8 foot build

[Millerb415]

projects spects
stand 96 x 30 x 40
tank 96 x 30 x 28


im going to be building a basic stand with supports ever 2 feet and using some type of plywood on top of the frame. do i go with 2x4 or do i need to do 2x6
as for the tank Im looking to build using acrylic as i like the fact that the seal is at a more molecular level not just glued together. like glass. for this i was looking at 1 inch acrylic is that going to be thick enough or do i need to go thicker? any general advice as this is the first tank im going to be building myself instead of just buying one off of a retailer?

 

[Timfish]

For starters I'd use Sci-Grip #40 over #3 or #4. #40 is a 2 part and has the viscosity of a thick oil so construction is a bit different than # or #4. For a tank 28" tall 1" is fine (actually a bit of overkill) but you will need to have a lip around the top and 2 or 3 cross braces to keep it from bowing long term. It's not clear but you should have top and bottom cross braces along with the legs every 2' and diagaonal bracing on the back is a must.

 

[Millerb415]

For starters I'd use Sci-Grip #40 over #3 or #4. #40 is a 2 part and has the viscosity of a thick oil so construction is a bit different than # or #4. For a tank 28" tall 1" is fine (actually a bit of overkill) but you will need to have a lip around the top and 2 or 3 cross braces to keep it from bowing long term. It's not clear but you should have top and bottom cross braces along with the legs every 2' and diagaonal bracing on the back is a must.

was planning all that bracing just to be safe. your saying 1 inch is overkill so would 3/4 inch work will cost like a third of the cost

 

[Nate Chalk]

Always over engineer

 

[Timfish]

I guess it depends on how much bowing you want to see in the middle of the tank over time. 1" will be pretty minimal but I'd expect using 3/4" you'd see a 1/4" and maybe a bit more bowing side to side in the middle versus the sides.

 

[Nate Chalk]

I guess it depends on how much bowing you want to see in the middle of the tank over time. 1" will be pretty minimal but I'd expect using 3/4" you'd see a 1/4" and maybe a bit more bowing side to side in the middle versus the sides.

Zero