Starboard aka HDPE Thickness

[cpreefguy]

Is 1/2" HDPE thick enough for the top of a stand for a tank to sit on? Or should I go with 3/4"?

Also, where is the cheapest place to get it?

[Submariner]

If it is a large tank 3/4" is better if possible. Of course it depends on how level and flat your stand is. Better safe than sorry IMO.

[cpreefguy]

Thanks for the reply
The stand is 1.5" box steel, and will be perfectly flat and level. The tank will be around 45g.

[Submariner]

In that case 1/2" would probably be fine and probably easier to find. You can get it at Home Depot or Lowes in the insulation area.

[cpreefguy]

Cool, Ill have to check it out tomorrow :)

[SaltyJim]

Just want to make sure you are talking about the same thing. I think what Submariner is talking about is insulating foam board material, which is what people usually place under the tank. If you truly want HDPE to site the tank on, then you will need to get that from a plastics vendor. Forgive my intrusion if I am wrong.

[Submariner]

Thanks for the clarification Jim.

[cpreefguy]

Oh I see.
Yeah, Im talking about the cutting board material

[SaltyJim]

Regal Plastics or usplastics.com will be your best bet for the cutting board material. Are you using it for the tank to sit on? Other than aesthetics, will it be serving a purpose? I don't think you can count on it for any structural advantage.

[hobogato]

allied plastics in SA should also carry it

[cpreefguy]

It will serve as a top to the stand, mainly for aesthetics

[LoneStar]

Thanks for the reply
The stand is 1.5" box steel, and will be perfectly flat and level. The tank will be around 45g.


As long as the perimeter of the tank rests on the outline of the 1.5" steel tubing, then a 1/2" platform will work out just fine. All the weight will be on the sides anyways. There will be a big price increase when you go from 1/2" to 3/4".

[sharkboy]

I got a custom size somewhere online...was cheaper than regal plastics even after the shipping fees...I'll try to find the link...someone on here pointed it out

[cpreefguy]

Cool, Id like the link. I emailed a company, but the shipping is like $27!

[BioCube14]

you can find this stuff in many different sizes starboard is the best HDPE is the cheaper version