Acrylic Aquarium Wall Thickness

Semanticlause · Feb 23, 2017

I've obtained a new acrylic aquarium with the dimensions 38 x 18 x 18inches . Practically, because of the hight of the overflow and the thickness of the walls, the water dimensions are 35.5 x 17.5 x 15.5 inches. The tank has 2.5 inch eurobracing. Both the walls and the bracing material are 1/4 inch thick.

Can anyone give me an estimate on how much bowing to expect and do you think that this amount might be excessive?

Anirban · Feb 23, 2017

I think it will bow but how will be tough to say. But possibly @cromag08 can help you out.

cromag27 · Feb 23, 2017

Probably a good amount of bowing and possibly a seam busting at some point. hard to say since I don't know what brand of acrylic was used. even with the best acrylic out there, I would have used 1/2".

Semanticlause · Feb 24, 2017

Thanks for the replies. I looked around at some online calculators and they recommended at least 3/8 and suggested 1/2 as well. Too bad since the aquarium is beautifully made and would have been been exactly what I would have wanted. Totally my fault for not researching ahead of time. The good news is it's going to make a great home for something almost as nice as coral. I guess I'll have to live with with three reefs rather than four

cromag27 · Feb 26, 2017

Get a snake.

Semanticlause · Feb 26, 2017

Maybe one of these ?

cromag27 · Feb 26, 2017

Yeah we have those around here.

Semanticlause · Feb 26, 2017

What's that rules of thumb?

Red touches black, stay away from snakes.
Yellow touches red, hey moron stay away from the dang snakes.

I like corn snakes. Some of the colors are pretty awesome.

The only venomous snakes I've ever had to deal with were copperheads. Very aggressive beasties.

Semanticlause · Feb 26, 2017

So enough about snakes. I have a Trigger Sump and a Radion XR30w Pro that was supposed to go with this 50 Wide. I could sell them off or try to find an acrylic 60 cube with an external overflow. I'd want it out of 1/2" material at least. I just have to find someone to make it for me.

I'm glad I didn't cut the wood for the stand. Bubinga panels with Bloodwood trim.