A question to those who have acrylic tanks

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Psylant

Fire Eel
MFK Member
May 24, 2011
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Canada
I want to build a large acrylic tank myself after watching Joey's videos (They are excellent!). Something like 8' x 4' x 2' or maybe 8' x 30" x 30" (so that I could fit it through doorways).

I know that there are thickness calculators out there, but I also know that many of you have 8' x 4' x 2' setups that are made of 1/2". I want to hear your stories about how they are holding up, if you've had any problems with them, or if you would change the way you did something. This goes for any DIY acrylic tank, but I'm especially interested in the sizes I listed! Thanks everyone :headbang2
 
My tank is 125g 54" x 23" x 24" 3/4" acrylic with built in overflow, 2x 1/2" braces at the top (front to back) @ 1/3 and 2/3 positions and it's a champion. I've never had any issues with it.
 
Thanks Jon. 3/4" makes sense for that dimension of tank, considering it's only braced and not a cut-out style top.
 
Yep. Also not that it's relevant really but it has rounded edges which I have gotten quite used to and like. :)

Also, I can see cut out style tops being a little harder to work in the tank with. I have some pretty heavy/big rocks I think would be a major pain to have worked around the tank with if I had a cut out style top. When I built my canopy for this tank I made three doors (one between each brace from left to right) and made them liturally half the depth of the tank and hinged so I can liturally open the from half of the tank with all three open. Makes it really easy to work in.
 
Yeah, the cut-out style seems harder to work with, but it also provides a lot of strength. Structural strength = thinner acrylic = less money :)
 
My tank is 8'L x 3'W x 30"T 3/4 acrylic. Love it and no issues at all. If I was going to make one I would go with 4' wide and 30" tall by your choice on the length.
 
Yes, I agree that the extra 6" of height would be nice. However I think it would be almost necessary to get at least 1" acrylic for a 8' x 4' x 30". Do you experience any bowing in your tank wcgunns? Is it a cut-out style, or braced? Have any pics or videos I could take a peek at? Thanks for your reply.
 
94127de4.jpg


No bowing and its a cut out with about a 6" lip around the top. Still finishing the new room and when done will move the tank and finish decor and stand.
 
Nice set up you have there. The 6" lip all the way around doesn't have a center brace? Thank you very much for the post, that helps me a lot.

Does anyone else have their experiences to add?
 
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