How thick acrylic for 30"x18"x13" build???? What type of acrylic? Acrylic vs glass?

[duganderson]

What thickness of acrylic would be good to build an aquarium that's 30"x18"x13".

There seem to be different types of acrylic. Which one would I want?

What are your thoughts about acrylic versus glass?

They seem easy to build/glue? Is it harder than it looks?

 

[albano]

13” tall would be fine with 1/4” acrylic, but you should be familiar with what it takes to cut and assemble the panels. I’d suggest building a small ‘sump’ first, to test your ability with, before starting on a display tank.

 

[T Diddy]

If you’re not accustomed to dealing with acrylic, I’d probably go with glass. It’s pretty easy to work with, and silicone is forgiving. There’s actually a good video on YouTube using shelving glass from ikea. It’s tempered glass, and the edges are pre-polished.

 

[duganderson]

13” tall would be fine with 1/4” acrylic, but you should be familiar with what it takes to cut and assemble the panels. I’d suggest building a small ‘sump’ first, to test your ability with, before starting on a display tank.

GREAT! I just found a great deal on 3/8" clear cast acrylic sheets. Is cast acrylic the correct type?

for a 30"x18"x13" rimless tank with 3/8" acrylic, would I need bracing. What type would you recommend (eurobracing, one inch piece of 3/8" across the middle? I'd love to avoid bracing if possible.