Large acrylic build question

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Torchia32

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Sep 8, 2014
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Hey guys I'm thinking about starting a large build. I've done several builds before, but none over 180 gallons. This one will be closer to 500 and my question is on the thickness of the acrylic vs the height. I'm thinking About 96lx36wx30h. Do you think 1/2 cast acrylic would be sufficient for this? Or am I opening up a can of worms going taller than 24 inches on a tank this long?


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predatorkeeper87

Potamotrygon
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Sep 8, 2014
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I'd say you are going to want to go at least 3/4 but I worry about everything, or just knock 6 inches off your height haha. I have a professionally built 310 that's 1/2" acrylic, and its only 24 tall, and it still scared me to fill it haha.
 
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Torchia32

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Sep 8, 2014
196
11
33
California
Haha ya you save a few bucks on thickness but have anxiety and high blood pressure for the 5 years you have the tank. I've never built anything taller then 24 inches so I was curious. If it's completely out of the question at 1/2 thick I may knock it down to 24.


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predatorkeeper87

Potamotrygon
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I wouldn't say out of the question, but I'd brace that thing top and bottom and use weld on #40 in 1" thick beads in all the corners haha.
 
jsodwi

jsodwi

Blue Tier VIP
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Jul 9, 2005
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I have a 30" with 3/4". Which was built very well and a 24" with 1/2" acrylic that bows a bit. I would never buy a tank with 1/2" again unless it was super cheap and I reinforced it
 
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predatorkeeper87

Potamotrygon
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Sep 8, 2014
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Torchia32 said:
Also if 1/2 inch is iffy for this build. Would 3/4 inch front back and sides with a 1/2 inch bottom and top be a possibility?


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I wouldn't see an issue there, just level it and I think you should be fine. Kind of the same principle as using tempered glass on the bottom panes of glass builds, just can't use it the whole way around haha.
 
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predatorkeeper87

Potamotrygon
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Torchia32 said:
On the top, do you think euro bracing would be fine instead of an entire sheet with a few cutouts for lids?


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ehhhh I want to say yes probably but in this case as big as this tank is I'd probably feel safer saying a full sheet with access holes cut out would be safer. You'd need at least 4 sections to do a eurobrace, well I mean that's what I'd go with anyhow haha
 
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