Glass growth question

[richard]

I'm staring at my large growths of algae on the back side of my tank, which is now horboring cyanobacteria (which is getting better since moving out half the animals), and I notice that some java moss is starting to stick to the glass. I think it would be cool to have a tank with the back side glass covered in moss, but I wonder.... could the moss ever grow into the glass and crack it? Has anyone ever heard of tank glass breaking from moss growing on it? Just pondering.

 

[shawn]

i dont think it would it would take a pretty long time for that to happen and the moss would sureley have to work hard at wearing itself into the glass to even approach cracking it. but i like the idea sounds sweet i just wouldnt go much more over half way up the back unless you have a good cover on the back part of the tank that will prevent your newts/salamanders from climbing the moss and climbing out.
Wolfie

 

[jennifer]

There is absolutely no way moss or algae could grow into or break the glass itself. However, if the tank is old, the silicone sealant at the corners of the tank can get old and begin to break down. It's remotely possible that the moss or algae could root itself into the silicone, but it would have to be old silicone that is deteriorating anyway. With weakened support at the corners, the glass could break from the weight of the water. But I think even this scenario is very unlikely.

 

[clarence]

a friend of mine who keeps marine tanks used the .25 inch gapped grate like you see in office ceiling fixtures or in some home-brewed sump filters. He cut it to size and placed it flush against the back wall of his aquarium. This provided a lot of surface area for algae and plants to grow, and provided a very nice, natural background once it had all grown in.