Potential Acrylic Tank

[PeteLockwood]

So I'm still in the talk-myself-into-it stage but contemplating an acrylic tank dimensions 8' x 3' x 18" (269 gal). Not hard to guess what might be destined for a tank with those dimensions (think large and flat).

First thing is I want to check that the $$ numbers I'm coming up with aren't totally wrong. Using this pricing tool: http://www.interstateplastics.com/Clear-Acrylic-Cast-Paper-Sheet-ACRCLCP.php I come out with the following numbers:

[FONT=Courier New]Base        1 @ 0.375" x 36" x 96"   $248.47
Long sides  2 @ 0.375" x 18" x 96"   $250.48
Short sides 2 @ 0.375" x 18" x 36"   $ 96.42
Top         1 @ 0.236" x 36" x 96"   $175.36
                                     -------
                                     $770.73
[/FONT]

Do these numbers look about right? What am I missing? Am I right in guessing that the top can be thinner acrylic than the rest of the materials because it's only being used to brace? I also realize that the bracing need not be a single piece - I've priced it out this way to have a worst-case ballpark figure.

The thought beyond this is to also hook a 125 gal into the system for additional water volume and a DIY sump (probably a 55 gal).

 

[Noto]

Just a suggestion: if you decide you want the tank drilled, go ahead and have the plastic supplier do it if at all possible. Cutting holes in acrylic is a PITA without a drill press.

 

[DarkStorm]

I was looking at similar build. 96x48x48 370 cdn a sheet but couldnt confirm anywere if 3/4 inch acrylic would hold up to the pressure. interested to see how your build goes at that thickness.

 

[TStephens]

One thing i learned drilling acrylic was to reverse the hole saw, its a little slower but it makes a clean cut.

 

[Pharaoh]

So I'm still in the talk-myself-into-it stage but contemplating an acrylic tank dimensions 8' x 3' x 18" (269 gal). Not hard to guess what might be destined for a tank with those dimensions (think large and flat).

First thing is I want to check that the $$ numbers I'm coming up with aren't totally wrong. Using this pricing tool: http://www.interstateplastics.com/Clear-Acrylic-Cast-Paper-Sheet-ACRCLCP.php I come out with the following numbers:

[FONT=Courier New]Base        1 @ 0.375" x 36" x 96"   $248.47
Long sides  2 @ 0.375" x 18" x 96"   $250.48
Short sides 2 @ 0.375" x 18" x 36"   $ 96.42
Top         1 @ 0.236" x 36" x 96"   $175.36
                                     -------
                                     $770.73
[/FONT]

Do these numbers look about right? What am I missing? Am I right in guessing that the top can be thinner acrylic than the rest of the materials because it's only being used to brace? I also realize that the bracing need not be a single piece - I've priced it out this way to have a worst-case ballpark figure.

The thought beyond this is to also hook a 125 gal into the system for additional water volume and a DIY sump (probably a 55 gal).

You are going to need at least 1/2" (0.5) for this build based on the calculator below. I would brace with the same size

Just a suggestion: if you decide you want the tank drilled, go ahead and have the plastic supplier do it if at all possible. Cutting holes in acrylic is a PITA without a drill press.

Never had a problem drilling acrylic. Always worked just fine with a hole saw.I've drilled at least 15 tanks with nor problems.

I was looking at similar build. 96x48x48 370 cdn a sheet but couldnt confirm anywere if 3/4 inch acrylic would hold up to the pressure. interested to see how your build goes at that thickness.

I would think 3/4" would work. the height is what will kill you on this. If it was 24" tall, you could use 3/4".


http://www.sdplastics.com/aquaria1.html

This calculator is pretty accurate. I have validated the numbers on it.

 

[paulW]

Not an expert, but I'd use a thicker plastic. 3/8" might hold, but it is really going to bow badly.

 

[Noto]

Never had a problem drilling acrylic. Always worked just fine with a hole saw.I've drilled at least 15 tanks with nor problems.

Maybe I'm just doing something wrong, but I always end up taking an inordinate amount of time, even with a new holesaw, and often get a globby, rough hole that needs a lot of cleaning to be useable.

 

[Pharaoh]

Maybe I'm just doing something wrong, but I always end up taking an inordinate amount of time, even with a new holesaw, and often get a globby, rough hole that needs a lot of cleaning to be useable.

Just drill till it starts getting warm, let it cool for just a sec then continue. As far as cleanup, I just scrape around the hold with the edge of my knife. Nothing major.

 

[Noto]

Thanks, I'll try that. Pete, sorry to interrupt your thread.

 

[PeteLockwood]

Thanks for the replies and no, I don't mind the minor hijack either

Interestingly enough I found the calculator you linked to Pharoah, although after I'd started this thread. I was basing the 3/8" thickness on pages like this: http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_acrylic_aquarium.php and this: http://www.duboisi.com/diy/BNdiytank/bndiytank.htm which say 3/8" for 18" height. That calculator is saying .514" thick acrylic for the tank and I guess you'd figure to believe the pros but does that really mean the advice on CF and Dub.com are just totally whack?