How high can i go with acrylic?

Tarolisol · #1 09-04-2008, 04:01 AM

Im kinda at a loss I need to know who tall I can go with 1/2" acrylic.

Let me know.

Sean.

Marlin65 · #2 09-04-2008, 04:46 AM

How tall do you want to go, and I would think that it would depend on width and length as well.

hillbillyreefer · #3 09-04-2008, 02:28 PM

http://www.garf.org/tank/BuildTank.asp

According to this tank calculator the tallest you should go with 1/2" is 30 inches.

Chin_Lee · #4 09-04-2008, 03:00 PM

it depends how you build. If you have acrylic euro-bracing at the bottom and the top of the tank, I would go up to 36. Otherwise 30 is probably safe.

sphelps · #5 09-04-2008, 03:52 PM

It depends on a few things, first off as stated length for sure as well as bracing but it's not about safety with acrylic. You could build a tank 4 feet tall with 1/2" and it would easily hold but it's the bow you have to worry about. Acrylic is softer than glass and will bow and bulge more which creates distortion. I wouldn't go any bigger than 4 feet in length and 2 feet in height using 1/2". Remember Acrylic is clear you can go as thick as you want without sacrificing clarity. Although it's stronger than glass an acrylic tank should use thicker material than a glass tank.

Tarolisol · #6 09-04-2008, 03:57 PM

its would be 32" long and I would like to go 36"tall. Its being designed to fit into a specific location.

sphelps · #7 09-04-2008, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarolisol

its would be 32" long and I would like to go 36"tall. Its being designed to fit into a specific location.

I would go thicker for sure, if it was my tank I still wouldn't go taller than 24" with that length and 1/2". Even a small amount of deflection will create distortion. Just make the viewable sides thicker, I would use 1" for that height.

spikehs · #8 09-04-2008, 08:16 PM

I am curious, how much $$ wise do you figure you will save building it yourself? I have gotten a couple of quotes on acrylic (trimless/braceless) tanks, nothing more than 70gal and they seem to be around 700 (or a bit less, depending)..

Marlin65 · #9 09-04-2008, 08:38 PM

1/2" sheet cast is $250 at least that is my cost.
3/4" sheet is $425

Tarolisol · #10 09-04-2008, 11:17 PM

sheet of 1/2' 4x8 quality aqylic is $370 and im haveing it put together by industrial paint and plastics for 75 bucks. They put together anything for 75 bucks if you buy from them.