Question regarding fish tank size

[khiemdiscus]

Hi everyone,

I just bought a used acrylic fish tank with 1/2 inch thickness, 8 feet x 2 feet, 30 inches tall. I heard a couple of people say that 1/2 inch and the height of my tank may result in the splitting of the seam of the tank. Does anyone know if this is actually possible?

Thanks!

 

[aldiaz33]

I think you will see that when you fill the tank you will definitely notice some deflection (bowing) of the acrylic. At 30" tall, 3/4" is preferrable, but I have seen some 30"T tanks made out of 1/2" acrylic set up for many years without any problems.

As long as the tank was made by a reputable builder and the seams look solid, you should be fine.

Discalimer: you cannot sue me if the tank fails- a 30" tall tank really should be made of at least 3/4" acrylic. The only reason it's 1/2" is because the manufacturer chose to skimp on the acrylic thickness to save a few bucks.

 

[khiemdiscus]

hi
thank you.