I'm researching for a build I want to do this spring/summer and I can't find any concrete evidence on this subject. I want to build an 80" x 48" wide x 30" tall plywood tank. Should be right around 500 gallons. I was wondering if i would need exterior bracing on the tank. The pathway down to the basement is tight and that is why I was hoping I wouldn't need a frame. I am planning on coating the interior with zavlar and using 3m 5200 sealant to bond the glass to the wood. I have read suggestions on this but haven't found a thread where it was actually applied. Has anyone used this combo or could point me in the right direction of a good thread? lol Thanks! Oh also, for the exterior of the tank, can you just use regular stain on it or does it have to be a specific type that won't leech or such?
500 gallon plywood tank need to be framed?
- Thread starter davis101
- Start date
Here is Greentera's build that is bigger and was a plywood only build. This should answer your question on bracing.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?254175-794-gallon-ply-tank-build
I can't help you on the coating and silicone question.
I think you will be fine staining the exterior without it leaching through 3/4" plus of plywood to the coating side.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?254175-794-gallon-ply-tank-build
I can't help you on the coating and silicone question.
I think you will be fine staining the exterior without it leaching through 3/4" plus of plywood to the coating side.
it doesn't but think of it in terms of sheer safety. A tank that big how do you plan on aquascaping, cleaning, catching fish out if needed? I literally have to get in mine to do some things that I just can't do form outside the tank, that 48" front to back creates some issues. Unless, if you have absolute access from all sides of the tank you may be ok, if not it can be VERY difficult to get to parts of the tank you may need. With needing to get in and out of the tank that will create flex which in the long run may create micro cracks so for me framing it and making it possible to sit a freakin tank on top of it without worry was the only way to go!