700 Gallon Plywood Tank Build

[mick11]

Okay,

I started this project about 8 months ago. Taking my time, especially during the summer.

The tank outside dimensions are 10' x 4' x 2.5". Approx 700 gallons.

I wanted this to be a show tank, so I used oak. So this build was a little expensive.

I also wanted it to be very durable so I over built the tank. 3/4" plywood and double 2"x4"s at every seam. Picture only shows one 2"x4", but it was doubled up later on to stagger the joints.

I used pond armor to seal. That seems to be my mistake. Epoxy isn't that flexible as I have found out. I have moved the tank several times during the build. As the tank flexed, the epoxy didn't and caused minor cracks. I have tried to fill 3 times and have had minor leaking. I will reseal now with a liquid rubber. Again I wanted durable and haven't seen it with the epoxy. Others may disagree, and no problem there. I'm sure it has worked well for others.

The tank will be on cinder blocks with a floor between the cinder blocks and tank. The layer is 1/2" plywood on top of 2"x6"s on top of another 1/2" plywood. All polyurethane glued and screws every inch. (Also the same for the tank)

The cinder blocks will be covered with a oak front. The tank will rest on the cinder blocks, but will look like an oak stand.

Here are some pics.

Feel free to ask questions

 

[Muni]

Looks great.

The 1/2" ply may be a small issue. Allowing too much flex which you seem to have found. But I'm not sure since you have additional bracing.

 

[garhog]

for epoxies you really need to make the tank extremly rigid with external bracing as opposed to internal or use fiberglass cloth for reinforment not familiar with the product you used but I think that most have somewhat similar charicteristic. sorry it didn't work and hope the liquid rubber solves your problems looking good though and good luck on the rest of your build

 

[Egon]

Nice looking tank! I love working with oak! I hope you get those leaks sorted out! Good luck and thanks for posting.

 

[john73738]

Holy carp... That looks great..

what is the stock going to be???


I Love cinder blocks, they are the stand for both of my tanks..

Bear

 

[mick11]

Muni: The tank Plywood is 3/4". The 1/2" plywood keeps the 2"x6"s in place that distributes the weight to the cinder blocks. The tank has been stained. The 2x6 frame has not been stained. Hope that makes sense.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/member.php?u=62900john73738: Good thing about cinder blocks is they are strong and can be changed/added/removed as needed.

I think the liquid rubber will work. Just a lesson learned.

 

[MaddMaxx]

looks phenomonal! get it sealed and filled!

 

[nolapete]

Did you go with the Permadri Pond Coat?

 

[CFLfish]

Very nice build brotha! ! i would really like to know the process you used to affix the glass to the oak structure? Also if you could please take some current picture of the tank, it would be much appreciated. Again very nice job.

 

[greenterra]

Sorry to hear your problems. I am not familiar with Pond Armour but I personally would never use any resins (epoxy, polyester or vinylester) without fiberglass matting for this reason. It is the matting that gives the resin the strength and ability to flex. Without it it will crack from flexing or even impact. I hope you get past this set back though which ever route you choose to successfully seal it and look forward to seeing it finished.