building a tank, I have a question about acrylic thickness

[adamRS80]

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.

[Tempset]

My question is should I be using 1/2" instead of 3/8"?

If you can afford the thicker acrylic, I would.

Can I go rimless using 1/2"?

Yes.

Can I use 3/8" on the bottom piece or sides with no ill effects?

I would recommend using the same thickness on EVERY side. Varying thickness's could weaken the project.

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.

Regal is fine.

P.S. that was actually 4 questions...

[ReefOne]

You'd should be good, maybe a very minute bow at center after 6 weeks or so. 1/2" All around is what I would say

-Ram

[adamRS80]

I built it, and built it too tall for my space. Now it's for sale so I can start over and build another....
http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?...933#post891933

[txav8r]

Allied will probably be cheaper.