Hidden-seam aquarium glass size calculator
Use this tool when you are building (or ordering) a frameless / hidden-silicone tank and need panel cut sizes that account for glass thickness and overlap — not just the outer “advertised” length × width × height.
What you enter
- Outer dimensions you want the finished tank to occupy (L × W × H).
- Glass thickness (common hobby sizes: 5 / 6 / 8 / 10 / 12 mm — thicker for taller walls).
What you get
- Cut list for front, back, sides, and bottom panels.
- Seam allowances consistent with a no visible aluminum frame build.
Field notes before you cut
- Confirm units (mm vs cm) with your glass shop — one mismatch ruins a full set.
- Height vs thickness: tall columns need thicker glass or bracing; this calculator sizes panels, it does not replace structural engineering for very tall tanks.
- Bottom panel: usually sits inside the walls or under them depending on your builder’s method — match their preferred joint style before ordering.
- Safety: order tempered only where your builder specifies; most aquariums use annealed glass with polished edges.
Enter your numbers below, then copy the cut list to your fabricator. If you keep a planted tank budget, pair this with a nano BOM or a larger setup guide after the glass is ordered.