500 gal plywood aquarium update.

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I applied my first top coat of Zophar. It's definitely not normal paint. It smells and feels like a rubberized product. Easy to use, good adhesion, low odor, dries fast. I applied a sample of Zophar onto a test wood that I can put through a torture test to see how durable it is per layer applied. Also, there's no information stated on packaging as to how long it takes for this product to cure so I'll be able to assess that tomorrow. So far so good. I'm liking what I see. I'll post more updates tomorrow. Some of these pictures where taken before and after I flipped the aquarium over.

Sent from my LG-P509

uploadfromtaptalk1350186442490.jpg

uploadfromtaptalk1350186468389.jpg

uploadfromtaptalk1350186521122.jpg

uploadfromtaptalk1350186542556.jpg
 
Looking great man. Im actually getting ready to build a very similar sized tank. On your next build will you do more external bracing or do you fell comfortable with the low profile and multiple layers of fiberglass. Im still trying to decide how i want to go. Also, have you decided how you are doing your overflow, if your using one?

Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
Whats Sump said:
Looking great man. Im actually getting ready to build a very similar sized tank. On your next build will you do more external bracing or do you fell comfortable with the low profile and multiple layers of fiberglass. Im still trying to decide how i want to go. Also, have you decided how you are doing your overflow, if your using one?

Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
Click to expand...

After building this aquarium, I feel that what I've done thus far will be enough. I'm not concerned about the enclosure failing, more so allowing everything to cure properly. Seating my glass properly with the right silicon, allowing that to cure is also a priority for me. Although, if I would build bigger, I'd definitely incorporate a frame around it. I believe that it would also be cheaper that way. I rely on the layers of fiberglass to provide a substantial amount of integrity for my aquarium, but if I'd used a frame work for that support, I wouldn't have needed to use the amount of fiberglass I did. Using a frame work, reinforcing the seams, and applying a sealer would have been cheaper. If I build smaller though, I'll do the same cause the aquarium is significantly less bulky this way. A smaller aquarium would be cheaper either way. I just started building my overflows, though it's very simple in design, can't say for sure it'll be an efficient one. I don't have much experience making them, I just try out what other people are doing and evolve from there. :)

Sent from my LG-P509
 
How does the Zophar feel when it's dry? Is it smooth / hard feeling...Is it tacky at all? what about cracking when dried? I'm still unsure I'll go with RubberizeIt on my next 600 gallon build simply because it's $300 for five gallons and even though they used my tank on their web site they only gave me a whopping 18% off my next buy...lol Not really enough to make me to excited. So I was looking into other options like Zophar.... is it cheaper for a five gallon bucket then RubberizeIt? I suppose I can look that up myself.. But wanted to see how this stuff acts and feels when dry, sounds easy to apply to from what you said above.. Let me know bro.

Tank look good.

MonsterPeacock -
 
No tack to it after 72 hrs. Feels like a truck bed liner, dry, hard, flexable, but just really glossy. As for price, I paid 89.00 for the gallon and used half if it to apply three layers. Not sure how much 5 gals of Zophar would cost. Not sure you'd even need that much. On the Zophar website, It states that Zophar is available in 5 gal, up to 55 gal drums. To be honest though, I don't know what the rubberize it is like so I can't really make a comparison between the two. Zophar is abrasion resistant and thicker than normal paint, but I can't say that it's stronger. It works for my situation cause my layers of fiberglass cloth, chop mat, and resins make up the majority of strength for my aquarium. Not sure if Zophar provides more or less strength as far as the overall integrity of the aquarium in comparison to a rubberized product like the one you used. I believe that Zophar makes for a great sealer and soon I'll know for sure if I'm right or wrong.

Sent from my LG-P509
 
I installed my glass today with two tubes of GE 1 pure silicone. I used some buckets and coolers to weigh down glass via monster peacock. Worked like a charm. Also, I made my overflow drains. The place where I bought my fiberglass was a boat building shop that sold threw hulls for 7.00. I paired these up with some drain and pvc end caps. After my glass is done curing I can start putting the plumbing together.


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