The effect of glass thickness on the water holding capacity of a cuboid-shaped aquarium

Abstract

The volumes of water a 3mm glass thickness Cuboid-shaped aquaria can hold was determined. Aquaria of volumes 30, 40, 50, and 60litres were designed and constructed in triplicates, cured and tested for leakages, monitored under room condition (mean temperature of 23.9 oC and mean water temperature of 18.1 oC for 49days after the introduction of water. The cuboid-shaped glass of 3mm thickness failed to hold water of volumes 50 and 60litres, but held 30 and 40Litres of water. The aquaria that failed were not so much at variance in patterns. The 3mm thickness glass is recommended for 40litres and lesser volumes of water in the cuboid-shaped aquarium to prevent possible economic loss, time wastage and stress from clean-up, loss of interest in aquarium keeping, and injury from broken glass. Such durable aquaria can increase fish survival ex-situ, and the wellbeing of aquarium fish enthusiasts thereby boosting good mood while enhancing aesthetic values of environments besides facilitating job and wealth creation for the people involved as well as, earn and foreign exchange through exports.