DIY aquarium Acrylic Thickness

[Entacmaea]

Hi there, I'm building a grow-out/prop tank, with dimensions 48" long, by 16" tall, by 20" wide. I'm hoping I can use 3/8" cell-cast acrylic for the sides, and get away with no top bracing (or very little), for a clean look. Is this short enough to get away with 3/8, or should I go with 1/2 inch? Or can the long sides be 1/2" and the short sides stay at 3/8"? Just trying to save some clams, for, well, clams! : )

Thanks, Peter

 

[Entacmaea]

Bump

I just came across some cheap Acrylite FF 1/2 sheet- but it is extruded. Can I get away with a tank that will become a sump at 42" long by 16" high by 20 wide?

 

[Trixter]

I would be reluctant to use extruded for anything subjected to much pressure. It just is not as strong as cell cast. But for your application of 16" , 1/2 extruded for all sides is what I would use if cell cast isnt available.