Acrylic deflection question

[cee]

OK, so I'm in the process of leak testing a 280 (72X30X30) that is a ******* tank constructed of 1/2 acrylic. I noticed that when it is full the front pane deflects about 1/2"-5/8". Never having had an acrylic tank I don't know if this is acceptable or not. Perhaps someone with more experience with large acrylic tanks can ease my fears of a 6' pane of acrylic suddenly exploding in the middle of the night. Thanks in advance.

 

[dzfish17]

Ive seen alot of acrylic tanks that bow. I think its pretty common. When I bought my 600g (96x36x46) tank I had them use 1 1/4 in. thickness to stop the bowing. I havent heard of very many acrylic tanks (that were made by a reputable co.) busting so I would think it is probably ok.

Dave

 

[90ct]

I will return it if I could. I won't take my chance to use it when it's bow like that. It's not like you're gonna use it for couple days. It's maybe good now, but it's just like a bomb. You're never know when will it exploded.

 

[z28pwr]

OK, so I'm in the process of leak testing a 280 (72X30X30) that is a ******* tank constructed of 1/2 acrylic. I noticed that when it is full the front pane deflects about 1/2"-5/8". Never having had an acrylic tank I don't know if this is acceptable or not. Perhaps someone with more experience with large acrylic tanks can ease my fears of a 6' pane of acrylic suddenly exploding in the middle of the night. Thanks in advance.

1/2 Acrylic on that tank is an accident waiting to happen. That tank should have been made with 3/4" acrylic.

 

[khaosinc]

I have 2 tanks from T----core, both 300 gallon 30" tanks and both are 1/2" Both are also well over 10 years old and no trouble at all. I'm aware of a tank close to this size locally thats older and only 3/8".

Both of them bow about that much and at least the one I've had since it was new always has (can't speak for the other one) I routinely stand on it and all sorts of other horrible abuses while working on my tank and no troubles at all..

I'd look at it as a blessing... so much easier to get magnets to work on 1/2"

 

[cee]

Thanks all. I got ahold of the manufacturer. They say this is typical for this tank and not to worry; it'll probably outlast the owner's interest in the hobby I also did some calculations and it is well below the yield point of acrylic.

 

[khaosinc]

Acrylic is tough stuff... the 3/8" one I mentioned deflects quite a bit, well over 1" but thats all it does. Been up for a long time...

 

[dzfish17]

I remember this 1000g acrylic tank in a northern California fish store that has such a severe case of bowing that it looks like it will blow at any time but that tank has been there forever.