30" deep tank, 1/2" acrylic should I be worried?

[turboGarrett]

Bought this tank used about 2 years ago, it has been up and running fine since then. Dimensions are 96L X 24W X 30H. I know now it should have been constructed of 3/4" acrylic, but at the time I bought it did not not do the research beforehand. It does have a bow to it when you look down the long side.

Should I be worried about the tank coming apart? Are there things I could do to strengthen it, such as adding some kind of corner bracing, etc? I just hate the thought of something happening.

I do plan on building a true monster diy tank, but realistically that probably wont happen for a couple years.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks-Garrett

 

[nomad]

Comfort levels are different from person to person ....Giving the fact that is 30" tall (top to bottom - the title is a little deceiving) I personally wouldn't be comfortable . I would probably fill it half way and make a riparium out of it.

 

[aldiaz33]

How do the seams look? I'll be honest, I passed up on a few used tanks because they were built out of .5" acrylic at 30" tall. But if it's been up and running for years and the seams still look good (not cloudy/hazy with very few or no bubbles) then who's to say the seam is definitely going to fail now? Check the seams on a regular basis to make sure the weld is not separating. In regards to reinforcing the seams, I have seen people add a rod of square acrylic. I actually had a 240 that had square rod across the front bottom seam. I kept that tank in the garage so that if it failed, it wasn't the end of the world. At a certain point though you have to weigh the risks and potential damages that 300 gallons of water will cause, versus just spending the money to by an appropriately built tank.

 

[turboGarrett]

The seams look to be in decent shape, I have been keeping a close eye on them and haven't noticed any areas that look to be separating.

I have dug up some other threads where the square pieces were added to the inside. Id like to try to add some strength externally if possible. Maybe 1/2" "L" shaped pieces bonded along the vertical corners...

Will also watch Craigslist and the classifieds for a deal on a sturdier tank.