Is it tempered?

[EricDP]

A word of wisdom to share. No matter how small or cheap the tank is, never assume it’s not tempered glass. I tore down an old 10 gallon Walmart tank tonight to cut some baffles for my new sump. Didn’t even think to test for tempered first… what a shock when it exploded in my hands!

 

[braaap]

Sides of those usually are. Bottom shouldn’t be. But it’s been 15 years since I cared enough to check. It’s cheaper and easier to just have glass cut.

 

[EricDP]

Interestingly, as you suggested, it looks like the bottom is not. Why would that be? On the bigger tanks, it’s usually the bottom that is tempered and the sides not. :face-with-raised-eyebrow:

 

[braaap]

Interestingly, as you suggested, it looks like the bottom is not. Why would that be? On the bigger tanks, it’s usually the bottom that is tempered and the sides not. :?

I’m not entirely sure WHY they choose what is or isn’t tempered. I’d assume it’s a strength thing. But on many larger tanks the back and bottom are not so they can be drilled for returns/overflows but the sides are.

But maybe now a days none of them are. I honestly don’t know. I’ve never tested my IM tank because I have no plans to drill it. But maybe I will tomorrow. Interesting idea.