Planning First Acrylic Build

[SwellyJelly]

Been inspired by all the builds here on MFK and looking into tempting my first acrylic build. Right now I am trying to get some prices for sheets from different vendors but wasnt completely sure on how thick of acrylic i should be shopping for as I am on the fence choosing between 1/2" or 3/4".

My plan is to make a tank in one of the two sizes below:

96 x 48 x 24
96 x 48 x 30

Would I be able to do 1/2" for either of the two builds or would i need 3/4" all around? I have seen some people use different thickness for the top and bottom versus the side panes but not quite sure exactly how that works out.

 

[wednesday13]

Been inspired by all the builds here on MFK and looking into tempting my first acrylic build. Right now I am trying to get some prices for sheets from different vendors but wasnt completely sure on how thick of acrylic i should be shopping for as I am on the fence choosing between 1/2" or 3/4".

My plan is to make a tank in one of the two sizes below:

96 x 48 x 24
96 x 48 x 30

Would I be able to do 1/2" for either of the two builds or would i need 3/4" all around? I have seen some people use different thickness for the top and bottom versus the side panes but not quite sure exactly how that works out.

U can get away with 1/2" for 8x4x2 but as always 3/4"/thicker would be better. U'll need 4 sheets of material for 8x4x2 and 5 for the 8x4x30. Id go for the 8x4x2 in 3/4" using 4 sheets. I recommend a full top sheet for the brace with holes routered/cut out for the lids. If you deciede to save money using the 1/2" material id beef up the inside upright seams with 1" square stock acrylic as it will bow.

 

[Eatsomekiwis]

I just built a 8x4x2 out of 1/2”, it came out great, I plan on pouring 40 on all the seams before I water test.

 

[jimmie d wad]

im planning on the same size. torn between using 1/2 or 3/4 and 24 or 30 tall

 

[squint]

3/4 on the sides, 1/2 on the top and bottom.

 

[Eatsomekiwis]

im planning on the same size. torn between using 1/2 or 3/4 and 24 or 30 tall

Next tank I build this size will be 3/4”. Wouldn’t even reinforce the joints if I went with 3/4”

 

[Fish Tank Travis]

I just built a 8x4x2 out of 1/2”, it came out great, I plan on pouring 40 on all the seams before I water test.

View attachment 1298977 View attachment 1298978

Very nice looking tank. Do you have a build thread for it?