Acrylic tank with steel bracing?

[klasiksb]

I've heard that this is an option on acrylic tanks but would like to hear from those that have done this. Pros? Cons? Etc.?

Reasearching a 96x48x20 acrylic tank and would like to add the steel bracing as an option if feasable. Trying to keep the cost of the tank down, and would imagine this could help in that area (as I have a steel working friend, so bracing would cost me next to nothing).

I would more than likely have the tank built of 1/2" acrylic, but would like to keep the top bracing crossing the tank to a minimum if possible.

 

[Acillaton]

About a 20 years ago I did have a several diy tanks. Frame was made of steel, glass was glued to the frame and to itself with silicone. Tanks still do exist.
Pros: strong and indestructible.
Cons: problems with a rust especially with salt water.

 

[klasiksb]

The steel framing would be coated with that truck bed liner type stuff, not sure what the name of it is but that should take care of any rusting issues.

 

[klasiksb]

Anyone else with some info/exp.?

 

[Untamed12]

Re: Acrylic tank with steel bracing?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11929583#post11929583 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by klasiksb
I've heard that this is an option on acrylic tanks but would like to hear from those that have done this. Pros? Cons? Etc.?

Reasearching a 96x48x20 acrylic tank and would like to add the steel bracing as an option if feasable. Trying to keep the cost of the tank down, and would imagine this could help in that area (as I have a steel working friend, so bracing would cost me next to nothing).

I would more than likely have the tank built of 1/2" acrylic, but would like to keep the top bracing crossing the tank to a minimum if possible.

My acrylic tank is 72x48x26 (1" thick), and I've found that one of the nicest things about my setup is my ability to crawl across the top whenever I want. There are many spots in the tank that I just could not get to any other way. Small steel braces might make that difficult.

Also, I don't think there is any way you would want to do that tank from 1/2" acrylic. Maybe 3/4"...but I would want to go 1" thick.