tipping over then I say you could put it right on the glass.

But for tanks this size I would actually be looking away from all glass, fiberglass with glass windows would be my choice if I was having it custom built. You could sink a tractor in a fiberglass tank if you wanted. A well built acrylic tank would also be preferable to a glass tank at that size imo.

Would this be because of the seams glass would need being a problem (pressure points?)

 

[Sassafras]

If you could somehow compress a piece of wood tightly enough to remove all the air...it would sink immediately.

Think Mopani wood.

If you can cut it flat across a suitable area so it sits flat and spreads the weight out without tipping over then I say you could put it right on the glass.

This is what its all about. That 800 lb. stump in my example, which seems to have amused many, if sitting on three or four tiny (one sq. inch) points of contact would be a bit scary, maybe 200-275 lbs/sq. in.

I have a 730 gallon all glass tank with a double 3/4 in bottom pane. During setup, I was in and out of the tank plumbing, installing background, etc. I weigh just over 200 pounds. While in the tank, I'm sure I was squatting on tiptoes a few times. That would probably equate to a PSI of about 20 lbs/sq. in. It never crossed my mind to worry whether my bottom glass was going to crack under my weight. Again, for comparison, the weight of the water in my tank (730 gal X 8.34 lb/gal = 6,088 lbs) is distributed over 4,680 sq. in. (130" X 36"), yielding a pressure of only 1.3 PSI. Put something in the tank that puts 200-300 PSI on points of the bottom? Not me. That's why said, "if the weight of the stump were equally distributed" it would not be an excessive weight in terms of PSI. Also assuming that the bottom of the tank is on a flat, level, padded, solid surface.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Would this be because of the seams glass would need being a problem (pressure points?)

I'm talking more like with big heavy rocks or other hardscape that might balance precariously on just a couple sharp pinpoints. I don't think even a big stump would present a problem so long as the tank and stand are well built and you use care moving it in/out.

 

[Sassafras]

Now I don't think I 'd let this guy do this in my tank!

 

[RyanScanner]

So a double layer of 12mm thick glass would probably do the trick?

 

[RyanScanner]

Think Mopani wood.

This is what its all about. That 800 lb. stump in my example, which seems to have amused many, if sitting on three or four tiny (one sq. inch) points of contact would be a bit scary, maybe 200-275 lbs/sq. in.

I have a 730 gallon all glass tank with a double 3/4 in bottom pane. During setup, I was in and out of the tank plumbing, installing background, etc. I weigh just over 200 pounds. While in the tank, I'm sure I was squatting on tiptoes a few times. That would probably equate to a PSI of about 20 lbs/sq. in. It never crossed my mind to worry whether my bottom glass was going to crack under my weight. Again, for comparison, the weight of the water in my tank (730 gal X 8.34 lb/gal = 6,088 lbs) is distributed over 4,680 sq. in. (130" X 36"), yielding a pressure of only 1.3 PSI. Put something in the tank that puts 200-300 PSI on points of the bottom? Not me. That's why said, "if the weight of the stump were equally distributed" it would not be an excessive weight in terms of PSI. Also assuming that the bottom of the tank is on a flat, level, padded, solid surface.

Sorry I’m Australian and at some point all this freedom inches and McDonald’s pounds starts to become gobligook.

 

[esoxlucius]

You could sink a tractor in a fiberglass tank if you wanted.

Thanks for that, you've just given me the most awesome idea for a new scape in my fibreglass tank!

I'm off to the local farm, watch this space!

 

[patterroni]

A custom-built 600–750-gallon aquarium with a steel plate instead of glass is an intriguing concept, but there are several factors to consider. While steel has excellent strength and durability, its use as a tank material presents unique challenges compared to traditional glass or acrylic aquariums. Below are considerations to help you evaluate feasibility:

1. Steel Plate as a Tank Material

• Durability: Steel is extremely strong, making it capable of withstanding immense pressure from the water volume in a large tank.
• Corrosion Resistance: For a tank holding water, especially a saltwater system, corrosion is a major concern. Using stainless steel or applying a specialized marine-grade coating (such as epoxy or powder coating) is essential to prevent rust.
• Weight: Steel is significantly heavier than glass or acrylic, so you’ll need a sturdy foundation to support the tank.
• Viewing Area: Steel is opaque, so you would need to incorporate large acrylic or glass panels for viewing. These panels would need to be sealed to the steel with a watertight gasket and structural-grade adhesives or welding.

2. Advantages of Steel Tanks

• Customizability: Steel is highly versatile and can be fabricated into unique shapes, making it suitable for designs like integrating a whole tree stump.
• Structural Integrity: Steel can handle extreme stress, making it ideal for large tanks with unique layouts.

3. Challenges and Risks

• Leaks: Ensuring proper seals between the steel frame and the viewing panels can be challenging. Even minor gaps can lead to leaks.
• Maintenance: Scratches or damage to the protective coating could lead to rusting, requiring careful inspection and periodic reapplication of the coating.
• Cost: Fabricating a custom steel tank can be more expensive than traditional options due to the specialized materials and expertise required.
• Magnetic Interference: Using steel could interfere with equipment like magnets for cleaning, wave makers, or magnetic-mounted devices.

4. Existing Steel Tanks
Steel tanks are more common in industrial or public aquariums, where they are often lined with materials like fiberglass or epoxy and paired with thick acrylic panels for viewing. This combination allows them to handle extreme volumes of water without compromising visibility or durability. Some hobbyists have experimented with hybrid designs (e.g., plywood tanks with steel frames), but they require precision engineering.

5. Recommendations for Your Project

• Consult a Professional Fabricator: Work with an experienced company specializing in custom aquariums. They can help design a hybrid tank that incorporates steel structurally while ensuring proper sealing and corrosion resistance.
• Use High-Quality Coatings: If using steel, invest in a marine-grade epoxy coating or similar product to ensure long-term resistance to water damage.
• Testing: Before adding water, conduct extensive pressure and leak testing to ensure durability.
• Alternatives to Steel: Consider plywood or fiberglass with a steel frame for added strength, as these materials are lighter and easier to maintain.

I was considering a custom built 600-750g tank with a whole tree stump as its central piece. Is it possible to build a tank with a steel plate instead of glass. Or is someone doing it now and was there any issues I should consider?