72" x48" x24" tall build

[Lepisosteus]

So after selling that last acrylic tank I've decided to build my own with the title dimensions. What I'm wondering is what thickness I should use? I was told 1/2" would be good for a 2ft high tank but will it be ok with a 4ft width? The tank will be braced

 

[bbortko]

It's been awhile since I toyed with the idea of building an aquarium but I don't remember anything stating footprint affected thickness, only height. I would recommend getting quotes before spending too much time unless you enjoy the research but I would have only saved 200-300 on a $1600 tank which for me wasn't enough to justify the time and lack of warranty.

 

[Lepisosteus]

It's been awhile since I toyed with the idea of building an aquarium but I don't remember anything stating footprint affected thickness, only height. I would recommend getting quotes before spending too much time unless you enjoy the research but I would have only saved 200-300 on a $1600 tank which for me wasn't enough to justify the time and lack of warranty.

Prices must be a lot different. This 350 gallon tank custom dimensions would be 2500$+ but to build myself 1600$

 

[DDK]

width has no value here as long as its properly braced.

http://diyfishkeepers.com/AcrylicThicknessCalculator.htm

A simple calculator will state 3/4 inch thickness is required but these calculators are generally programmed to give thickness on the safe side. I'm sure you could have it 1/2 inch thick panels and be fine if you know what your doing. If you're a little sketched/have little experience, go with the 3/4 inch but at that price its going to cost a bit more.. around 2200 or 2300 in materials if my prices of acrylic are correct. Dunno if its gonna be worth it at that price to you but check your local prices of acrylic.

 

[Lepisosteus]

I got a price quote on the acrylic for 1200$ cut to the sizes I need. Thats 1/2" thick

 

[Gill Blue]

A simple calculator will state 3/4 inch thickness is required but these calculators are generally programmed to give thickness on the safe side. I'm sure you could have it 1/2 inch thick panels and be fine if you know what your doing. .

what about the people who think they know what they're doing?

personally, I think it's rather stupid to save 3-4 hundred dollars now when the consequences can easily run into the thousands. not to mention how you're going to feel when all your fish are flopping on the floor.

 

[Lepisosteus]

Why is 1/2" acrylic not thick enough for this build if it has proper bracing?

 

[DarrylTheFish]

i haven't been keeping fish for long but I have been looking into building my own next year and all the 300 plus tanks i see use 3/4" bottom and 1/2 or 5/8" sides. I would also like to include that bracing is never a bad idea. Better Safe Then Sorry

 

[Lepisosteus]

i haven't been keeping fish for long but I have been looking into building my own next year and all the 300 plus tanks i see use 3/4" bottom and 1/2 or 5/8" sides. I would also like to include that bracing is never a bad idea. Better Safe Then Sorry

Alright thank you