Question?/Answer?

[abnmonty]

Because my Platy's have reproduced at a repid pace they have out grown the 10 gallon fish tank where I had them.

That being the case, I decided to get them a 30 gallon tank so that they would have more room to do their natural thing and not be encumbered by the platy crowd?

I went shopping for a fish tank and walked into one of the local pet shops. I told the dealer what I was looking for he told me that he only sold thin glass fish tanks because the fish could be viewed much better and the glass was just as strong as thick glass.

Since I don't know that much about fish tanks, I certainly didn't feel that I could give him a good argument about his tank expertise so I thanked him and left.

The answer that he gave me has me puzzled because I always thought that the thicker the glass the stronger the tank would be. Now I am not so certain and this is my dilemma. What do you think about the glass thinness or thickness of a fish tank?

Anyway, here I sit waiting patiently for answers to this oh so tough question....

[CrazieEddie]

I'm not familiar with tank manufacturing, but I believe there is a common standard for each tank size. I know the real old large tanks are made of thicker glass, which do not have a center brace. These tanks can support the slight bend of a full tank. Of course, the newer tanks have thinner glass, but with a center brace, which will also support a full tank. I have an old 75 gallon tank with no center brace, but has thick glass. This of course, makes the tank alot heavier, but harder to look for hoods, since most hoods are made with tanks with center braces.

I guess the question is if the tank he is selling has any type of manufactur's waranty. If not, I would not trust it. I would also trust a tank from a reputable company (Perfecto, All-Glass, TopFin, etc.).

If the manufacturer of the aquarium is unknown to you or anyone at this forum, you may be able to do a Google search on the name.

[waruss]

Aquariums made with tempered glass will have thinner glass panes used. Tempered glass is harder and can withstand greater pressures than standard glass of the same thickness. It does not have anything to do with glass clarity - I don't think anyone could tell the difference in visual clarity between a 1/4" thick and a 3/8" thick piece of glass. The thinner, tempered, glass is lighter so the shipping costs are less. Tempered glass also cannot be drilled or cut by the lay person, it would have to be softened (anealed) and modified by a professional.

IMO, if the LFS will honor a warranty, buy it.

[abnmonty]

You all have always been there to give me answers to my many, many questions.

The tank manufacture is "All-Glass". I don't know if the glass is tempered, I am assuming that it is since CrazieEddie knew the manufacturer. I will call the dealer tomorrow and ask him. Thanks again!:D

[CrazieEddie]

Ward brought up some good points, but you should have no problems, since All-Glass is a reputable company. I believe they're located in Wisconsin.

[waruss]

So far, my personal preferances are AGA and Oceanic. Both are high quality.
JMO