Metal tank turned into outdoor pond ?

[kokosnood]

I'm thinking about turning this metal tank into a giant outdoor "aquarium."



I have the tank right now. My neighbor gave it to me, he was replacing his potable water tank with a new plastic one. He didn't like the rust inside this one. It is 5/8" steel.

It holds water. It is about 8 feet in diameter and 20 feet tall (long.) To set it up on its side (as pictured) I'd have to plug a couple holes; and I'd like to put a viewing window on what used to be the top (now the side showing in the last picture.) I'd have to grind out the rust and paint the inside.

What would be best to coat the inside with?

Any input or advice on the feasibility of this project?

 

[aquaponicpaw]

Nice tank! I imagine you would have to coat it if you were to use it. The rust would certainly become an issue. Then you would have to deal with being able to maintain a steady temp. may require more expense then it is worth. May fetch a decent $ if salvaged though. Then you have some seed $ to start ...

 

[kokosnood]

I was going to stock it with native fish; so no need for heaters.

But it might still need a lot of work.

 

[MTBjake]

It would definitely need a lot of work but it would be so cool if you can pull it off. Maybe just put a pondliner in there or use liquid pond liner. Of course you would have to prep it first but it's definitely doable! Keep us posted!


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[kokosnood]

Well, the first step will be to cut the hole for the viewing window and weld on angle iron to hold the glass. Then grind and paint the inside with something waterproof and non-toxic.

Then install the glass and test fill it.

Which product should I use on the inside for waterproofing?

 

[MTBjake]

Check into some of the DIY Plywood builds and see what they use. A lot of them use Liquid Rubber but I think that's a bit costly and you'll need a lot of it. You might be able to cut costs by using a pond liner sheet along the whole thing. And maybe just anchor the edges of the sheet with stainless bolts and fender washers.


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[aquaponicpaw]

Well, the first step will be to cut the hole for the viewing window and weld on angle iron to hold the glass. Then grind and paint the inside with something waterproof and non-toxic.

Then install the glass and test fill it.

Which product should I use on the inside for waterproofing?

I like the way you think. And as mentioned, a pond liner may be the most economical. I would start by pricing the liner and seeing how viable it is. Not quite grasping how you could safely/securely attach the window though. Have you done any sketches?

@aquaponicpaw

 

[kokosnood]

I like the way you think. And as mentioned, a pond liner may be the most economical. I would start by pricing the liner and seeing how viable it is. Not quite grasping how you could safely/securely attach the window though. Have you done any sketches?

I haven't sketched it yet. I would start by cutting the hole, and welding on the angle iron. The angle iron would be facing in and would have inside measurements slightly (1/8") larger than the intended glass piece. Then, after grinding and sealing the inside of the tank and the angle iron, I would use silicon to both seal and cushion the glass from the metal.

What do you think? Would silicon adhere to the coated metal ?

 

[freebyrd]

It should I would rough the metal a bit and make sure you use aquarium silicone. I would suggest using a bur grinder and make even but rough surface for the silicone to adhear

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[The1and only]

I would media blast that before i took a grinder to it. The amount of time and money on wheels and discs. I would look in to a spray on coating of some sort as well. You could get a roll on but that is a lot of metal to cover.