Acrylic thickness for a gerbil tank
Discussion
DIY...not pet question!
Kid has a gerbil that I'm making a tank for - glass is the go to option but if acrylic can be thin it may be cheaper.
So, given a simple tank that is 1200mm long by 600mm deep and 500mm tall (a big topless box) - what thickness of acrylic would be needed to stop the sides bowing and flexing? If this was glass 6mm would be fine. Can I get acrylic down thinner? The cost jump a LOT from say 4mm - 6mm
Kid has a gerbil that I'm making a tank for - glass is the go to option but if acrylic can be thin it may be cheaper.
So, given a simple tank that is 1200mm long by 600mm deep and 500mm tall (a big topless box) - what thickness of acrylic would be needed to stop the sides bowing and flexing? If this was glass 6mm would be fine. Can I get acrylic down thinner? The cost jump a LOT from say 4mm - 6mm
Here's my 2p
I'm not sure how robust you want it and it's difficult to gauge how much flex you 'don't' want. However, a simple and cost effective remedy would be to use some internal bracing to stop the middle of each long vertical panel from flexing in/outwards.
On their own, the acrylic won't bow under its own weight but a large tank like this won't be particularly rigid when you lift it up.
How are you proposing to put this tank together? Adhesive?
If so just make 1 or 2 more end panels, cut a square/circle/rectangle out of the centre (but ensuring some reasonable radii at any corners) and them bond them to the rest of the tank. You could even turn them into a feature so the little chap has something to climb though (ladders, walkways etc).
I'm not sure how robust you want it and it's difficult to gauge how much flex you 'don't' want. However, a simple and cost effective remedy would be to use some internal bracing to stop the middle of each long vertical panel from flexing in/outwards.
On their own, the acrylic won't bow under its own weight but a large tank like this won't be particularly rigid when you lift it up.
How are you proposing to put this tank together? Adhesive?
If so just make 1 or 2 more end panels, cut a square/circle/rectangle out of the centre (but ensuring some reasonable radii at any corners) and them bond them to the rest of the tank. You could even turn them into a feature so the little chap has something to climb though (ladders, walkways etc).
mat777 said:
Obviously its more satisfying to make one, but wouldnt it just be cheaper to buy a rotastak cage?
Gerbils need a large floor area (like the desert they live in) so this will be a 1.2m long tank...not the nasty little pink and blue units in Pets at Home/prison!Costed it and will be going with glass sides and a perspex base for weight saving.
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff