Metal Monster 650 is it possible? in progress!

wednesday13

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Mar 2, 2008
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Finally have enough work done to talk about my build, need some advice from the masters, here are the Dimensions :

L108" W48" H29" (trying to get it through a door!)

Materials 2.5" x 1/8'' Steel angle frame, .5"x.5" solid square stock supports around the sides and back every 7.5", overkill i hope. I also have some removable top supports 2" x 3" box tube, each welded to a strip of 1/8"x4" for extra strength. plan on getting the frame sprayed with rhino liner or using epoxy paint.

With a steel frame what thickness of acrylic could i get away with?
im thinking 12mm cast, but the front viewing panel of the tank is only 24" x 87". i added more steel to the front to cut the cost as much as possible by using an 8ft. sheet insted of a 9ft. i overkilled again having the sides with 4.5" supporting the glass just to be safe.

Also ideas for the bottom,sides, and back . Its either wood or polypropolene
 

cvermeulen

Jack Dempsey
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Jun 4, 2007
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you might get away with 1/2" on that front pane but it will bulge like an SOB and you'll always be worrying about wet carpets. I'd recommend 3/4" for the peace of mind factor.
 

Pharaoh

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I wouldn't recommend 1/2" either. Bowing is unattractive.
 

wednesday13

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Finally graduated college, got a real job, and can finish this long awaiting project. My metal frame has been completed by myself for 7 months now and its finally going to get its guts :headbang2. A Bonus at work helped me order 4 sheets of .5'' polypropolene and a 1 sheet of 3/4'' cast acrylic. Should be overkill as is the rest of the tank. You could hit it with a car and it would probably be ok. Also, plan on heat welding the seams together like JohnPTC. ****in stoked! ha...posting pics very soon.
 

wednesday13

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Mar 2, 2008
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Opening my studio with this project....its a mess ha! nothing worth taking pictures of yet....running electric this week, installing metal paneling for a welding area and making a small paint booth. soon as the junk is gone i can dig out my frame, take a pic and quit talking about it! :nilly:
 
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