470 Gallon Plywood Build

[robham777]

I have wanted to do this for a while now, and finally got started Monday. I am basically copying the DIY Kings project from youtube. I really like his projects, and his presentation.I would highly recommend watching them for any first time builders. Even if you want to go with a different construction design there are some great tips and info. My version is 8'x4'x27 and using inside dimensions should be about 470g 90% full. I have built a few stands in the past, but nothing on this scale. I have not completely settled on the filtration, but basically plan on building a 3 chamber sump setup using plastic 55g drums.(I can get them free at work). At this stage of the build the two most important things I have learned are to have the plywood cut at the hardware store, and get a number of clamps. I cut my own panels and ended up 1/8" off on the end panels even after rigging up a guide system, and the clamps are like having several extra people helping you.

I wanted to build the tank first and work on the stand during the tank build. After dry fitting the panels and realizing exactly how heavy the 3/4" plywood frame would be, I decided it would be much easier to build it in place.

 

[monkeybike]

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[Fish Eat Fish]

Great work so far. I was worried about your stand at first but then saw that you added the "stacked" supports underneath the main top frame. That's super important as I am sure you know. Can't wait to see it come together!

 

[Niners4952]

what water proofing route are you going with

 

[robham777]

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Thanks, at this point I am pretty optimistic that it will turn out well.

Great work so far. I was worried about your stand at first but then saw that you added the "stacked" supports underneath the main top frame. That's super important as I am sure you know. Can't wait to see it come together!

Thanks, I am hopeful that everyone will make observations and suggestions as I go. Having an underbuilt stand fail would definitely be a disaster even though it is in my garage. I have been lurking on build threads and watching videos, so hopefully I have a pretty good overview of how to do this. I am learning a lot of little things as I go that will be very useful if I attempt something like this again.

what water proofing route are you going with

Either the pond shield or max acr, I am hoping other members will help guide my decision by sharing their experiences and opinions.

The stand is more or less done. Now I have to cut the viewing panel. I was thinking about a 2.5" overlap for the glass, hopefully that is enough. My assumption is that the glass would actually provide most of the strength in the front panel.

 

[tomojsg]

nice build keep em coming! also 8'x4'x27" should be more than 470
since a 8x4x2 is 480g not that it matters just wanted to point it out lol...

 

[robham777]

nice build keep em coming! also 8'x4'x27" should be more than 470
since a 8x4x2 is 480g not that it matters just wanted to point it out lol...

Thank you tomojsg, yeah I estimated on the low side for volume. I used the inside dimensions of 94.5"x 46.5x25"@90% full to get the 470. I am going to use a 25" glass panel and have doubled up 3/4" inch bracing at the top. I have to admit the 540 gallons I get using outside dimensions sounds a bit more impressive. Either way its pretty damn big! Dreaming about it is one thing, actually seeing it is another. You should have seen the look I got when my wife saw it. Its her own fault, she said "no more tanks" not "no more gallons" and I took down a 20g a couple of weeks ago.

 

[tomojsg]

ah ic ic, looking foward to the build! lol nice trade
get rid of a 20g and setup a 470 hehe.

 

[Niners4952]

I used pond shield/armor on my 600 and really liked it, was very easy to work with and very durable, some say it cures to fast, if you are not a fast worker mix half at a time, I was able to do a full coat at once but it started to thicken toward the end, have everything ready and close by to save time

 

[Niners4952]

Also I used momentive rtv108 to adhere the glass the the pond shield. I used about 4 tubes but I bought 10 as I was going to do a reseal on my 300 glass. I have 6 left that are only a few months old, stored inside, they cost over $10 a tube pm me if you are intrested Id sell for half price to help out another member plus I may never use them