Hi Everyone,
Its been a long dream of mine to have a relatively large aquarium. The dimensions are 1.6mx0.8x1.0m (LxBxH) (63x31x40 inches). Both of the the larger sides will have be an entire viewing panel, less a 10cm (4 inch) frame to hold the viewing panel. This will be a see through aquarium encased in a thick wall.
Originally was planning to do it entirely out of acrylic, however I am worried about the weight and also the acrylic cost. Acrylic will have to be 30 to 35mm thick (1.25 inches ish) so it gets pretty heavy. I know that water will be what weights the most, but for large cleanups and interventions I will need to roll it out and work on it, and the lighter it is, the better.
Lately I was lining the pool with fiberglass, and so I was thinking of building it out of fiberglass (the entire thickness, not plywood lined with fiberglass), as it offers pretty good strength to weight ratio, it is also cost effective (around $45 per square meter or per 10.5 square feet) plus it is more thermally insulating. Another advantage (I was thinking) would be the fact that it would be single moulded. I know acrylic bonds seamlessly, but this is somewhat better.
Tried looking online for recommended minimum thickness, or ways to calculate it, but could not find. I am also up for using carbon instead of glass to make it lighter and stronger, but still could not find anything.
Can anyone please point me towards the right direction?
Its been a long dream of mine to have a relatively large aquarium. The dimensions are 1.6mx0.8x1.0m (LxBxH) (63x31x40 inches). Both of the the larger sides will have be an entire viewing panel, less a 10cm (4 inch) frame to hold the viewing panel. This will be a see through aquarium encased in a thick wall.
Originally was planning to do it entirely out of acrylic, however I am worried about the weight and also the acrylic cost. Acrylic will have to be 30 to 35mm thick (1.25 inches ish) so it gets pretty heavy. I know that water will be what weights the most, but for large cleanups and interventions I will need to roll it out and work on it, and the lighter it is, the better.
Lately I was lining the pool with fiberglass, and so I was thinking of building it out of fiberglass (the entire thickness, not plywood lined with fiberglass), as it offers pretty good strength to weight ratio, it is also cost effective (around $45 per square meter or per 10.5 square feet) plus it is more thermally insulating. Another advantage (I was thinking) would be the fact that it would be single moulded. I know acrylic bonds seamlessly, but this is somewhat better.
Tried looking online for recommended minimum thickness, or ways to calculate it, but could not find. I am also up for using carbon instead of glass to make it lighter and stronger, but still could not find anything.
Can anyone please point me towards the right direction?
