Acrylic Thickness for Coldwater 135 Gal Tank

[1splat4u]

We are setting up an in wall 72"X18"X24" cold water tank. We are planning on having the tank custom built. We have contacted various vendors who suggested acrylic thickness of 1.5" for maximum insulation. I am a little weary of their recommendations, since they are motivated to sell a more expensive tank. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Anonymous]

Acrylic get very expensive when you get over 1 inch thick. For insulation, can a dual pane or that won't work for acrylic? You maybe able to use two layers of 3/4 inch with air sandwich between, or even get away with 1/2 inch layers.

 

[Anonymous]

Fill the void with an inert gas if you go that route, otherwise you'll get condensation in the middle of the dual pane.

 

[Anonymous]

This guy has a really "cool" cold water reef.

http://www.oregonreef.com/index.html

I know it was made by envision acrylics in OR.

envisionacrylics.com

James is a good guy and doubt he would try to rip you off. He built my 60 cube and I felt the price was fair. His service is great.

 

[Acrylics]

The thickness you need depends on the temp differential between the water temp and the ambient air temp as well as ambient humidity. So... how cold is your coldwater? FWIW the tanks referenced above were made from 1" acrylic. Under most circumstances, I see no *real* reason to go above that unless you live in Florida and want a 50deg tank, then 1.25" is more than likely just fine.

Hi Wazzel, thanks for the kind words

HTH,

James