adamRS80
Thu, 29th Nov 2012, 07:19 PM
I'm about to buy some acrylic to put together a new reef tank. I used this calculator to figure the thickness and cut sizes. http://garf.org/tank/buildtank.asp
Dimensions - 28" L x 16" W x 18" H
It recommended 3/8" and gave the proper cut sizes according to the 3/8" thickness. The calculation recommends bracing around the top. In my case the calculator bumps it up to 1/2" at height above 20" but the width and length can be increased all the way up to 30" without a recommended increase in thickness.
If possible I would like this to be a rimless acrylic tank although I am prepared to use 2" strips of 3/8" thick acrylic on top edge if necessary.
My question is should I be using 1/2" instead of 3/8"? Can I go rimless using 1/2"? Can I use 3/8" on the bottom piece or sides with no ill effects?
I priced it through regal and it's basically $100 less in 3/8" but I am not looking for trouble here. Also is Regal the right place to go? I've bought from them in the past when I built another tank and sump but it's been 8 years since then.
Dimensions - 28" L x 16" W x 18" H
It recommended 3/8" and gave the proper cut sizes according to the 3/8" thickness. The calculation recommends bracing around the top. In my case the calculator bumps it up to 1/2" at height above 20" but the width and length can be increased all the way up to 30" without a recommended increase in thickness.
If possible I would like this to be a rimless acrylic tank although I am prepared to use 2" strips of 3/8" thick acrylic on top edge if necessary.
My question is should I be using 1/2" instead of 3/8"? Can I go rimless using 1/2"? Can I use 3/8" on the bottom piece or sides with no ill effects?
I priced it through regal and it's basically $100 less in 3/8" but I am not looking for trouble here. Also is Regal the right place to go? I've bought from them in the past when I built another tank and sump but it's been 8 years since then.