Acrylic Thickness

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bmilleraz

New member
Joined
Feb 1, 2008
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Location
Arizona
Hi everyone, if I build a tank 48" tall, 91" long and 20" wide (for fish) should I go with 1" acrylic?
 
Bmilleraz,

From my experience I would go with 1.5" for a salt fish system, and 1.25" for a Fresh system. At almost 8' you would get more than exceptable bowing. If the joints are tight, it will not pop, just belly out too much for me.
How do you plan getting to the bottom at only 20" wide? If the tank was from me the I.D. would be 17" and I know my arms would only get half way down!

Best of luck,
Jason
 
Just curious - why that kind of dimensions for a fish tank? Fish generally swin side-to-side and front-to-back a lot more than top-to-bottom.
 
1 inch will work, but I would go with 1.25.
I have seen a 1000 (96x48x48) that used 1" with no problems for 3 years so far.
 
Gonna weigh in here.... in support of Jason (JPG@CFI).

I have seen him work, and seen his work.
Of all of us who may be on this forum, he truly knows his stuff.
(CFI stands for Clear Fabrications- a sponsor on here).
D
 
yes thats 2 fabricators that said 1 1/2" (im also a sponsor)

1" may very well hold water, but a bowing tank is not a pleasant looking tank. Is hundreds of gallons of water on your floor worth that little bit of money you saved.
 
I'm not trying to steel the thread, but does anybody know the formula used to determine how thick acrylic should be when building a tank?
 
Hey!

I built my 375 (96x30x30) using 3/4" acrylic. You would probably be fine with 1 1/4". If money is an issue you can go thinner on the sides and bottom. As mentioned, why so tall? You are never going to be able to get to the bottom. It will look cool though. :)
 

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