480 gallons acrylic tank

[3nascar8]

I plan on building a tank 8'x4'x'2' out of 1/2" acrylic, Has anyone built a tank this size out 1/2" acrylic, I also planning to place the lights on toop on the tank in a chest top. simlair to the photo i have inclosed. I would like to find someone that would put it togeter for me @ a cheap price reasonible. The tank part. I will do the rest myself. Any information you be helpful thanks

 

[scubadude]

Your a better man than me if you can make it happen with 1/2" acrylic! I would think you would need atleast 1" acrylic for a tank of that size. Im not saying it cant be done but I doubt very seriously it could be done cheaply or buy a DIYer especially as the first time, personally I would just bite the bullet and pay someone to build you a custom tank!

 

[Jabrams]

it cant be done.(or can it :hmm2: )

sounds like you will have a bow much like a half pipe used by skate boarders

 

[3nascar8]

Your a better man than me if you can make it happen with 1/2" acrylic! I would think you would need atleast 1" acrylic for a tank of that size. Im not saying it cant be done but I doubt very seriously it could be done cheaply or buy a DIYer especially as the first time, personally I would just bite the bullet and pay someone to build you a custom tank!

This is why I posted it here to find out, They guy that told me about it said he built one out of 1/2", But he told me as long as I dont go over 24" high that I would be fine, if I go to 30" inch I would have to use 3/4" I will be place a top on it,

 

[StirCrazy]

This is why I posted it here to find out, They guy that told me about it said he built one out of 1/2", But he told me as long as I dont go over 24" high that I would be fine, if I go to 30" inch I would have to use 3/4" I will be place a top on it,

that sounds like the specs for building out of 1/2" glass.

Steve

 

[Reefer madness]

I found this formula to be conservative, but it is VERY helpful:

http://cyro.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/cy...29ydD0mcF9yb3dfY250PTY3OSZwX3BhZ2U9MQ**&p_li=


Regards,
Scott

 

[saltwaterfishlover]

http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=62956

this should help your thinking too

 

[saltwaterfishlover]

and an excel form

 

[Sal T. Nutz]

It should work. There will be slight bowing, but not horrible. My 300 gallon is 8'x2'x30" tall. It is 1/2 inch acrylic and just slightly bows. Yours is going to be 6" shorter, so I am sure it will be fine. If you can afford it, I would go 3/4", but I know it is a big price difference, and the 1/2" will work.

 

[glimmerman]

This might make you feel safer.

San Diego Plastics

This company produces a 8'x4'x2' that is only a half inch thick.

479 gallons worth.

 

[Bill Wann]

Hi
If done this many times , 1/2 is fine you will get a 1/4 inch deflection in the middle over 8 feet .
I would use 3/4 , cost more no bow .

 

[asnatlas]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=853908#post853908 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefer madness
I found this formula to be conservative, but it is VERY helpful:

http://cyro.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/cy...29ydD0mcF9yb3dfY250PTY3OSZwX3BhZ2U9MQ**&p_li=


Regards,
Scott

Scott, thanks for the link

 

[Roland Jacques]

like they say. it can be done but the top becomes a more critical area. just dont take any short cuts with the top baces.

But i would go 3/4 on the long sides and 1/2" for the rest. that way you only have to buy 1 sheet of 3/4".