Metal frame, combo ply and glass

[Amityfish]

Hi all,

Getting back into fish keeping, new to MFK, hoping for some advice on a DIY build.

I'm interested in building a metal frame tank, about 4' x 3' footprint, 30" high. For mostly style reasons I love the idea of the metal frame but for cost I'm wanting ply on the two 3' short sides and the bottom. So just two glass panels (going in built in cabinetry that is viewable from two sides).

Maybe because I'm getting old and technologically inept but I'm having a hard time finding details on how other folks have done this. Specifically, material dimensions and how they handle the joints. I was thinking I could pond armor the ply and lay it all in just like the glass, and silicone the joints? Could I get away with not using 304 steel, and using another waterproofing method instead? What kind of bracing would I need to prevent twisting? So many questions, lol. Grateful for all insights.

 

[Riley S]

If it were me, I would use type 1 pvc sheet instead as long as I had it braced properly. It would probably come out cheaper than using coated plywood and would also last longer. I would bond everything using Dow 795. If I wanted to use regular steel for my frame that I had welded together, I would look into powdercoating. Since you mention wanting not to use glass for the short panels for cost, I imagine powdercoating would be too expensive then.

 

[Amityfish]

If it were me, I would use type 1 pvc sheet instead as long as I had it braced properly. It would probably come out cheaper than using coated plywood and would also last longer. I would bond everything using Dow 795. If I wanted to use regular steel for my frame that I had welded together, I would look into powdercoating. Since you mention wanting not to use glass for the short panels for cost, I imagine powdercoating would be too expensive then.

Wow I've been out of the hobby for so long, this never even occurred to me as an option! I just did a search around, and discovered the AGE tanks, are their hybrid tanks basically what you're describing? They use some kind of UV cured adhesive, which sounds beyond my capabilities to figure out. The Dow 795, if I'm understanding correctly, doesn't do much structurally, and depends on the steel bracing?