8'x4'x2' DIY Plywood - Help!

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Alright, final question before I can hopefully go out, get this thing started, and get some pictures back up on here.

What sort of coat would you recommend for this shelf tank we are making?

And lastly, do you think it would be possible to coat all the pieces of wood, pre sunk, go in, drill them al together, and then just re applicate in the seams? Im a little worried about working at the university, most of the work will have to be done elsewhere, but im not certain if we are going to be able to fit this aquarium onto the shelf if it is fully built.
 
I've used waterproof gorilla glue on my latest build and I can assure you that is one super strong glue. I tested it on some scrap wood prior to building I was hammering hard and still cannot separate the damn thing lol. The layers separated but the glue still held like crazy.
 
Alright, so Ill be using gorilla glue.

Anything to look for when choosing wood/screws etc?

Anything else I will need for this build. Talk to me like I know nothing people, would rather be treated like an idiot than miss something.

Also another point to bring up - if I DO have to build this thing in the lab, and then coat it in the lab, whatever I use has to be non toxic. Cant have fumes anywhere near our amphibians.

Let me know what route I should take, thanks
 
Be careful at the big box stores, from my experience the wood quality is lacking, you may have better luck at a lumber yard. If you have any doubt about the plywood, dont buy it, good quality wood will save you time, and money.
 
FLESHY said:
Alright, final question before I can hopefully go out, get this thing started, and get some pictures back up on here.

What sort of coat would you recommend for this shelf tank we are making?

And lastly, do you think it would be possible to coat all the pieces of wood, pre sunk, go in, drill them al together, and then just re applicate in the seams? Im a little worried about working at the university, most of the work will have to be done elsewhere, but im not certain if we are going to be able to fit this aquarium onto the shelf if it is fully built.
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when i had emailed west systems about the planning of my build this is what they told me, to coat and fiber glass all the pieces before while flat then bond them together with more epoxy or one of their glues. they have some good how to vids http://www.westsystem.com/ss/how-to-use/
this would cut down on what u have to do in your lab.

for my build i used liquid rubber it was easy to use low odor, non toxic just need to do the epoxy bridge for the window. my build has been running for more then a year now and i will use it again on another build but lined with tiles.
 
The issue is, I dont think we can use any epoxy in the lab due to the amphibians that are also housed there.

How difficult is the "rubber bridge" to make?

Liquid rubber went on top of everything else youa re describing?

Thanks
 
I agree with pengu13 about LR. Very easy to apply non toxic and no mixing necessary. I applied it in an enclosed room and there was totally no smell just make sure to wear gloves. Regarding the bridge just apply the fiberglass resin outside before assembly. You only need it for the window frame. You can also use cloth with LR if you want. LR is flexible 800% I didn't use FG or cloth on the seams.
 
Alright, moving forward. Couple more quetions.

I have 102" of length. Better idea to make it that long (how), or to make it 8ft long and just reinfornce 1 end (either way, one end will not be touching cinderblocks or a metal post. What should I do about this?

Going to go 1" thick.

Could I use max ACR with nothing else? Or a combination of that and pond coat?

What should I coat the outside of the tank with? Could this be done off site before construction? If so then I could use something that made fumes.
 
I would just go with 8' long since that is the length of your plywood. Otherwise you will need additional bracing and support for that extra seam.

You can use MaxACR alone (With Fiberglass cloth in the corners) on both the inside and outside without issue. On the ebay link for the Max ACR product should be a video on making a fish tank with Max ACR. He coats the outside with fiberglass and epoxy for added strength and support. As well as being able to completely encase the wood.

If you are able to fit the aquarium through doorways and get it in position fully assembled then I would say do it offsite just to make sure.
 
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