Not the usual plywood tank ?

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Red_Man

Red_Man

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Sep 14, 2010
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Indiana
First off... I HAVE used the search. Got tired of reading "Well I'm going to...." only for the thread to not be longer than 1 page. A lot of the threads where the tank was built the tank was 96 inches or less.

Has anyone built, BUILT being the key word, a plywood tank longer than 96 inches? I keep coming across random hints that longer than 96 inches is not recommended. I assume this is because people have trouble sealing the seam? Anyone who has or has helped build one it would be great to get some input. The reason I ask is that I have a 13 ft long wall just begging to have a long tank put against it!
 
The 96" s of course due to the plywood sheeting being standard 96"...but I know first hand it can and is done. I don't have pictures....but I can tell you the length isn't the issue....it's the depth. I believe most people stop at around 30-36" of depth and in my opinion, that is for service and cleaning. Constructing a tank of any length is going to only be as good as the engineering and construction practices. I don't think a seam would be an issue providing the framing is sound.
 
Red_Man said:
First off... I HAVE used the search. Got tired of reading "Well I'm going to...." only for the thread to not be longer than 1 page. A lot of the threads where the tank was built the tank was 96 inches or less.

Has anyone built, BUILT being the key word, a plywood tank longer than 96 inches? I keep coming across random hints that longer than 96 inches is not recommended. I assume this is because people have trouble sealing the seam? Anyone who has or has helped build one it would be great to get some input. The reason I ask is that I have a 13 ft long wall just begging to have a long tank put against it!
Click to expand...

A tank of say 13-14' could still use standard length veiwing windows...imo.
 
I was thinking 12' x 36 x 30 Inside dimensions. Wouldn't be anytime soon as I have to collect my pieces and figure out glass/acrylic prices.
 
I would have to split the viewing window mainly for cost purposes. Break it into two 5 ft something windows. Maybe track down a 220 and cut it apart.
 
Last edited:
Any known tricks to the 96" seam sealing?
 
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Red_Man said:
Any known tricks to the 96" seam sealing?
Click to expand...
Have read on a couple builds over the standard plywood sheet length, that overlapping sheets will work. Will cost a bit more and a bit time consuming but works. You basically join the two back sheets edges together to get the length you need. Then overlap a few sheets in front of that to hide the mid join, add strength and connect the back pieces... if that makes sense? then go about your normal plywood building tasks. You may need good 2x4 external bracing of course.
 
In the middle of building a 620 plywood build for a buddy that will be posted soon.
If I was going to build a massive tank which I intend to, it would be 2x4 stacked with a plywood liner, liquid rubber
 
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