For a tank that size, Keith, 1" thick is not overkill. With the amount of weight the material needs to support at that size, bowing of the acrylic becomes a serious issue.

I think acrylic (plexiglass) is a great idea! It would be lighter and much easier to move around. Also, safer as no risk of broken glass. We used 1/4 inch 4 ft pieces between log posts for our railings at the cabin and it is really clear and supposed to be not too easy to scratch. Hubby cut it with a regular Skill saw.

I have seen indoor koi ponds made of that stuff. A terrarium would be great! I wonder where I could put one.

Middle of your living room :rofl:

That might block the view of the tv, but that's ok. Who needs to watch tv? Oh yeah, I might have to send my husband downstairs to watch it.

:rofl: my hubby said to a friend the other day that he didn't mind the orchids as long as he could still see the TV :coverlaugh:

My husband is glad that I became addicted to orchids, because I used to collect animals instead. Now I keep the pets to a minimum and keep getting more orchids.

Your right if you have horizontal pressures or no support around the edges.... 3/8" is plenty to support itself vertical with 1-2" of support around the edges as long as you stay under 6' tall.

Well, I have the wood shop available to make a cabinet if anyone wants one! I will be doing something along these lines for myself in the future, once I get the kids' rooms finished I will have a space to put one.

Sorry for getting off topic, but This is how you build a tank!!! You could put a LOT of orchids in there!!:D
new wooden hill stream tank (constr jrnl) - Page 26 - Dendroboard