Calling all big tank builders, acrylic thickness question

[rallysman]

Awesome
you know the value of that stuff goes up every time you say "medical" right?

 

[msjinkzd]

would you rather I said custom alloy 304(edited forthe correct number, lol)

we have sheets of regular stainless around too, the alloy has better fracture toughness and more strenght as well as being more resistent to corrosion. its mainly used in food prep equipment (think food factory equipment, ex. heinz ketchup holding containers/vats).

 

[rallysman]

would you rather I said custom alloy 630 (believe that is what it is, I woul dhave to ask the pro, my mister)

we have sheets of regular stainless around too, the alloy has better fracture toughness and more strenght as well as being more resistent to corrosion.

I'm just messing with you.
I work with medical equipment every day and I laugh and how the prices get jacked when that word is involved Usually it has something to do with the FDA and 510k regulation, but not in some of the stuff.

 

[Pharaoh]

This calculator will put your mind at ease. You'll have to imagine for the 36" height, but figure for 96x36x30 and see what comes up.

http://www.garf.org/tank/buildtank.asp

 

[msjinkzd]

hah, i have that site bookmarked already, scary huh!

 

[Pharaoh]

LOL

 

[VLDesign]

Another good option is 3/4" glass. I used it in my 3' deep tank with no issues. Heavier but it's more durable and silicone friendly IMO.

 

[rallysman]

Hey bobby, do you know where she could find a huge sheet of tempered glass? LOL

 

[Pharaoh]

Hey bobby, do you know where she could find a huge sheet of tempered glass? LOL

There's this guy I know that has a HUGE piece sitting in his garage. She could call him, but I hear he's a real arse!

 

[rdbrown]

I am building an 8'x3'x3' tank out of medical grade stainless fro the back, bottom and sides. The front viewing panels will be acrylic and the frame will be made out of 2"x2"x1/2" stainless angle iron. <Yes, i know this will be heavy>. My question is this, if I do a center brace, can I use 1/2" acrylic safely?

Safely yes, without bowing, no. I would use 1" acrylic.