Min acrylic thickness on a 8'x2'x4'

[jjk_reef00]

I'm looking at a used tank built by ten*ecor about 6-7 years ago.
At 4' tall how thick should the acrylic be on a FOWLR?

And moving this will 5 people be enough?

 

[danfeig]

I just went through the process of bidding out an 8'x3'x4' aquarium for my new build. ATM suggested a 2" thick acrylic tank because of the height. Midwest Custom Aquarium suggested a 2" body with a 1.25" top and bottom. Raj at My Reef Creations thought we could get away with a 1.25" body. Envision Acrylics gave me quotes with 1.5" and 2" vertical panels. Long and short, I ended up going all glass with AGE through Michael at Simply Elegant Aquatics.

Hope this helps!

 

[geaux xman]

What did tenec*r used? 1"?

 

[jjk_reef00]

Thanks danfeig that helps a lot. A calculator I found online said 2", but I've heard 1.5" on 48" tall.

I'm still waiting for the guy to give me the measurements.
If it is 1.5" I think I will give it a try as long as all the seams look good.
I think (hope) this tank was build before ten*ecor started using less materials to cut cost...

 

[geaux xman]

you can PM dave, "dzfish17".

he has a 600g (96x36x46) FOWLR .

 

[dzfish17]

My tank was made by "that" place that we cannot mention (even though they are out of business). They said that 1" was fine up to 48" but I had them use 1 1/4" on the walls with 1" on the bottom and 1 1/4" on the top. The main reason for going with the thicker acrylic was for deflection... tank is over 3 yrs old and no bowing.

 

[jjk_reef00]

Thanks, I just sent him a message.

 

[jjk_reef00]

Thanks Dave!
That means it is probably 1"
If I can get this tank for cheap do you think it is worth a try?

 

[jjk_reef00]

Another option I have is to build a large canopy and reduce the water level in the tank to 36-40" but at 40" my calculator is telling me that I need 1.5", but I use to have a 36" tall cube that was 1" and it was fine.

 

[geaux xman]

chris campbell told me up to 36" tall, 3/4" acrylic is fine.

 

[danfeig]

I would wait and see what type of support braces it has. You should be okay. You may want to call Michael at SEA. Good luck!

 

[dzfish17]

Thanks Dave!
That means it is probably 1"
If I can get this tank for cheap do you think it is worth a try?

Sure, but a tall narrow tank will have some challanges. It will be harder to aquascape, keep clean and proper gas exchange could be an issue. I would definitely use a closed loop to move water in the lower portions of the tank.

 

[jjk_reef00]

Sure, but a tall narrow tank will have some challanges. It will be harder to aquascape, keep clean and proper gas exchange could be an issue. I would definitely use a closed loop to move water in the lower portions of the tank.

I know what you mean, I really want a 30" or wider tank. I've already passed up 2 300 gallon tanks because they are only 24" wide. It is going to be a FOWLR used as a room divider (living room/kitchen) so I'm hopping for a peninsula style aquascape with the top 1/2 being open water (Unless I can manage to stack rock up higher). I'm going closed loop for sure.

My old 300 cracked in my last move and my 150 just isn't cutting it...

 

[jjk_reef00]

Well the tank is 1" acrylic all the way around. It sounds like the support on top is good because the holes are not very big. I'm going to go look at the tank to check for crazing/bubbles.

I'm really tempted to give this tank a try but the 1" is bothering me...
What do you guys think? To thin, or give it a go? If you think it is too thin what height would you fill the water level to?

 

[danfeig]

I would go for it! Depending on the age of the tank, ******* used to make great tanks. Perhaps you can have fabricated additional supports if you feel it is needed.

Good luck!

 

[geaux xman]

it depends on how much they are asking for the tank.

i'm getting quotes of about 2900 for 3/4" acrylic 96x36x30 price shipped from Cali to Louisiana.

understand that they had this tank 6-7yrs and there is a lot of depreciation involved. used tanks 3-4yrs old, often times go for half the purchased price. even $1500 is a lot for a tank that old... JMO.

 

[jjk_reef00]

Thanks for the quote geaux xman. The seams looked ok, but the tank itself was really scratched up. The stand was wood supported by steel which was strange and there would be no room for a sump because the side boards seemed to be for support. For time being I'm going to pass.

 

[jjk_reef00]

Thanks to everyone for the great feedback and information!

 

[Phixer]

Having visions of a zip lock bag full of water. None of the math Ive done or calculators Ive seen recommend anything less that 2" . Im sure it can be done but would question the longevity of such a tank.

http://www.plasticgenius.com/2009/05/calculate-aquarium-thickness.html

I remember personally looking at this tank in the picture many years ago, an awesome tank 2" thick material.

 

[C Dog]

I currently have a tank that is 5'L x 3'W x 4'T and is made out of 1" thick acrylic(paid $500 in almost brand new condition). I had before that a 8'L x 2'W x 4'T tank made out of 1.5" thick acrylic(paid $300 in great condition, sold it for $2,600+). Hope this helps. Both tanks had euro bracing