long tank acrylic question

[sarens]

doing a new tank, now I'm thinking of going 138" long, I'm being told 120" is longest sheet so I will have a seam 18" from the end, 2 questions for all you guru's

1) how will it look
2) should I have any concerns (integrity, durability, cleaning etc.)

thanks,

 

[Dmorty217]

You shouldn't be able to see the seam when it's finished, otherwise all cylinder tanks would look horrible so I would think there is nothing to worry about. Durability isn't a issue

 

[beez]

The additional 18" will probably add fairly significant cost to your tank build, but I agree w/ Dmorty217 - if done properly, there should be no structural problems and the seam can be made to be virtually invisible.

 

[Dmorty217]

I would go taller to make up for the gallons you lose in the length. The additional cost of the 18" probably isn't worth it.

 

[sarens]

it is a jump in price, but the area where I want/fits would be best served by filling it in completely with tank width, thanks for adverting my fears, I went to Rain Forest Cafe last night as they have 8' circle tanks, couldn't see the seam so hope mine comes out that well

 

[dave.m]

Sorry, but all the circular acrylic tanks I've ever seen were cut from cast tubing, not bent sheet. Don't worry, though, if the welded sheet is done right the seam should be very nearly invisible, especially once the tank is filled with water.

Dave.M

 

[anbosu]

You can see the seams at public aquariums, but I'm not sure that's a good comparison since those panels are usually at least 4" thick.

 

[sarens]

my mind is at ease with you guys response, thank you for advise and knowledge, taking the plunge!

 

[jjk_reef00]

What are your total dimensions? Currious now...

 

[sarens]

What are your total dimensions? Currious now...

138" long, 24" wide and 26" tall

 

[beez]

sarens, if you don't mind my asking, about how much cost increase (percentage-wise - I wouldn't ask for dollar specifics) did the 138" length add versus 120"?

 

[sarens]

sarens, if you don't mind my asking, about how much cost increase (percentage-wise - I wouldn't ask for dollar specifics) did the 138" length add versus 120"?

30% - yikes, but the front, bottome and back went from 1" to 1.25" thickness

 

[beez]

Thanks sarens. BTW at 1.25" that should be a nice sturdy tank. I had a 120" tank (~24" height) years ago that had .75" walls, and it developed a little bit of horizontal bowing over time. 1.25" should be very strong and last you a lifetime.

 

[sarens]

Thanks sarens. BTW at 1.25" that should be a nice sturdy tank. I had a 120" tank (~24" height) years ago that had .75" walls, and it developed a little bit of horizontal bowing over time. 1.25" should be very strong and last you a lifetime.

thanks, boy I sure hope for what I'm putting into this I don't end up with any issue on the tank

 

[slief]

FWIW, I think I would do the front and back in 1.5" acrylic. I had my tank custom made over 20 years ago. The tank is 48"x96"x24" tall. I went with 1.5" front and rear to insure there was no bowing or additional stress on the viewing panes. 20 years later, there is no bow or crazing what so ever and the tank has held up wonderfully. With such a long panel, I think you should play it safe and go thicker. I also think the top should be 1.5" as the top of the tank will want to deflect and bow. Especially with the openings and over time, cracks that start at the corners of the openings can be an issue. Thicker is better.

I'm not a big fan of seams in the viewing panes and if it were me, I'd probably avoid it even if it meant reducing the size a bit and adding some drywall or wood work to fill in the gaps on the sides of the tank. That said, if your manufacturer is reputable when it comes to building large tanks then you should be fine.