Glass Plate

Glass Plate

What You Should Know Before You Buy A Glass Aquarium

Buying your first aquarium is an exciting adventure. But should you select a glass aquarium or an acrylic one? Here are some tips on glass aquariums that may help you to make up your mind.

There are two main features that determine the quality of a glass fish tank - the kind of sealant that was used and the type and thickness of the glass. But, in addition, there are two kinds of glass aquariums. Some tanks are built to house water based creatures such as fish. And those that are meant to hold non-water based entities such as plants, turtles, lizards, and so on. If your intent is to house fish in your aquarium, you need to be sure that your aquarium of interest had it's sides bonded with sealant especially meant to hold water. If not, you could find that your fish tank is subject to leaks.

Primarily, glass aquariums are made of plate glass or tempered glass. Plate glass is very heavy, more than twice the weight of plexiglass which is used in many aquariums. Unlike plexiglass, however, plate glass is very scratch resistant. It's also resistant to discoloration. Tempered glass is a bit rougher and not as smooth, than plate glass. They each break different also. When plate glass breaks, it tends to break into large pieces. When tempered glass breaks, however, it shatters into a lot of pieces. Practically, what this means is that if your plate glass aquarium breaks, you'll only have a crack or hole at the point of the break, and your fish will probably still be safe. Conversely, if your tempered glass aquarium breaks, it is likely that the entire aquarium side will be shattered and you'll lose all your fish.

Glass aquariums do not insulate as well as acrylic tanks. Therefore, depending on the weather conditions in your part of the country, you will probably depend more on your tank thermostat and heater to keep the water in the aquarium at the appropriate temperatures. If you live in a warm weather climate such as Florida or Nevada, this will probably not be an issue.

Since glass tanks are heavier than acrylic tanks, you'll want to be extra careful when choosing an appropriate aquarium stand. It's true that most of the aquarium weight will come from the water itself. But, when determining if the flooring supports are strong enough to safely hold your fish tank, you have to include all weight variables - the weight of the tank, the water, and the stand.

It used to be that if you wanted aquariums that were shaped differently than the normal rectangular shape, you had to purchase an acrylic tank. This is because glass tanks were made from planes of glass, limiting them to rectangular shapes, while acrylic tanks were molded, letting them take the shape of the mold, however irregular it might be. Lately, however, new technology has allowed the creation of glass aquariums with curvy and other unique shapes, rounded corners, and seamless edges. Acrylic tanks still hold the edge in the number of unique shapes that can be created but aquarium glass technology is light years away from where it was only a few years ago.

About the Author

Jim F. Johnson is webmaster and owner of http://www.aquariumtropicalfishsite.com. find more information on all glass aquariums and fish tanks at his web site.

11-3/4 Rimmed Plate $21.95 This durable and economical ceramic plate mold is one of our most popular molds. It can be fired many times, making it an excellent value. Must be kilnwashed before use. Fits in kilns 14 or larger. Try fusing with frit (as used in star plate) or Wasser Pre-Cuts (as used in flag plate below) for simple, quick projects that make wonderful gifts and elegant additions to your dinner table. Delphi Tip Use pre-cut glass circles with plate and bowl molds. Delphi Artist Brooke Groff created the plate below with Wasser Pre-Cut Fusible Stars. Step-by-Step Make A Fused Plate in an Afternoon 1. Choose corresponding glass cirlces to create plate. Use two pre-cut glass circles for best results. 2. Decorate glass circle. Celebration plate created with Liquid Stringer, frit and confetti. 3. Fuse glass circles together. Slump into plate mold.

7-3/4 Rim Salad Plate $11.95 This durable and economical ceramic plate mold is one of our most popular molds. It can be fired many times, making it an excellent value. Must be kiln washed before use. Try fusing with frit or Wasser Pre-Cuts for simple, quick projects that make wonderful gifts and elegant additions to your dinner table. Delphi Tip Use pre-cut glass circles with plate and bowl molds. Delphi Artist Brooke Groff created the plate above with Wasser Pre-Cut Fusible Stars and compatible fusible glass. Step-by-Step Make A Fused Plate in an Afternoon 1. Choose corresponding glass cirlces to create plate. Use two pre-cut glass circles for best results. 2. Decorate glass circle. Celebration plate created with Liquid Stringer, frit and confetti. 3. Fuse glass circles together. Slump into plate mold.

Star Of David Plate Mold $24.95 A Star of David glass plate will enhance any holiday table. It can be used as a decorative dish or a serving plate. Measures almost 8 from tip to tip, 5/8 deep.

