Real world acrylic thickness?

[VLDesign]

I've done the calc and I think it's way off.. Entered in both my acrylic systems and they come up with numbers that are twice as much as what's in use.

So here is my question..

My new super monster tank (Unless the window is just way too much) is going to be roughly 81"x116"x48" or 1950 gallons.

I am thinking a 3' high window will cost me the same as a 4' high so why not just use a full standard size sheet of acrylic.

Problem is I cannot get a good feeling for the thickness.

The actual window frame will have 3" of border all around the window for support leaving the window only 42"x90"

I am guessing 1" acrylic will be ok but wanted to see if anyone had any reall world experience with 1" acrylic windows this size?

If not then perhaps I will go 1.5" to be safe but that will be a hefty cost ($1400 around here).

 

[johnptc]

i am using 2 inch for the house of sam with no noticeable bow or distortion

border overlap should be 2 to 3 times the thickness minimum

i will check the thickess calculator and see what it says


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


link at the top of the page comes out between 1.75 and 2 inches thick from 42x116 to 48x116

buy it as 48x120 inches sheet


for a 42x90 1.6 is indicated 2 inch is perfect except for the cost and the weight..........i used a forklift.


all that being said what thickness is used by a quality tank builder for a 4x4x8 tank......... the front to back distance is not relevant