Is 3/8 inch acrylic too thin for 240 gallon tank?

[rich99rich]

I'm looking to upgrade my tank, and I found a pretty good deal for a 240 gallon acrylic tank. However, I have concerns about its 3/8 inch thickness. Should I be worried about this? It will be a fully loaded reef.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Konadog]

I would say it's to thin since most tanks of that size made from acrylic are a minimum of 3/4 inch. Even my glass tank is 1/2 inch.

What are the dimensions?

 

[AcroSteve]

I would not want one any less than 1/2" at a minimum. 3/4 would be better.

 

[monkeyreefer]

with acylic it all depends on the type of bracing you are using on the top. 3/8 is no where near enough. you can get by with 1/2" if you run a standard braced top. If you go euro braced 3/4" will cover you. Open top i would recommend no less than 1" to minimize bowing

 

[rich99rich]

The tank is 96x24x24. The top panel and side panels are 3/8", while the sides are 1/2".

 

[sknoch78]

1/2" sides should be fine. I just had a 240 built by Envision Acrylics. Originally the tank was going to be 1/2" but when I decided to go with external overflows it grew to 3/4". James told me, internal overflows = 1/2", external = 3/4".

 

[bigfalcon36]

1/2" is industry standard for that height. Thickness of acry lic is all determined by heighth of the sides.

 

[Konadog]

rich99rich, get the idea that the "pretty good deal " might be that for a reason. For that long of a tank, I bet it had a decent bow to it.

 

[rich99rich]

Konadog, I was thinking the same thing and passed on it. I made a typo in my last message. The top and sides are 3/8". The front and back are 1/2". Since the top panel is the most important, 3/8" just seems too thin.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback!