How much bowing? Safety factors

[akunochi]

SO I just punched up some math for a DIY rimless cube At 1/2" glass tank dimensions 48x48x20 with no bracing I get a safety factor of

Sides 7.15
Bottom 5.46

I am not all too concerned with teh bottom panel as the stand will be solid topped with foam as there is no bracing.

I am also considering adding an internal euro brace at the bottom or possibly a trim ring at teh bottom since neither one would be seen really.

Thoughts?

Oh as a reference the industry standard is 7.6 for rimless tanks, but much of that is due to liability.

 

[MGDMIRAGE]

I know height is a huge factor, does a 2" drop to 18" change it much? Yeah I wouldn't be too worried about the bottom if its fully supported.

 

[akunochi]

well here are some side safety numbers based on height of the tank

24" - 4.26 (DEF NOT!)

22"- 5.3

20" - 6.82

19"- 7.85

18"- 9.11

 

[MGDMIRAGE]

Yeah is 18 or 19" too shallow for ya? sure boosts the rating.

 

[akunochi]

Well. I guess I can do 19" It'll be fine lol. Maybe I'll just make the stand lower and go with the shallow tank look down theme.

 

[dnjan]

Don't forget the point load on the side when you are scraping corraline! That can make a safety factor drop quickly!

 

[akunochi]

Don't forget the point load on the side when you are scraping corraline! That can make a safety factor drop quickly!

Good point Don. I am basing it off of the industry standard of 7.6 for rimless tanks. My tank will be 7.8 before a bottom euro-brace. I hope it is sufficient.

 

[Aquanaut]

Is silicone quality a factor? Some say yes.

 

[akunochi]

Silicone quality is a factor, but one I am not concerned with as I will be using either RTV 108 or if i can find it scs1200 which is the strongest food grade silicon available. SCS1200 it used for wind tunnel test and about 20 times stronger than even rtv 108 which is what most tank manf use.