Acrylic thickness
 

I am contiplating building a 200 galling ish acrylic tank. The one thing that I am not sure about is the thickness of the acrylic. I have check a few online calculators and some say 1/2 or 3/4. From guys that have built tank what is the correct thickness. Tank dementions 60L X 32W X 22H.

I would suggest 3/4" to minimize the bowing. Watch King of DIY as he's done some great acrylic builds.

Contemplate. Sorry, couldn't help it. :0)

now the 3/4 is that because of the height?

I would always err on the side of caution and go thicker. Recently bought a large tank where 3/4 was standard but I asked them to use 1" acrylic instead.

depends on rim (or lack of) and bracing and eurobracing.

looking to do something like this Attachment 380289

IMO/E...a 22" high tank has less pressure and 1/2" acrylic would be fine... I've owned many acrylic tanks since 1991, and currently have a couple that are over 20 yrs old. I just received a new 200g 60"x 30"x 26"h that is 1/2" thick.

thanks for the info

I have a 60x34x21tall 1/2" thick Acrylic. When I ordered it I was given the choice of 1/2" W/3"euro and a 6"center brace or 3/4" W/no center brace. (No need for two braces like in that pic)

do you mind posting a picture of the tank?

1/2" acrylic is fine as long as your seems are good. bad seems then bowing can split it..

my 96"x24"x30"Tall is 1/2" acrylic, seems are perfect, bows quite a bit but no issues. The top is a a solid piece of acrylic with 2 holes cut out in the middle.

I've got a 96"x36x25" that is 1/2". Almost a year with water in it w/o issues, older tank. Seems are good, not great. The top isn't one piece but very secure designed with two big holes, I think 6" trim with an 8" in the middle support. I added a couple two more supports 4" beams just because.

Minimal deflection but yours is much taller. Anyway, build technique is just as important as thickness.

Wanted to mention the importance of a good stand. I had a tank crack along a top seam about 10 years after I made it, and it was due to my stand sagging in the middle, putting too much stress on the acrylic.

UV is tough on it too, so plan the braces to be where lights are not.