Maybe this is an odd question...

[johnmackay70]

Why are the bottom of glass aquariums made out of glass (and mayber the back panel as well)?

It seems like it would be much cheaper for them to be molded (1 piece bottom, bottom frame and back) out of some strong plastic compund.

This seems like it would have multiple benifits:
-lighter tank
-stronger bottom seam/seal
-easier/cheaper drilling (wouldn't need diamond bits)
-no more painting tank backs

internal overflows could be molder into the design as well - this would bring even more stability/strength to the tank.

 

[v8fla]

My new tank is a PVC bottom.. the back is still glass though. I think why it isn't more popular is because it is more difficult/exspensive to build.

 

[superclown]

Good question.

 

[frantz]

Glass is pretty cheap and from an conservation perspective we have plenty of sand to make it with =-D