55g shallow build need help

joel00782 · 04/19/2009, 08:00 PM

Im thinking about building a 55g shallow tank out of acrylic
the dimension are going to be 48L x 24W x 12H what would be a good thickness for the acrylic i dont know how you pik the size of the acrylic to build a tank any recomendation ?

james3370 · 04/19/2009, 08:20 PM

http://garf.org/tank/BuildTank.asp

shows 1/4" w/ eurobracing

THEUNION1 · 04/19/2009, 11:46 PM

I made one with almost the same dimensions out of 1/4" and it bowed so yah euro bracing would be needed. I still think 1/4" is to thin though i would go with 3/4" if you can but 3/8" would be cool to.

the droob · 04/20/2009, 06:20 AM

I think Theunion1 is right that 3/8 would do the trick but hey if you can afford1/2" then all the better,presure comes from depth not area so much so with a shallow tank you can use thinner material but I think over kill is good that way you know you will have no trouble and the peace of mind is worth the extra effort.

joel00782 · 04/20/2009, 08:19 AM

sounds good

thanks guys

04/19/2009, 08:00 PM	#1
joel00782 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Wartown Worcester MA. Orlando Fl. Posts: 676	55g shallow build need help Im thinking about building a 55g shallow tank out of acrylic the dimension are going to be 48L x 24W x 12H what would be a good thickness for the acrylic i dont know how you pik the size of the acrylic to build a tank any recomendation ? __________________ WARNING: I cannot be held responsible for the above, as apparently my fish have learned how to type.

04/19/2009, 08:20 PM	#2
james3370 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: US ARMY - El Paso TX Posts: 3,678	http://garf.org/tank/BuildTank.asp shows 1/4" w/ eurobracing __________________ Yes I hear voices in my head, but they speak spanish so I can't understand anything they say. there's no place like 127.0.0.1 It's a shame that stupidity isn't painful.... Current Tank Info: currently tankless....but planning an AIO

04/20/2009, 08:19 AM	#5
joel00782 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Wartown Worcester MA. Orlando Fl. Posts: 676	sounds good thanks guys __________________ WARNING: I cannot be held responsible for the above, as apparently my fish have learned how to type.

04/19/2009, 11:46 PM	#3
THEUNION1 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: ORANGE COUNTY, CA Posts: 928	I made one with almost the same dimensions out of 1/4" and it bowed so yah euro bracing would be needed. I still think 1/4" is to thin though i would go with 3/4" if you can but 3/8" would be cool to.

04/20/2009, 06:20 AM	#4
the droob Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Perth/Australia Posts: 83	I think Theunion1 is right that 3/8 would do the trick but hey if you can afford1/2" then all the better,presure comes from depth not area so much so with a shallow tank you can use thinner material but I think over kill is good that way you know you will have no trouble and the peace of mind is worth the extra effort.