You might be wondering if your glass table is suitable enough to place your fish tanks on top of. We will answer that question and more that you might have.
In short, any flat surface that can support the size and weight of a fish tank is suitable for keeping one. Each fish keeper should try to consider the advantages and downsides for themselves before making a decision.
Let’s get into some of the key points that you must consider before placing down your fish tank.
What factors should you consider before placing a fish tank on a glass table?
Depending on how you envisioned your aquarium, a glass table may seem the best choice to elevate and display your aquatic pets. However, various factors affect whether or not a glass table can hold a fish tank. Let us go through the three primary considerations below to guarantee the safety and integrity of your aquarium.
Weight capacity of the glass table
Despite being more durable than conventional glass, tempered glass still has its limitations. Establishing and then following the weight restrictions of the glass table or shelf will help it last as long as possible.
A pressure of 10,000 PSI is commonly applied to the surface of regular fully tempered glass and can withstand up to 24,000 PSI.
With vertical support columns in the middle and edge/corner support bars, the size of the tempered glass slab can determine its safe weight capability, which can range from 400 lbs down to 30 lbs.
The amount of weight that any piece of tempered glass can support relies on several variables, including its width, height, thickness, and the separation between its supporting brackets.
Size and weight of the fish tank
At a glance, a fish tank might not appear too bulky or heavy for a glass table to handle. Avoid doing any guesswork—measure the tank’s dimensions and check if it will fit securely on the table. Moreover, when you think about how much water it can hold and what type of decorations, gravel, and other objects you wish to place in it, the overall weight can go over the limit. Failing to consider these can lead to a damaged fish tank stand and shattered glass.
Distribution of weight and stability
Ideally, the weight of the fish tank and its contents should be distributed evenly. Otherwise, certain parts of the tank and the glass table will be subjected to undue stress. Over time, this increases the risk of breakage and potential accidents wherein the tank will tip over on one side due to its unstable placement.
Impact of temperature changes
Glass expands or contracts according to temperature changes caused by the aquarium heater. Moreover, a rapid or extreme fluctuation can significantly weaken its structure, causing it to crack or shatter. If there is a risk of such occurrences, you are better off considering alternatives to a glass table for holding your fish tank.
Importance of a Large Coaster or Placemat under the Tank
Once a tank is fully assembled, they tend to become quite heavy, regardless of whether they hold 5 or 20 gallons. Since tempered glass is smooth and inherently leveled as a surface. The tanks will be properly placed on the surface.
To keep the surface of the glass from sustaining any cracks, it is essential to use coasters or placemats in between the tank and the glass to protect from scratches.
Tempered glass may shatter into small chunks and sustain scratches with pressure on a tiny surface area which can be detrimental. Using a mat under the tank prevents the glass from such harm.
Different types of glass tables and their suitability
Glass tables may be classified according to the type of glass used for their construction. Standard glass is not typically used for this because it breaks into large irregular pieces, particularly if a fish tank is not level or too heavy for the glass thickness.
In comparison, tempered glass is the better choice because it is around four times stronger than this. It breaks into tiny, relatively harmless pieces if subjected to too much stress or extreme temperature change.
For those looking for more durability, acrylic glass tables may also be a suitable option for a fish tank stand. Its strength is said to be about seventeen times greater than standard glass. However, it is prone to scratches and can appear cloudy or cheap if not maintained well.
Standard vs Tempered Glass Tables
The first thing that you need to make sure of is the type of glass that is used on the tabletop. There are actually different types of glass. Two such types are standard glass and tempered glass. The methods used to process standard glass and tempered glass are different and make a big difference in their structure and sturdiness.
Standard Glass
Standard glass is forced to cool very quickly during the annealing process which results in the glass being fragile. When put under considerable stress, standard glass shatters into large, erratic-shaped pieces.
Tempered glass
Tempered glass is noted for its safety and is roughly four times stronger than normal glass. Additionally, the tempered glass breaks into very small, harmless fragments, unlike ordinary glass.
Tempered glass is made using a similar method to standard glass but with the addition of a thermal tempering process and the glass is cooled down slowly which makes it much stronger. Tempered glass is therefore utilized in situations where human safety is a concern.
Choosing the Best Glass for Table Top
The rectangular fish tank is the most popular design. The majority of fish can move about in comfort in that shape.
