In the process of designing a 720 gallon plywood aquarium for some monster fish. Took this design off of "greenterra" so check out his thread if you get a chance.
Tank will be built strictly out of 3/4" plywood for the sides and bracing. Each side will have a double layer of 3/4" ply so total thickness will be ~1.5". It will have a front and left sided viewing panel. The inside will be sealed with some Macropoxy 646.
Regarding the seams, I have done some research and asking around. I know most plywood builds use fiberglass/resin or bondo at the seams, but I believe that sealing with just SCS1200 silicone after the epoxy will work. I will be only sealing corners and not side by side pieces plywood. What are everyone's thoughts about this?
The stand is something that I haven't put much thought into yet. I was considering a metal stand but know that a wooden one would be much cheaper. I have seen the standard 2x6" design but concerned about not having center verticals as I need the space underneath for the 180 gallon sump. Hoping someone would have experience with this type of stand and can let me know if it will withstand the weight of a tank this big.
As for the glass panels, I will be going with 19mm non-tempered glass for the left and front viewing panel. I have designed it so the glass makes contact with the plywood viewing window with a 3" area all around. Is this enough? or too much? I would like to maximize viewing area as much as possible so if I can get away with 2" all around then I would gladly do that.
Have not quite figured out plumbing yet but i will be using my 180 gallon as the sump. Any suggestions about filtration and equipment are more than welcome!
Dimensions: 8' L x 4' W x 3' H (~720 gallons)
Materials:
Stocking:
Tank will be built strictly out of 3/4" plywood for the sides and bracing. Each side will have a double layer of 3/4" ply so total thickness will be ~1.5". It will have a front and left sided viewing panel. The inside will be sealed with some Macropoxy 646.
Regarding the seams, I have done some research and asking around. I know most plywood builds use fiberglass/resin or bondo at the seams, but I believe that sealing with just SCS1200 silicone after the epoxy will work. I will be only sealing corners and not side by side pieces plywood. What are everyone's thoughts about this?
The stand is something that I haven't put much thought into yet. I was considering a metal stand but know that a wooden one would be much cheaper. I have seen the standard 2x6" design but concerned about not having center verticals as I need the space underneath for the 180 gallon sump. Hoping someone would have experience with this type of stand and can let me know if it will withstand the weight of a tank this big.
As for the glass panels, I will be going with 19mm non-tempered glass for the left and front viewing panel. I have designed it so the glass makes contact with the plywood viewing window with a 3" area all around. Is this enough? or too much? I would like to maximize viewing area as much as possible so if I can get away with 2" all around then I would gladly do that.
Have not quite figured out plumbing yet but i will be using my 180 gallon as the sump. Any suggestions about filtration and equipment are more than welcome!
Dimensions: 8' L x 4' W x 3' H (~720 gallons)
Materials:
- 9 plywood sheets- 8'x4'x3/4" thick
- 2 sheets 19 mm non tempered glass (dimensions to be determined
- Macropoxy 646 for waterproofing inside
- SCS1200 silicone for sealing seams and securing glass
Stocking:
- 7 peacock bass
- 4 oscars