10 Rimmed Dinner Plate $14.95 This durable and economical ceramic plate mold is one of our most popular molds. It can be fired many times, making it an excellent value. Must be kilnwashed before use. Fits in kilns 12 or larger. Try fusing with frit (as used in star plate) or Wasser Pre-Cuts (as used in flag plate below) for simple, quick projects that make wonderful gifts and elegant additions to your dinner table. Mold measures 10 in diameter. Delphi Tip Use pre-cut glass circles with plate and bowl molds. Delphi Artist Brooke Groff created the plate below with Wasser Pre-Cut Fusible Stars and compatible fusible glass. Step-by-Step Make A Fused Plate in an Afternoon 1. Choose corresponding glass cirlces to create plate. Use two pre-cut glass circles for best results. 2. Decorate glass circle. Celebration plate created with Liquid Stringer, frit and confetti. 3. Fuse glass circles together. Slump into plate mold.

9 Triangle Rimmed Plate $14.95 Create uniquely shaped dinner plate molds. Triangle rimmed plate slumping mold measures 7-1/2 x 7-3/4 and is made from durable ceramics for countless firings. Image courtesy of Firelight Forms.

Glastar Molded Top Plate For G5 $17.95 This sturdy top plate comes with an insert to accommodate a 3/4 grinding head.

9-1/4 X 5-3/4 Rectangle Plate $23.95 Ceramic glass slumping molds are extremely durable for countless firings. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Large rectangular plate measures 9-1/4 x 5-3/4 x 3/4 deep.

Passover Plate Mold $47.95 Celebrate the Jewish Holidays by Making Your Fused Glass Art High quality slumping mold. Reusable mold can be fired many times. Designed to be a Passover Seder Plate, but can be used in other creative ways. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 10-1/2 diameter x 1-3/8 high. Project image courtesy of IMD Ceramics.

7 - 10 Plate Slumper Mold $73.95 Colour de Verre Molds are the Simple Way to Cast Glass Merge the age-old art of pate de verre glass casting with modern technology and contemporary design. Mold is perfect for creating jewelry or pieces to incorporate into larger projects. The open, hollow design promotes even heating and cooling. Molds can be filled with glass frit, powder, or sheet glass. A plate slumper perfectly sized for our disk and floral formers. Classic lines with convenient handholds. Dimensions 7 to 10.

6 Ripple Plate $15.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so easy to create custom home decor. Finished plate adds to the presentation of your favorite meals and snacks, and also makes great gifts. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 6 x 3/4 deep. In image above, this mold is item C. Mold A is the 4 ripple plate 81035. Mold B is the 10 ripple plate 81091.

4 Ripple Plate $11.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so easy to create custom home decor. Finished plate adds to the presentation of your favorite meals and snacks, and also makes great gifts. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 4 x 3/4 deep. In image above, this mold is item A. Mold B is the 10 ripple plate 81091. Mold C is the 6 ripple plate 81057.

8-3/4 Square Tile Plate $16.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so easy to create custom home decor. Finished plate adds to the presentation of your favorite meals and snacks, and also makes great gifts. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 8-3/4 square. Inner square measures 6. Mold is 1 deep. In image above, this mold is item B. Mold A is the 6-3/4 square tile plate 81048. Mold C is the 6-3/4 round tile plate 810408. Mold D is the 8 round tile plate 810417.

6-3/4 Square Tile Plate $14.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so easy to create custom home decor. Finished plate adds to the presentation of your favorite meals and snacks, and also makes great gifts. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 6-3/4 square. Inner square measures 4-3/4. Mold is 1 deep. In image above, this mold is item A. Mold B is the 8-3/4 square tile plate 81069. Mold C is the 6-3/4 round tile plate 810408. Mold D is the 8 round tile plate 810417.

8 Abstract Plate Mold $36.95 Create contemporary art with this fun and funky plate mold. Reusable mold is predrilled and can be fired many times. Mold must be kiln washed before use. Measures 8 in diameter.

14 Abstract Plate Mold $36.93 Create contemporary art with this fun and funky plate mold. Reusable mold is pre-drilled and can be fired many times. Mold must be kiln washed before use. Measures 14 in diameter.

Offset Oval Plate Mold $52.95 The simple shape of these molds lends itself well to all design styles and offers the perfect canvas for your creativity. Make everyday dishware, elegant entertaining sets, or unique centerpieces all from one mold. Mold Measures approximately 10 x 11. Kiln wash before use. Blue plate set by artist Karina Foster. Pot melt plate by artist Mollie Barrow.

6 Hexagon Plate $22.95 Firelight Form Ceramic Molds are easy to use, and durable for countless firings. The convenient size of this small plate mold is ideal for smaller kilns, and the unique shape will make each plate something special. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Apply kiln wash before use. Mold measures 6 diameter x 1/2 deep.

11 Free Spiral Texture Plate $93.95 A Fused Glass Plate with a Modern Spin The spiral texture of this mold will add dimension to your next fusing project. Notice how the design starts away from the outer lip so your glass doesn and 39;t end up with an irregular edge. This high quality ceramic mold can be fired multiple times. Use alone to make flat plates, or slump into textured glass bowls with the Wave Form Slumper (item 40992). Mold measures 11 in diameter and fits in most medium sized kilns like the Skutt Firebox 14 (item 71314). Kiln wash mold before use. First image below shows a glass bowl and plate made using this mold. Images provided by Fuse Master.

11 Uniform Spiral Texture Plate $93.95 A Fused Glass Plate with a Modern Spin The spiral texture of this mold will add dimension to your next fusing project. Notice how the design starts away from the outer lip so your glass doesn and 39;t end up with an irregular edge. This high quality ceramic mold can be fired multiple times. Use alone to make flat plates, or slump into textured glass bowls with the Wave Form Slumper (item 40992). Mold measures 11 in diameter and fits in most medium sized kilns like the Skutt Firebox 14 (item 71314). Kiln wash mold before use. First image below shows a glass bowl and plate made using this mold. Images provided by Fuse Master.

6 Round Tile Plate $12.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so simple to create custom home decor. Finished project makes a great gift. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 6-3/4 in diameter. Inside circle measure 4-3/4 in diameter. Mold is 1 deep. In image above, this mold is item C. Mold A is the 6-3/4 square tile plate 81048. Mold B is the 8-3/4 square tile plate 81069. Mold D is the 8 round tile plate 810417.

8 Round Tile Plate $16.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so simple to create custom home decor. Finished project makes a great gift. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 8 in diameter. Inner circle measures 6 in diameter. Mold is 1 deep. In image above, this mold is item D. Mold A is the 6-3/4 square tile plate 81048. Mold B is the 8-3/4 square tile plate 81069. Mold C is the 6-3/4 round tile plate 810408.

9-4/5 Square Rimmed Plate $17.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so easy to create custom home decor. Finished plate adds to the presentation of your favorite meals and snacks, and also makes great gifts. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 9-4/5 x 1-1/4 deep with a 1-1/8 rim. In image above, this mold is item D. Mold A is the 15-3/4 square rimmed platter 810210. Mold B is the 13-3/4 square rimmed platter 810200. Mold C is the 12-1/2 square rimmed plate 810156. Mold E is the 8 square rimmed plate 81059.

London Plate Mold $40.95 The London Plate Mold gives you a full canvas for creating custom designs and is conveniently pre-drilled. Use this versatile, reusable mold for slumping or casting. Apply kiln wash before use. Mold measures 9-1/2 x 13-1/2 x 1 deep with a 1-3/16 lip. Project created by artist Lisa Parks.

10-1/4 Coupe Dinner Plate $12.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so easy to create custom home decor. Finished plate adds to the presentation of your favorite meals and snacks, and also makes great gifts. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 10-1/4 x 1-1/4 deep. In image above, this mold is item A. Mold B is the 12-1/4 coupe charger plate 81075.

10 Ripple Plate $21.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so simple to create custom home decor. Finished project makes a great gift. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 10 x 3/4 deep. In image above, this mold is item B. Mold A is the 4 ripple plate 81035. Mold C is the 6 ripple plate 81057.

10 Triangle Plate $16.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so easy to create custom home decor. Finished plate adds to the presentation of your favorite meals and snacks, and also makes great gifts. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 10 x 1-1/4 deep. In image above, this mold is item B. Mold A is the 14 triangle plate 810171.

6-3/4 Radial Plate $17.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so easy to create custom home decor. Finished plate adds to the presentation of your favorite meals and snacks, and also makes great gifts. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 6-3/4 x 1-1/4 deep. In image above, this mold is item B. Mold A is the 10 radial plate 81099.

12-1/4 Coupe Charger Plate $18.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so easy to create custom home decor. Finished plate adds to the presentation of your favorite meals and snacks, and also makes great gifts. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 12-1/4 x 1-1/4 deep. In image above, this mold is item B. Mold A is the 10-1/4 coupe dinner plate 81042.

