RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WATER VOLUMES, SHAPES, GLASS THICKNESSES, AND WATER HOLDING CAPACITY OF 60 LITRES GLASS AQUARIA

Abstract

The relationship between water volumes, glass thickness, and water holding capacity 60 Litres (L) glass aquaria were done using of three: shapes and thicknesses. Glass aquaria were designed and constructed using 3 mm, 4 mm and 5 mm thicknesses glass for Tower, Prism and Cuboid shapes in triplicate and they were tested for leakages. Water was introduced into each aquarium and monitored under room condition for 49 days. A significant difference occurred (p < 0.05) in the volume of water that can be retained by various shapes and thicknesses of glass aquaria. Aquaria of 3 mm thickness glass failed in retention of water of 60 L in all the shapes with a significant difference (p < 0.05) between shapes. 4 mm and 5 mm thicknesses failed in Prism and Tower shaped, during and shortly after filling without a significant difference (p > 0.05), while Cuboid shaped retained water, without significant difference (p > 0.05) occurred between 4 mm and 5 mm glass thicknesses in water retention capacity. Significantly different (p < 0.05) occurred between shapes and between glass thicknesses. 4 mm and 5 mm thicknesses are recommended for the construction of Cuboid shaped 60 L aquaria. Opportunity for choice of glass thicknesses based on customers’ financial ability exist between 4 mm and 5 mm for Cuboid shaped glass aquaria, minimizing loss of time, money, power and materials and increase healthy nation, job creation and wealth for the people are attainable based on this research outcome.