acceptable acrylic thickness

[longv]

i just bought a used 180 gallon acrylic tank, the bottom is only 1/4 in thick, is that ok? the sides are 7/16 in and the top is 3/8 in. also one opening was slightly enlarged will that be a problem?

 

[BadOleRoss]

I think you are OK. On acrylics, the bottom generally sits on the stand. The sides are almost 1/2" and the top is more to keep the sides, back and front from bowing. If you have water pressure on the top of the tank, you have done something very wrong. Being a used tank, unless you have seen it filled already, I would do a test fill outdoors.

 

[Pharaoh]

You should be fine. Acrylic tank stands should have a solid top on them. This helps distribute the weight so the 1/4" will work. I would definitely test fill it though.

 

[joey02]

I dont like the sounds of 7/16" for the sides.. that would be the very bare minimum for a 180gal if the tanks dimentions are 72x24x24.

The bottom thickness doesnt really matter, make sure it is on styrofoam, and it will be fine.

Top braceing is also a little thin.

Sounds like this tank was made with the thinest/cheapest material possible.

It will hold water, but it will bow badly.

 

[Pharaoh]

7/16" will be fine for 6x2x2. I have seen 8x2x2.5 300 G tanks made with 1/2".

 

[FishNCash]

Usually for 180 tank the bottom should be at least 3/8" and same for the top. Body is 1/2" to prevent any bowing. I paid to upgrade the top to 1/2" just so I can feel safe.

 

[longv]

its a 6x2x2 and i will definitely test fill first. thanks

 

[Modest_Man]

7/16" will be fine for 6x2x2. I have seen 8x2x2.5 300 G tanks made with 1/2".

I've seen 8' X 4' X 2.5' (600 gallons) made with 1/2" acrylic. Two actually, in use for a decade now.

Base thickness doesn't matter much because you'll have the tank on a flat stand (hopefully). The wall thickness is fine.