10-3/5 Sushi Plate $17.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so easy to create custom home decor. Finished plate adds to the presentation of your favorite meals and snacks, and also makes great gifts. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 10-3/5 square. In image above, this mold is item B. Mold A is the 9 sushi plate 81055.

9-1/8 Reflection Plate $18.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so easy to create custom home decor. Finished plate adds to the presentation of your favorite meals and snacks, and also makes great gifts. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 9-1/8 x 7/8 deep. Center measures 5-7/8 square x 1/2 deep. In image above, this mold is item A. Mold B is the 11 reflection plate 810124.

9 Sushi Plate $17.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so easy to create custom home decor. Finished plate adds to the presentation of your favorite meals and snacks, and also makes great gifts. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 9 square. In image above, this mold is item A. Mold B is the 10-3/5 sushi plate 81079.

Cabbage Leaf Plate $11.95 Celebrate Life This unique slumping mold features a delicate wavy, natural design similar to a cabbage leaf. Made from high-quality ceramic. Measures 8 long by 6-3/8 wide by 3/4 deep. Excellent for a salad bowl or decorative plate. Delphi Tip We suggest using MR-97 Boron Nitride Mold Release (item 93701) to preserve the fine details of this mold. Please note, because MR-97 seals the surface, once you apply it on your mold, you will not be able to go back to a traditional primer. Projects shown below created by artist Karina Foster using Cabbage Leaf Plate and Flower Bowl 95604.

Aanraku Plate Holder Add On $8.95 Make the most of your Plate Holder Set ( 63860) by purchasing additional sets and/or additional spacer bars. Add on measures 4-1/2 high. For the perfect sized drill holes use a 1/4 diamond drill bit. You can create nearly limitless configurations, use a large oval or rectangle plate as bottom tier and run two vertical posts through it. Sets disassemble easily for washing, flat storage, or to reconfigure for any occasion with different platters, plates and accents, so they and 39;ll always be in style no matter the season. Image courtesy of Aanraku.

11 Pumpkin Plate $47.95 Bring the Beauty of Autumn Indoors with Glass Glass pumpkins are a favorite project. Slump gorgeous ring mottled glass, or fuse brilliant oranges and greens to create a festive decoration or serving dish. Mold features realistic pumpkin detail, which is shown in your finished glass project (see example below). Pre-drilled sturdy ceramic mold can be fired many times. Kiln wash before use. Mold 11-3/5 x 11 x 2 deep. Delphi artist Roy Kapp created the pumpkin shown by fusing orange and green glass, and adding stem detail with Bullseye green rod.

12-1/2 Square Rimmed Plate $29.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so simple to create custom home decor. Finished project makes a great gift. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 12-1/2 square x 1-1/2 deep with a 1-5/8 rim. In image above, this mold is item C. Mold A is the 15-3/4 square rimmed platter 810210. Mold B is the 13-3/4 square rimmed platter 810200. Mold D is the 9-4/5 square rimmed plate 81077. Mold E is the 8 square rimmed plate 81059.

Aanraku Plate Holder $21.95 Design your own tiered serving plates for every occasion. Attractive stainless steel bases feature threaded fittings so you can assemble them to hold a single plate, stack on a second tier, or add an extension bar( 63861) for even more layers. 5 diameter base x 10-1/2 high overall. Vertical space between tiers is 4-1/2 high. To achieve the perfect sized hole use a 1/4 diamond drill bit. Make the most of your set by purchasing additional sets and/or additional spacer bars. You can create nearly limitless configurations, use a large oval or rectangle plate as bottom tier and run two vertical posts through it. Sets disassemble easily for washing, flat storage, or to reconfigure for any occasion with different platters, plates and accents, so they and 39;ll always be in style no matter the season. Image courtesy of Aanraku.

14 Triangle Plate $31.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so simple to create custom home decor. Finished project makes a great gift. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 14 x 1-1/4 deep. In image above, this mold is item A. Mold B is the 10 triangle plate 81073.

12-1/2 Flared Square Plate $31.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so simple to create custom home decor. Finished project makes a great gift. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 12-1/2 x 1 deep. In image above, this mold is item A. Mold B is the 8-1/2 flared square plate 81072.

9-1/4 Ripple Square Plate $23.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so simple to create custom home decor. Finished project makes a great gift. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 9-1/4 x 1 deep. In image above, this mold is item B. Mold A is the 11-1/4 ripple square plate 810149.

10 Radial Plate $20.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so simple to create custom home decor. Finished project makes a great gift. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 10 x 1-1/4 deep. In image above, this mold is item A. Mold B is the 6-3/4 radial plate 81074.