Hi Guys,
I'm in need of some solid advice for a solid build. I've been dreaming of a monster tank since I got into the hobby/life/addiction about 5 years ago. I've always been a go big or go home when it comes to anything. So now, I've pretty much wrapped up the purchase of my wife and I's first home. I have a stock pile of harden glass (approximately 7'x3' about 5/8" thick with each large pane weighing about 150lbs). I also have a case of the toughest 100% food grade construction silicone on hand. I know I will need lots and lots of 2x4/2x6 and 3/4" plywood. I've also priced out pond armor....though that new flex seal stuff which comes in gallon cans is looking pretty good too.
What I don't have is a clear picture of what the framing should be. I've read close to every article, watched numerous videos, and even talked to some of my friends who do carpentry. Between all of that, I have a few thousand ideas.
What is the best/ most successful way to build a wood and glass tank to hold this much water. I am already guessing that it will weigh in around 9 tons completed (yes its a basement tank). I'm already planning to do "tank floor joicing" 6 inches on center with 2 layers of 3/4" ply on top to form the tank floor (with appropriate water sealants/join over lapping. The tank floor will sit/bolted to 12"diameter sonatubes which will rest on the foundation of my home.
Where I get stuck is the tank walls. I know I should use horizontal ribbing to brace the long edge of the walls. Some people say stack the 2 bys like bricks, tapering ends and screw and glue each layer. Or should I leave space? The other issue is, you brace the top and screw the bottom to the tank floor, with sealants as well, but do you need a second set of vertical ribs to help the horizontals to strap the front of the tank, framed by wood, to the back?
Any one have any experience with different designs and which seem to work best for larger tanks? Or do I just say screw it, build a mold and pour concrete?
I am so lost haha but really appreciate the help.
I'm in need of some solid advice for a solid build. I've been dreaming of a monster tank since I got into the hobby/life/addiction about 5 years ago. I've always been a go big or go home when it comes to anything. So now, I've pretty much wrapped up the purchase of my wife and I's first home. I have a stock pile of harden glass (approximately 7'x3' about 5/8" thick with each large pane weighing about 150lbs). I also have a case of the toughest 100% food grade construction silicone on hand. I know I will need lots and lots of 2x4/2x6 and 3/4" plywood. I've also priced out pond armor....though that new flex seal stuff which comes in gallon cans is looking pretty good too.
What I don't have is a clear picture of what the framing should be. I've read close to every article, watched numerous videos, and even talked to some of my friends who do carpentry. Between all of that, I have a few thousand ideas.
What is the best/ most successful way to build a wood and glass tank to hold this much water. I am already guessing that it will weigh in around 9 tons completed (yes its a basement tank). I'm already planning to do "tank floor joicing" 6 inches on center with 2 layers of 3/4" ply on top to form the tank floor (with appropriate water sealants/join over lapping. The tank floor will sit/bolted to 12"diameter sonatubes which will rest on the foundation of my home.
Where I get stuck is the tank walls. I know I should use horizontal ribbing to brace the long edge of the walls. Some people say stack the 2 bys like bricks, tapering ends and screw and glue each layer. Or should I leave space? The other issue is, you brace the top and screw the bottom to the tank floor, with sealants as well, but do you need a second set of vertical ribs to help the horizontals to strap the front of the tank, framed by wood, to the back?
Any one have any experience with different designs and which seem to work best for larger tanks? Or do I just say screw it, build a mold and pour concrete?
I am so lost haha but really appreciate the help.
