Bracing for 8x4 tank

[Lukemitchell]

Hi

I'm building a 8 x 4 x 2 acrylic tank in a few months and I'm thinking for the braces two 8ft strips then 3 40inch strips in between but how thick do the strips need to be for this size tank ? I was thinking 3 inch but would like to know what everyone else thinks.
Thanks

 

[Lukemitchell]

Hi

I'm building a 8 x 4 x 2 acrylic tank in a few months and I'm thinking for the braces two 8ft strips then 3 40inch strips in between but how thick do the strips need to be for this size tank ? I was thinking 3 inch but would like to know what everyone else thinks.
Thanks

Can anyone help please

 

[wannadivesteve]

I guess the first question is whether you mean how wide the strips should be or how thick they should be? I'm no expert, but if you are referring to 8 foot by "x" width and 40" by "x" width on the bracing, I'd probably go wider than 3 inches personally.

 

[Lukemitchell]

I guess the first question is whether you mean how wide the strips should be or how thick they should be? I'm no expert, but if you are referring to 8 foot by "x" width and 40" by "x" width on the bracing, I'd probably go wider than 3 inches personally.

Ok would 4inch be better then ?

 

[Dieselhybrid]

What thickness acrylic are you building with?

 

[Dieselhybrid]

if you build it with1" you can get away with strips and no complete Euro brace. But if 3/4" use a full sheet with cutouts. Don't place hot, bright lights over the acrylic on top. Only over lids and open water.

 

[Lukemitchell]

if you build it with1" you can get away with strips and no complete Euro brace. But if 3/4" use a full sheet with cutouts. Don't place hot, bright lights over the acrylic on top. Only over lids and open water.

I would like to use 1'' but the quotes are to much for what I can afford but 3/4 is slightly more affordable

 

[Dieselhybrid]

3/4 use pin method. Sheet for the top. Will be a rock. What brand acrylic? What solvent?

 

[Dieselhybrid]

Don't go cheap and do strips on an 8x4 foot tank 3/4" not gonna last. Complete brace and it will last. 8x4 is a lot of water even only at 24"

If you insist on doing strips consider gussets or Weldon 40 fillet to reinforce interior seams.

 

[Lukemitchell]

Don't go cheap and do strips on an 8x4 foot tank 3/4" not gonna last. Complete brace and it will last. 8x4 is a lot of water even only at 24"

If you insist on doing strips consider gussets or Weldon 40 fillet to reinforce interior seams.

Ok I've got a quote for 1'' and it's a little bit over 2K is that about right or does anyone know where I can get it cheaper I'm from UK?