Acrylic tank 60x60x28 / 2'x2'x11"
- Thread starter JurGen1984
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I've only build a couple of acrylic tanks, so hopefully someone with a ton of experience will weigh in shortly!
Personally, I'm not sure 8mm (0.3") is thick enough for the sides. With a 2' length, you might get some bowing. I've built sumps with similar materials, however those were supported by baffles. When I did my own research, most recommendations for this size of a tank without bracing all had recommendations of at least 12mm (0.5") acrylic, however, I would wait for a second, much more educated opinion
Personally, I'm not sure 8mm (0.3") is thick enough for the sides. With a 2' length, you might get some bowing. I've built sumps with similar materials, however those were supported by baffles. When I did my own research, most recommendations for this size of a tank without bracing all had recommendations of at least 12mm (0.5") acrylic, however, I would wait for a second, much more educated opinion
JurGen1984
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What is important is the water height, right?
On the site to buy the acrylic plates, they recommend 8mm for 100l
Anyway, there will always be a slight curvature, true?
On the site to buy the acrylic plates, they recommend 8mm for 100l
Anyway, there will always be a slight curvature, true?
Water height is the most important factor (beyond bracing), although at a certain point the length of a side will impact material thickness.
Just a fyi- those calculators are based on an assumption of a 6 sided box. Unfortunately, that doesn't exist in the hobby- what you need are calculations that are based on a 5 sided box.
I looked up some of the companies that make custom acrlyic tanks and most use either 3/8" (9.5mm) or 1/2" acrlyic. Normally on projects like this I tend to just copy other designs as they've done the hard work of trying and failing, but it's up to you at 8mm vs the 9.5mm we know can work.
Just a fyi- those calculators are based on an assumption of a 6 sided box. Unfortunately, that doesn't exist in the hobby- what you need are calculations that are based on a 5 sided box.
I looked up some of the companies that make custom acrlyic tanks and most use either 3/8" (9.5mm) or 1/2" acrlyic. Normally on projects like this I tend to just copy other designs as they've done the hard work of trying and failing, but it's up to you at 8mm vs the 9.5mm we know can work.
Best of luck with the build! If you get a chance, you could always do a build thread- we'd love to see your tank come together and your progress as you start stocking 
