whiskey1944

Hi , as im new to the forum, which way would you go glass or plastic for koi window and why?
There is even bullet proof glass, laminated glass, safety glass and polycarbonate etc

pmplumber

go for glass every time pal, ive seen a few with plastic/perspex and after a few years they look awful. and unless your window is gonna be submurged by quite a depth in a ig pond id stay away from bullet proof, thats unless your a millionair lol. ive got 2 x 5.1mm toughned sheets laminated together, built without a lintal soo i can see the water from top and through glass i think they call it the infinity look. but thats holding back 2500 gallons and holds lovely. looks great too.

Mark i

Hi Whiskey,

Glass every time mate, as pmplumber said plastic doesnt age too well. Give Richard at Atlantica gardens a call, I got mine from him. He is a very helpful guy.

Regards Mark

go54nke

My acrylic window is still crystal clear on the old pond, been there 7 years, same stuff as used in the sealife centres.

__________________
All the best, Al

whiskey1944

yea been talking to richard , he download me instructions on fitting window without metal frame...less harm to fish on screws...

whiskey1944

hi has anyone used LEXAN plastic, as been told by another forum its used in seaworld for their windows, although their water pressure would be greater than mine and thicker.

Hawk101

On the subject of glass, does anyone know how the thickness needed is calculated? Is there a rule of thumb or a formula available?

go54nke

Hi Whiskey,

Acrylic is used in large aquarium displays, not lexan.

I've had a few windows for myself and friends made up here... Bespoke Aquarium Solutions & Custom Built Aquariums - ATL really helpful to deal with.

__________________
All the best, Al

pmplumber

well any good glass manufacturer will work out the stress levels if you provide them with your details, i.e pond depth, volume and where you are to position the glass.they will always recommend a thickness well within its limits. if you know a window fitter he should know a glass company who will make, cut and polish your glass. i used stainless framing which i bought from b&q and fixed with stainless screws also from b&q all in all it cost me 160 nicker, fitted myself so no fitting charge either. id put a pic on if i knew how to

ILoveFish

i have always thought about putting a window in to my pool but to me it seems like a hard thing to do so better safe then sorry lol,
maybe if someone that has done it before and has the time could put a step by step guild on fitting one? maybe there would be a few more people willing to try this i know i would,

/Neil