If the glass table top is at least ½” thick it doesn’t have to be tempered. The thickness of the standard glass alone makes it more durable but also adds more weight to it.
Options for thick tabletops made of annealed glass include:
½” thick: Standard thickness for tops of unsupported tables such as large dining tables or TV tables with solid surfaces.
¾” thick: The most secure and dependable choice for tiny coffee and dining tables
Options for thin, tempered table top glass include:
1/8” thick: The ideal kind of glass for thin, lightweight table tops.
3/16” thick: Standard as a glass insert for side and patio tables.
¼“ thick: Perfect for use as a protective table cover for kitchen and dining tables.
For instance, a filled 12-gallon fish tank would have just a tad over 100 lbs of water in it. Factoring in the weight of the aquarium itself and the additional weight of pebbles it should not go over 200 lbs.
An 18” X 54”, ½” thick annealed glass will be able to hold around 100 lbs without cracking if placed 4 feet apart. A tempered glass with similar thickness will be able to hold up to 400 lbs.
The safest choice is a tempered glass top because it is less prone to crack and results in mishaps. Ideal for a variety of tables and settings, this transparent covering of glass is thin but strong. Protect the glass by using placemats and coasters.
What are the risks of placing a fish tank on a glass table?
While a glass table can hold a fish tank, there remains a high risk of glass shattering due to occurrences that may or may not be within your control. Let’s say that you have considered the various factors explained earlier. You still cannot completely prevent high-impact accidents that can shatter the glass.
Glass can also weaken over time, especially if subjected to frequent or rapid changes in temperature or pressure. A poor fit between the glass surface and the tank can exacerbate this. Suppose the overall weight of the aquarium is also a little too close to the upper limit of the table’s capacity. In that case, you might also end up with a broken glass table after adding more decorations, water, or accessories to your tank at a later time.
What are the alternatives to a glass table?
Tables made of wood or metal are generally safer alternatives for holding a fish tank than glass. These materials can carry heavier weights and remain stable for a longer period. Choosing wooden or metal tables will also open you to more design options because they come in many shapes, sizes, and colors.
Still, you must exercise care and prepare well before placing your fish tank on either of these alternatives. For example, if the wood’s quality is poor and the aquarium is too large, you will notice signs of bowing in no time. Metal stands can also develop rust if exposed frequently to water leaks or spills from the tank. Consider the pros and cons of each type of table to find the one that best matches your needs.
Is a Glass Table The Best Alternative to Put Fish Tanks on?
It isn’t the best choice and there are some risks associated; glass shattering or not being able to withstand the weight of the filled tank.
Wood and metal are the most widely used materials for fish tank stand since they can handle a lot of weight and are not as prone to breaking as glass tops.
The best decision would be to order a wooden or metal stand or build one. Not only will it be safer for the people and environment the tank is placed in, but also for the fish inside.
If all of the aforementioned requirements such as proper length, width, and thickness of glass are met and it is supported evenly on all four corners, a glass table will be able to support a fish tank.
But to assure durability and eliminate frequent concerns about the stand breaking, it is always advisable to get wooden or metal stands.
FAQs of putting a fish tank on a glass table
Can I put a fish tank on any table?
As a general rule, tanks under 20 gallons can be set up on a solid shelf or a strong desk with good protection. A specialized aquarium stand should be taken into consideration when setting up aquariums that are larger than that.
How much force is required to break a glass?
The normal tensile strength of glass is 7 megapascals (1,000 psi). Its potential maximum strength, however, is orders of magnitude higher: 17 gigapascals (2,500,000 psi). Due to silicon dioxide’s strong Si-O chemical bonds, this high value is possible.
Where should a fish tank not be placed?
Generally, the best area to place the fish tank is the southeast sector of your home. A fish tank should never be placed in a bedroom, the kitchen, or the center of the house.
What should you not put on a glass table?
Never set anything on a glass table that could scratch it, such as toys, books, or anything else with pointed edges or a rough, textured foundation. Plates, bowls, and cutlery should all be placed on placemats since they might cause scratches.
Should a fish tank be placed on the floor?
55-gallon aquariums may be put in practically any place without much concern. If the floor framework is free from serious flaws and users position these tanks in a good structural location, many tanks bigger than 55 gallons but no more than 125 gallons will be safe.