Acrylic thickness

zxknight · 09/25/2017, 12:37 AM

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.

McPuff · 09/25/2017, 03:02 AM

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)

zxknight · 09/25/2017, 09:33 PM

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

ca1ore · 09/26/2017, 07:52 AM

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.

nereefpat · 09/26/2017, 07:55 AM

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

zxknight · 09/26/2017, 08:26 PM

looking to do something like this tank.jpg

albano · 09/26/2017, 10:16 PM

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.

zxknight · 09/27/2017, 09:14 PM

thanks for the info

FoothillCorals · 10/02/2017, 07:33 AM

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)

zxknight · 10/02/2017, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FoothillCorals

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?

Mishri · 10/03/2017, 03:09 PM

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.

DasCamel · 10/03/2017, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mishri

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.

Zephrant · 10/05/2017, 10:55 AM

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.

09/25/2017, 12:37 AM	#1
zxknight Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 216	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.

09/26/2017, 07:52 AM	#4
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	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. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs Last edited by ca1ore; 09/26/2017 at 08:02 AM.

09/26/2017, 07:55 AM	#5
nereefpat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Central Nebraska Posts: 3,190	depends on rim (or lack of) and bracing and eurobracing. __________________ Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers

09/26/2017, 10:16 PM	#7
albano SALTWATER since '73 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Katonah, NY/ San Fernando Ca./ Sea Isle City NJ Posts: 6,210	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. __________________ ______________________________________ Jan. '11 TOTM Manhattan Reefs Current Tank Info: 500g & 200g acrylic DTs/2 separate reef systems

10/03/2017, 03:09 PM	#11
Mishri Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Great Falls, MT Posts: 1,404	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. __________________ 300 gallon 8ft long, 2x xf250 gyre, reef octopus 250-int - work in progress Aquarist since 1986

09/25/2017, 03:02 AM	#2
McPuff Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,735	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)

09/25/2017, 09:33 PM	#3
zxknight Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 216	now the 3/4 is that because of the height?

09/26/2017, 08:26 PM	#6
zxknight Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 216	looking to do something like this tank.jpg

09/27/2017, 09:14 PM	#8
zxknight Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 216	thanks for the info

10/02/2017, 07:33 AM	#9
FoothillCorals Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 522	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)

10/05/2017, 10:55 AM	#13
Zephrant Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,234	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.