I went to the acrylic calculator and found for a 72x24x24 tank I need about 3/4" thick panels. why then then when i went to aquarium manufactors did I find that the same tank size they were using 1/2" panels what gives? Any help to this. I am interesting in getting a new tank with the next 6months and need to know if which thickness is correct to buy or make my self.
confused about tank thickness
- Thread starter gunthar
- Start date
Thickness can vary based on safety factor and the style of bracing used on the tank. Most likely, the manufacturer is building with a lower safety factor that what the calculator uses.
I've found that some manufacturers (like Cyro for example) give you over the top numbers for thickness. This could be for a number of reasons. My theories are:
1 Their calculation is simplified and does not take into account the compound bending angles involved in real world tank bowing.
2 They are taking responsibility for your potential failures by supplying the calculator, so they use a large safety factor
3 They are serving their self interests by recommending you use a more expensive material than you really need.
1/2" acrylic is plenty for a 24" tall tank. If you're going to build it yourself I suggest practicing with offcuts first so you can get the technique down. A tank that size may be more economical to buy premade than to make it yourself.
1 Their calculation is simplified and does not take into account the compound bending angles involved in real world tank bowing.
2 They are taking responsibility for your potential failures by supplying the calculator, so they use a large safety factor
3 They are serving their self interests by recommending you use a more expensive material than you really need.
1/2" acrylic is plenty for a 24" tall tank. If you're going to build it yourself I suggest practicing with offcuts first so you can get the technique down. A tank that size may be more economical to buy premade than to make it yourself.
cvermeulen is absolutely correct. Calculators are guides not gospel. The standard formula used in acrylic calculators uses a high safety factor due to the fact that they cannot determine the skill you have or build style you plan to use. Acrylic aquariums are not cheap and very often it is cheaper o buy a premade one than to build one..
thanks for your input. I didn't want to buy a tank that wasn't up to standard. One site had an attention sign on it that mentioned that the front and back panels were 1/2". I was worried there was a defect. I probably won't make my own until I want i 300+ tank.