600 Gallon Build

[Gunz]

I decided to start my first DIY plywood aquarium. I've read so many different threads and really motivated to start mine. I currently have 4 silver aros, that are out growing thier 110 gallon. This site has provided guys with lack of building experience much support to start their project and I'm sure you'll do the same for me. Please hit me up with comments to help me throughout this adventure....So lets get building!

For starters I gotta give all the credit to CHBGator as I followed his design with a little modification to my own, but basically followed his layout and ideas. Here is the design for the tank and stand just like Gator's build.

 

[brich999]

I guess that's a start lol, have any questions yet? Biggest thing is plan research and plan more. Good luck, and keep us updated.

 

[Gunz]

I guess that's a start lol, have any questions yet? Biggest thing is plan research and plan more. Good luck, and keep us updated.

Thanks brich, and so far so good! I'm sure once I get more completed the mind will start formulating questions.

Got a bit more completed yesterday, will post pics soon!

 

[Gunz]

View attachment 749439View attachment 749440View attachment 749441View attachment 749442
The stand complete. I used 2x6s with a 12' spread in between verticle beams. I must remind everyone this is my first time actually building anything. I bought a miter saw after reading someone's post that recommended having one, and it does make cutting wood so much faster and easier. Hoping to get more done today, wish me luck! The goal is to have the dimensions 96x57x48.

 

[Mastiffman]

Pics didn't post...

I use imageshack.com to host my pics, the post them using the "insert image" button at the top of the reply Window.

This is going to be a HUGE Tank!!! Wish I had a basement to fit one of these in...

How are you going to seal the Plywood? Resin Tape? There was a guy that made a 2600gal in his basement and I'm not sure if it was because of not completely thought out build or because of the "Pond Armor" that he used to seal the double sheets of plywood in, but he fought leaks continually for some time. SO this is VERY important subject to research and decide on...

Have you picked the brains of those successful at building large plywood aquariums?

P.S. What's your budget on this whole build?

 

[f1shy]

So far so good. I really like the idea of diy tanks but I don't have the skills to build one Although I could probably make a 1-2.5 gallon tank lol.

 

[Gunz]

Testing to see if this works

 

[Gunz]

So far so good. I really like the idea of diy tanks but I don't have the skills to build one Although I could probably make a 1-2.5 gallon tank lol.

Brother, I don't either trust me! I've just been watching many videos and reading so many forums. I didn't want to make a tank this big actually, but I figure it would be lest cutting if I made it this size. We'll see.....

 

[Gunz]

Pics didn't post...

I use imageshack.com to host my pics, the post them using the "insert image" button at the top of the reply Window.

This is going to be a HUGE Tank!!! Wish I had a basement to fit one of these in...

How are you going to seal the Plywood? Resin Tape? There was a guy that made a 2600gal in his basement and I'm not sure if it was because of not completely thought out build or because of the "Pond Armor" that he used to seal the double sheets of plywood in, but he fought leaks continually for some time. SO this is VERY important subject to research and decide on...

Have you picked the brains of those successful at building large plywood aquariums?

P.S. What's your budget on this whole build?

Mastiffman- this is my third time posting this messagefor some reason MFK keeps freezing up on me. Budget is pretty open, I mean I'manticipating the build to be around $500-$600 plus all the extras I need sincethis will be my first large tank. I've been saving for a while to either buy aglass one but for that price I should be able to build several diy tanks (whichI don't plan on doing). lol. I have not picked anyone's brain about my build,just been doing a lot of research and watching videos actually. So many guyssay they have little to no experience just like me so that's what reallymotivated me to do it, since it seemed to work for them. Besides i have fouraros in a 110 gallon that are out growing that tank rather fast. As for thesealant, I plan on using Epoxy paint just like CHBGator used on his. I simplyfollowed his design to the T, but made it a little bigger to avoid cutting somuch wood.

Thanks for the advice with imageshack. Let me know if they still aren't posting.

 

[Mastiffman]

Nope, pics are up and glad that it worked for you...

WIll be a sweet tank when done and sounds like the epoxy thing is the way to go as it's been pretty effective in others builds... Good luck man and keep the progress coming!