Plywood Tanks

[h0nkzz]

I'm thinking of building a plywood tank project since it's summer and i got nothing to do after work...
has anyone here try doing it before ?

[Philistine]

Re: Plywood Tanks

nope but I'm betting it takes a lot of silicone

[CichlidFan]

Re: Plywood Tanks

OK, you got my attention, just what does a plywood tank look like anyway? I've never heard of this design and am very curious about how & why this is done.

Thanks

CF

[guppymax]

Re: Plywood Tanks

I don't know anything about this but here is a link you might want to look into:

http://www.garf.org/tank/buildtank.asp

max

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Plywood Tanks

monstertanks.com

[SCOTT]

Re: Plywood Tanks

There are countless web links to plywood tanks, or lab tanks. If done correctly and properly sealed these tanks can last for years with no problems. I had considered building one of these myself, but with a slight twist. Instead of using swimming pool paint as a sealer, I had planned to take the tank down and have a Rhino Liner sprayed into it instead. I figure, it's waterproof, scuff proof, and damned near indestructible. The liner should far outlast the plywood surrounding it in this case. This wouldn't be very cost effective for a smaller tank, but a 300 or larger this could very well be the way to go.

[goldfisher]

Re: Plywood Tanks

I've seen one it's roughly 150g.The only glass part is the front area the rest is 1" thick plywood.It is supported by a like a long bolt in the middle.The sump is also made of plywood but I don't know what kind of paint they used.It was already taken down when I saw it and I haven't talk to the real owner.My PERSONAL opinion......."Don't waste your time and money".Buy a glass aquarium and enjoy the hobby.

[blacksmith37]

Re: Plywood Tanks

Long ago, and far away; a friend built a 4' X 2' X 2' which is one 4X8 of plywood. As I remember he used 1" marine. A lot of wood screws as this was before the great deck/drywall screws were invented. And a two component epoxy. He had some free glass and likely had something thicker than 1/4" plate. It held water (and fish) for several years, then he moved to FL.
Now I would be more concerned with the modulus mis-match between the glass and wood. The silicone between the glass and wood must tolerate some movement. ( My friend cut out one large face, leaving about a 4" flange to hold the glass).

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Plywood Tanks

ooopss... link is Monsterfishkeepers.com

[h0nkzz]

Re: Plywood Tanks

Long ago, and far away; a friend built a 4' X 2' X 2' which is one 4X8 of plywood. As I remember he used 1" marine. A lot of wood screws as this was before the great deck/drywall screws were invented. And a two component epoxy. He had some free glass and likely had something thicker than 1/4" plate. It held water (and fish) for several years, then he moved to FL.
Now I would be more concerned with the modulus mis-match between the glass and wood. The silicone between the glass and wood must tolerate some movement. ( My friend cut out one large face, leaving about a 4" flange to hold the glass).

i'm considering doing something like this but using acrylic instead of glass so i can tightened them with screws also and lots and lots of silicon

[guppymax]

Re: Plywood Tanks

Acrylic is not as rigid as glass unless it is thicker? Flexing leads to leaks. Welded acrylic should work but siliconed acrylic probably will not.

max

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: Plywood Tanks

I know people have built them and used them.

Personally, what I have seen so far in them, I have not been impressed. The craftmanship yes is impressive, but the overall look is just not me.

I too would question their longevity.

I have a 55 gallon, that has never leaked, that I had to repair the centrbrace on about 4 years ago is the only issue I have had with the tank.  It has been moved atleast 20 times.  The tank is 20 years old. Odell Tank, that I got for my 15th birthday.

[SCOTT]

Re: Plywood Tanks

If not impressed by the lab tanks that you see on the net, think about this. Most of the larger built ins are nothing more than lab tanks. The difference is that you dont see anything except the viewing pane. Why spend the money for glass that will never be utilised? Answer, they don't. All you use on a built in is the single pane that is flush mounted with the wall, the rest is simply ply and reinforcement, or fiberglass and reinforcement. For the really large tanks, make that concrete with steel reinforcement. As for the look of one of these tanks, that is limited only by your imagination in how you design it to begin with. Personally, when it comes time to build the new house, I will deffinately be building one in the 1500 gallon range, as of course, a built in.

[h0nkzz]

Re: Plywood Tanks

I agree with SCOTT, i covered 3 sides of my tank and only leaave the front open for viewing. And about the overall look, I'm a Product Designer so I think I'm not too worry about it  

My PERSONAL opinion......."Don't waste your time and money".Buy a glass aquarium and enjoy the hobby.

Isn't building huge tank part of the hobby ?

[Zulaab]

Re: Plywood Tanks

H0nkzz after seeing your place, your beautiful fish.... I am really thinking you should just go for an all Glass Aquarium.  If you need help with building a stand etc to hold it to save you some money I can prolly help you out there with regards to building one.  I am thinking as soon as I can put the money together for getting a 125 or 150 then I am on the fast path to be doing the same.  I saw your Frontosa's and I was hooked on wanting go get something similar....