Glass guide: glass for vivariums
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Vivariums need to be sturdy and safe. Find out how our toughened and laminated glass products fit the bill.
Vivariums can be made out of acrylic, polycarbonate or glass. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. In our opinion, however, glass is best.
You might hear it said that acrylic and polycarbonate are superior choices of materials because they can be cut and drilled easily. Acrylic, however, has a tendency to bow – and both materials discolour over time.
Glass, by contrast, is sturdy and easy to clean. Not any glass will do, however. When it comes to vivariums, safety is everything – so safety glass is a must.
"Safety glass" is an umbrella term for any type of glass built for extra safety and security. The two main types are
toughened glass and
laminated glass. These are used for everything from shopfronts to kitchen splashbacks, from grand facades to modest tabletops.
What is toughened glass?
Toughened glass is a type of safety glass that's up to five times stronger than standard annealed or float glass. On top of this, it breaks in a way designed to minimise the chance of harm to passersby.
It's heated and then rapidly cooled. This acts on the molecular composition of the glass and means that when it breaks, it breaks into lots of tiny pieces. Compare this to the sharp shards created by standard glass and you'll see why toughened glass is a type of safety glass.
Why should you use toughened glass for a vivarium?
Toughened glass is suitable for vivariums because it's strong and breaks safely. It's also a versatile glass product. Processors can add colour and texture. They can add a screen-printed or digitally printed design. They can even illuminate it with LED strips.
Glass processors can also make the borders smooth to the touch. This makes it safer to handle and can make the finished vivarium more aesthetically pleasing.
It's important to note that toughened glass can only be drilled or cut
before it's toughened. If you attempt to modify it afterwards, it will shatter into smithereens.
What is laminated glass and why should you use it for a vivarium?
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass consisting of two sheets of glass and a plastic interlayer. This interlayer means that when the glass is smashed, it stays in its frame. This makes it ideal for vivariums, terrariums, tanks and other enclosures.
You can also get glass that's toughened
and laminated. This is used in structural glazing for glass installations that needs to bear heavy weights. Unless you're building a vivarium in a high-risk area, toughened or laminated glass alone will do.
Cutting laminated glass takes skill and you may run into trouble if you attempt it yourself. This is one reason why providing your glass processor with a detailed design can reap dividends down the line.
Are you looking for high-quality glass for vivariums? With more than 30 years of experience, ToughGlaze is one of the most trusted names in the industry. Explore our
tempered glass products to get started – or
get in touch to request a quick, competitive quote.
