300+ Acrylic Tank support needed?

[johndirst]

I am not sure if this is the correct place to post, but I have a few questions about a large(r) acrylic tank since I have never owned one (always have had glass).

I am looking at purchasing a 360 gallon acrylic that is 8'x2'x3' that has 1" thick sides (according to the seller, I haven't seen the tank yet). I recently found out that the stand does not have a solid top to support the bottom of the tank. Reading online I have found that acrylic tanks should be supported at the bottom to reduce the chance the seems will fail. Now the tank is new and has only been filled with water for a few weeks, but here are my questions:

1. Assuming the bottom is 1" thick as the sides, is this thick enough to justify not having a piece of plywood supporting the bottom of the tank?

2. If I bought the tank I would put a piece of plywood on the stand for support, but has the damage already been done by having it set up this way even for only a short time?

3. What thickness plywood (and what type) is recommended?

Thanks for the help, I have been into freshwater fish for a while, but this site has inspired me to go bigger than I have before (125 is my largest tank atm).



~"Anything worth doing, is worth over-doing!"

 

[polish]

I'd support the entire bottom then put foam between the tank and stand as well. 3/4" Plywood and foam would be fine, 1/2" may would also work fine as well.

However 1" Acrylic is really thick, so it would likely be fine either way if it is indeed 1".

Now with all that said I have a 100g Acrylic Clarity Plus system that is not at all supported all the way. The tank is only supported by the perimeter of the Acrylic sump/stand and the 5 dividers across the middle which divide the sump into 6 1' sections. The tank itself bows under each one of the sections. However it also bows on the front and back to because it's only 3/8" Acrylic. I bought it used and while it's currently not setup I had it setup for a couple years and the guy before me had it setup for years as well. So while some may say you should support the entire bottom for safety sake (me included) it isn't needed 100%...

Here is a photo of under the tank between two dividers. You can see the sag if you click the pic to enlarge it. Oh and also there is no support at all across the front of the tank aside from the dividers.

 

[johndirst]

Thanks polish!
That is a bit of a relief and I agree that 1" is very thick. Of course when you have a tank that is 3 feet tall, 1" (or something close to that) is needed

I would definitely support the bottom for just peace of mind, but may I ask what the foam you suggested is for? Also, would that just be standard foam insulation you would buy at a hardware store?

 

[polish]

The foam is just to provide a smooth surface for the acrylic to sit on. Plywood isn't exactly smooth usually and it could make a pressure point on the tank causing stress. The foam eliminates that possibility. Plus having a little cushion underneath a few thousand pounds is a good thing.

Yep, just standard blue insulating foam board from Lowes or wherever... It will also help insulate the bottom of the tank to keep heat in.

 

[johndirst]

I guess the only question now is can I justify spending $1500 for the tank and stand

 

[tellemuno]

I guess the only question now is can I justify spending $1500 for the tank and stand

i found a 180 with a 50g sump all the plumming, the whole set up an the tank is 1year old for 500. r u getting anything else with it?

 

[johndirst]

That sounds like a deal, but I currently have a 125 and am looking for a 300+ for my Pacu. Also, I live in Ohio, so it would have to be close.

The tank, stand and canopy are selling for $1300 but it is going to cost me about $200 to rent a truck and drive it back home

Decent price if you ask me, which is why I am considering driving the 3 hours to pick this tank up. I actually wouldn't be setting the tank up for a solid year when I get a house, but I don't want to let a good deal pass by (even though a better deal could come in the next year).

 

[tellemuno]

That sounds like a deal, but I currently have a 125 and am looking for a 300+ for my Pacu. Also, I live in Ohio, so it would have to be close.

The tank, stand and canopy are selling for $1300 but it is going to cost me about $200 to rent a truck and drive it back home

Decent price if you ask me, which is why I am considering driving the 3 hours to pick this tank up. I actually wouldn't be setting the tank up for a solid year when I get a house, but I don't want to let a good deal pass by (even though a better deal could come in the next year).

ya, that how i am, get it when u can bcuz if u wait it will b gone. and that is a good deal bcuz an aqrlic tank

cost a arm and a leg brand new, so consider ur self lucky an get at it

 

[johndirst]

ya, that how i am, get it when u can bcuz if u wait it will b gone. and that is a good deal bcuz an aqrlic tank

cost a arm and a leg brand new, so consider ur self lucky an get at it

I am actually trying not to buy the tank right now cause I dont need it atm, but everyone (including my gf) is saying what you are saying and that I will regret it if I don't get it now

It's only money, right?

 

[tellemuno]

I am actually trying not to buy the tank right now cause I dont need it atm, but everyone (including my gf) is saying what you are saying and that I will regret it if I don't get it now

It's only money, right?

an thats all it is, jus money. u said a mouth full! life is short live good man.