Acrylic how thick?

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Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Nov 1, 2012
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post falls, id
I am designing an acrylic tank and could use an experienced opinion to decide what thickness of acrylic to use. The price from 1/2" to3/4" is huge. Its still in planning phase but i think dimentions will be 96"L x 36"W x 24"T. For a grand total of 330 gallons. Thanx

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For aquariums up to 8 feet in length
Aquarium Height Sheet Thickness
1 to 12 inches 1/4 inch
12 - 18 inches 3/8 inch
18 - 24 inches 1/2 inch
24 - 30 inches 3/4 inch
 
1/2" will work...make sure your top piece is pretty intact for more support. By this i mean use the smallest cut outs for your openings. Honestly i would use 3/4" but i know its not cheap. I'd also recommend Weld-on #40 for the build with additional weld on #40 on the inside seams for added strengnth. A one gallon kit of the #40 should b about what u need $100-$145. Worth every penny. Also check out u.s.plastics.com for acrylic i use them alot.

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I did problem is shipping "us plastics" was cheaper but by the time i ship 2 1/2 sheets it tripples my local supplier. I had planned to do euro bracing on top and then just using 1/4" for 2 drop in lids.

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Thats too bad usplastics doesnt work out...i'd strongly suggest not using eurobracing aswell lol...acrylic tanks need every bit of security from your top sheet to prevent bowing which needs to be full to start with. 1/2" is already pushin it for material. I build and sell tanks in my own buisness and i cant afford to build an acrylic tank for myself lol...price of materials is pretty ridic

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Thats too bad usplastics doesnt work out...i'd strongly suggest not using eurobracing aswell lol...acrylic tanks need every bit of security from your top sheet to prevent bowing which needs to be full to start with. 1/2" is already pushin it for material. I build and sell tanks in my own buisness and i cant afford to build an acrylic tank for myself lol...price of materials is pretty ridic

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Decided to go with plywood & acrylic lol
My local plastic manuf has 4x8x3/4 acrylic for $410 so im goin with 3 viewing panels new dimentions will be 96x48x36 roughly 680 gal. But its a few months out yet thanks for advice i will post design pix as soon as i draw them up

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Very nice to hear :) thats a good price on 3/4" i paid around $800 for a sheet. Good choice to up the gallons aswell my first big build is 650gal. Youll b happy with it

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