Plywood monster (sorta) tank advice needed.

Everyone hates long posts, so I'll TRY and keep her short.
The tank will be 7x4x2.5 feet, .75" plywood built on [B]this design[/B] but smaller.


#1: I like the idea of using starphire (still more than open on other ideas,) but I read somewhere that they don't do 5/8ths anymore and laminated defeats the purpose (someone tell me they make 5/8ths still!)

I'm pretty set on 5/8ths glass and it's safety factor, so my next question is type.
If starphire is out, do I go tempered or regular?
Since wood likes to flex, I'm assuming tempered glass wouldn't be a good idea, am I right here?

Anyone in love with the idea of acrylic on a plywood tank?


#2: What's the most tried and true way of lining?
Fiberglass and epoxy resin coated with epoxy paint, seems to be frequently used, but I worry about the paint cracking as the wood expands and contracts as water is put in and drained over time.

Has anyone heard of, or used Sanitred?
I read (at this link) that it's one of the best to use if coated with epoxy to prevent UV damage, anyone familiar with this stuff?


#3: What brand of pump do you guys recommend for low noise and that does serious numbers (1800gph+)?


I'll take any advice you all might have, on any of my questions or anyt experiances with building a tank. Thanks in advance.

Thanks Dr. Joe, I'm almost set on using sanitred. I've got a couple questions to ask the company myself.

I'm curious how to seal the glass to the plywood like you mentioned.
Also, the the tank will be constructed so it's able to be taken down into 5 sections (walls) so I can transport it as we move, so I think I'd need to silicon the edges to seal it up.

Hmm, if it bonds to itself even if cured, maybe I could cut the seams and add more to the seams when I re-assemble it...?

Thanks Joe, ya really helped me out.

Do you know if the sanitred would bond to the plastic tarps used to protect carpet when painting? So I wouldn't risk them sticking when being moved.