New Tank

seansx · #1 12/04/2007, 02:22 AM

Just wondering how thick the acrylic should be so it wouldn't bow to much for atleast 500 gallons..any suggestions would be awesome..
Thanks

mrpet · #2 12/04/2007, 02:34 AM

my 375 is 1" thick alot depends on the demnsions and style.
euro braced? rimless? etc...

spazz · #3 12/04/2007, 03:51 AM

here is a couple of sizes of tanks and the aproxmate thickness of acrylic i would use to build the tank.

96" l x 36"w x 36"d about 525 gallons
1.25" fo the sides and 3/" for the top and bottom

96L x 48"w x 30" h almost 600g
1.25" for the sides and 3/4" for the top and bottom

96"L x 60" w x 30"H almost 750 gallons
1.25" for the sides and 1" for the top and bottoms.

you can get away with 1" for the sides but it may bow just a little bit on you. when i say a little bit i mean 1/8" or so. not a noticable bow but it may bow all the same. the 1.25" thick sides would be better and there would be less chance for bowing to happen.
it really depends on your finances and the quality you are looking for. it also depends on the size of the tank you are loking to have built. this is one area you dont want to get cheap with. if the tank breaks everything in the tank is in jeoprdy. if your sump breaks or your skimmer goes to heck than the inhabatants can still be ok for a while with out any major losses happening.

seansx · #4 12/04/2007, 10:14 AM

actually i was just going to drop in a sheet into a big hole in the wall...it would be supportted by rebar and cement so it wouldnt pop out..so 1.25" is fine for this?