500 gal plywood aquarium update.

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
808_fairladyz said:
Ok so today I learned that polyester resin is not recommended for water containment and in turn, is not suitable as a sole means of sealing an aquarium. I was told that I'll have to do a final coat using epoxy based resin which also happens to cost. 2-3 times more than polyester resin. Looks like some changes will need to be made. I'll post more updates when can.

Sent from my LG-P509
Click to expand...

Huge bummer deal bro... That does put a twist in things for you. Too bad you didn't live closer, I'd send you a few gallons of Rubberizeit I have left over to just finish our tank up with that bro! Sorry to hear but you'll figure something out bro!


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
Yeah, minor set back. I'm ditching the blue paint and going black though. Everything I find on Zophar indicates to me that it's good. I still have more fiberglass to apply but not much. When I'm done, I'm going to let fiberglass glass cure for a whole week before applying Zophar. Should be fine. I'm looking forward to seeing you fill your beast.

Sent from my LG-P509
 
808_fairladyz said:
Yeah, minor set back. I'm ditching the blue paint and going black though. Everything I find on Zophar indicates to me that it's good. I still have more fiberglass to apply but not much. When I'm done, I'm going to let fiberglass glass cure for a whole week before applying Zophar.

Sent from my LG-P509
Click to expand...

Here is the build from the other Hawaii resident in case you haven't seen it.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?214279-My-500g-piece-of-furniture

I assume he bought his waterproofing agents locally and I assume the tank is still holding water. Since you have another week this gives you some more items to research.
 
Holy $hit, his level of experience far exceeds mine. I'll check his out definitely and do some research on it. Thank for the heads up. So how'd your test fill go?

Sent from my LG-P509
 
Did you mean Monster Peacock?

I'm not building a tank at the moment.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
Oh, sorry bout that. Great heads up regardless. I was thinking that one day I'd like to do something a little bigger but to be honest, thinking about the filtration needs and regular maintenance is more of a concern to me than the build itself. I'd have to have a water storage unit just for maintenance. Maybe solar assisted filtration system.

Sent from my LG-P509
 
I'm glad to see that @ least one person was able to find this tread useful. Now It all seems justified. I'm not done yet but I can say that I have learned alot throughout this build. Proper planning and research would have saved me money. I overlooked the planning for my filtration system and now I'm scrambling to figure out what I'm going to do about it. I have an idea, but turning it into reality will take some time. I never figured I'd spend more than 1000.00, so trying to allocate additional money for it has been another small set back. I'm feeling the heat cause it seems like my fish are growing bigger by the week. As far as this build goes though, I think that the two full complete coverage of fiberglass mat on all 5 sides is overkill. By now all my seams have 4 layers of reinforcement at all corners from the over lapping of each layer of mat. Most other builds I've viewed used reinforcing mat at seams only, than sealed aquarium with some sort of sealer without problems. When all's said and done, I'll be sealing mines with Zophar. I don't know though, I like the feeling that what I've done maybe overkill. There's a sense of reassurance that's associated with it. I could've saved more money by using less, but I'll probably do it the same next time. I should be able to finish the last applications of fiberglass on Sunday, than two coats of Zophar next Sunday. Than I can install my glass. It's been a long time coming. I can kind of see that light at the end of the tunnel. It calls to me, waiting for me to get there..........;)

Sent from my LG-P509
 
Building a tank is a serious undertaking one doesn't fully realize until they are elbow deep in fiberglass resin and silicone. The placement of the glass, the corner reinforcement and all the other things you mentioned...even to the color to paint the interior. I really look up to people who can start a project like this and stick to it.
I have built a couple setups and I am proud of them. The learning never stops though and just when I think I have accomplished a great build, I see a totally inspirational build and the draw starts.
 
Ok so today I am officially done laying all layers of fiberglass resin and mat. I'm only to happy to finally be done with that process. Now I'll let the fiberglass cure for a week before applying my sealer. I pickup my glass on Friday. I figure now I'll have plenty time to finish my canopy and wrap my stand. I'm sorry about the long breaks in between updates. I've gone over my initial budget and now I can only buy materials once a week as I get paid every week. I'm so close to finishing that even though it's difficult to keep putting more money into it, I just don't have a choice but to keep going. I'm so committed to getting my aquarium done, It just doesn't matter. My wife's been giving me a little resistance, but for the most Part, we're on the same page. I just know that when it's all said and done, she'll love it, my fish will be in a better place, and it'll be worth it. Next time I'll definitely plan more carefully. I'll post up new pics soon. Aloha!


Sent from my LG-P509
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom