Just a note of interest regarding acrylic thickness - Today I came across another 600g tank on the net - Dakotareef.
His tank is 120L X 48W X 24H.

Made from 1/2" acrylic in 2006.

Mitch

Oh yeah...they are out there. You can also find reports of seams blowing out on some acrylic tanks, which should never happen. (not suggesting that one is going to blow) It just isn't the aspect of the tank that you should try to save money on.

It is interesting to me that the 120" x 24" is exactly the same sq.in area as your 96" x 30". Yet, I think you get MORE deflection in a 96x30 panel than you get in a 120x24 panel because the smallest dimension, 30", is larger.

Acrylic does sound pretty tough (other than scratching easily) from what I have been reading.
I think we tend to overbuild our tanks and stands, but when you think about it, if anybody would tend to overbuild the tanks, it would be the manufacturer. After all they are the ones that need to honour the warranties.

Anyway - as we all know....this thread is useless without pictures!
(where's the emoticon?)

This is my present sump area that is going to be rebuilt:
I'm thinking of building a single wall unit, painted white. The new tank will be backing onto the other side of what you can see here.
I've already received a new 300gpd RO/DI unit plus 2 jumbo BRS reactors. I started one of the reactors on GFO and this week I'll be starting the other one on GAC next weekend, replacing the current Deltec FR509.

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...m/IMG_2980.jpg
http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/w...m/IMG_2982.jpg

Mitch

Totally "mad scientist" looking! Well done.

Talk to user "Acrylics" on RC. I'd trust whatever he suggests and I highly doubt he'd roll with the 1/2" in your case. He's the guy behind Envision Acrylics, is insanely knowledgeable in matters like this AND built Brad's tank if I recall correctly.

Thanks Brett, didn't know that. (the decision's been made, but there must be a formula that is used to calculate these things!)

"mad scientist"..lol:smile:

Mitch

Love the mad laboratory look. I'm tagging along, going to be an interesting build!

My wife says I'm not allowed to get sick or die.

Mitch

Tenecor called today. The tank is finished and is leaving their facility in Phoenix on the 18th.:smile:

Mitch

I've ordered the sand and salt:

Sand
800 lbs Sugar size
150 lbs Select size
40 lbs Special grade

Salt
Seachem Salinity (Aquavitro) 8 pails

It should all be ready for me to pick up around Oct. 20.

Mitch