MitchM tank build

[untamed]

Originally Posted by MitchM

I was thinking of the MP60's already.

The tank is 3/4". I asked Tenecor if by switching to 1" I could reduce the size of the bracing, but they said no. It would only give a thicker appearance to the acrylic. For the price (and added weight) it didn't seem worth it.

Untamed, I did see those strainers on your tank build and want to get those. You got them from U.S. Plastics, didn't you?

This tank is going in my workshop, so the fish room options are pretty much open. No restrictions for height or space.
3 sides viewable, with a blue back.

Mitch

Yes, I think it was US Plastics. They were difficult to find and I had to order them from the US...that much I recall.

[MitchM]

I called Tenecor today, they were just starting on the tank...
A 3/4 tank will deflect 1/4" at the most, and a 1" would be negligible.
I told them to go ahead and upgrade to the 1".
Thanks for the input.

Mitch

[untamed]

I think that is a good call. My tank is 1" all round. When I'm working in the tank, I lay a plank across the opening and kneel on top of the tank to work. I imagine you'll be able to do that as well, and it is quite handy.

[MitchM]

Just a note of interest regarding acrylic thickness - Today I came across another 600g tank on the net - Dakotareef.
His tank is 120L X 48W X 24H.

Made from 1/2" acrylic in 2006.

Mitch

[untamed]

Originally Posted by MitchM

Just a note of interest regarding acrylic thickness - Today I came across another 600g tank on the net - Dakotareef.
His tank is 120L X 48W X 24H.

Made from 1/2" acrylic in 2006.

Mitch

Oh yeah...they are out there. You can also find reports of seams blowing out on some acrylic tanks, which should never happen. (not suggesting that one is going to blow) It just isn't the aspect of the tank that you should try to save money on.

It is interesting to me that the 120" x 24" is exactly the same sq.in area as your 96" x 30". Yet, I think you get MORE deflection in a 96x30 panel than you get in a 120x24 panel because the smallest dimension, 30", is larger.

[MitchM]

Acrylic does sound pretty tough (other than scratching easily) from what I have been reading.
I think we tend to overbuild our tanks and stands, but when you think about it, if anybody would tend to overbuild the tanks, it would be the manufacturer. After all they are the ones that need to honour the warranties.

Anyway - as we all know....this thread is useless without pictures!
(where's the emoticon?)

This is my present sump area that is going to be rebuilt:
I'm thinking of building a single wall unit, painted white. The new tank will be backing onto the other side of what you can see here.
I've already received a new 300gpd RO/DI unit plus 2 jumbo BRS reactors. I started one of the reactors on GFO and this week I'll be starting the other one on GAC next weekend, replacing the current Deltec FR509.




Mitch

[untamed]

Totally "mad scientist" looking! Well done.