Cheaper?
- Thread starter richardhmc
- Start date
richardhmc;1261726; said:
OH. I get it
Well, I do speak from some experience... I set out to built my 200 in the springtime and I figured 200 for plywood, 200 for glass, and epoxy for free.
I missed glue, screws, bits, blades, fittings, heaters, pumps, bioballs, piping, pvc cement, foam insulation for under the tank, eggcrate, gravel, lights, wiring, timers.... you get the idea - it all adds up. I'm guessing $1500+ by the time it was set up.
Even if you build the tank itself for $500, you'll be out more than 2200 by the end of it all, don't worry
i think if a built a 600 on a budget....i would use plywood with a front window of cell cast acrylic imo/ime
2200 prob doesn't have all the "extras" which are all part of the overall cost anyway... I personally would have no problem building a tank and saving money (while being over built).
You do have to have the patience to do it and not be afraid to learn on smaller projects first.
I beleive however that alot of people think that they are able to handle some of these large projects and really have no idea what they are getting into. So there is somewhat of an agreement with saying it's not for everyone... if your going to build that Monster tank ... build yourself a smaller tank first... use it for awhile, then turn it into a sump for the larger new one that you plan to build
I mean you are talking about a 5000 pound tank...
You do have to have the patience to do it and not be afraid to learn on smaller projects first.
I beleive however that alot of people think that they are able to handle some of these large projects and really have no idea what they are getting into. So there is somewhat of an agreement with saying it's not for everyone... if your going to build that Monster tank ... build yourself a smaller tank first... use it for awhile, then turn it into a sump for the larger new one that you plan to build
I mean you are talking about a 5000 pound tank...OK, well we can debate this to the ends of the earth. Basslover - you do have a point. a plywood 600 could be built for under 2200... probably. an acrylic 600 gallon tank is a different beast than a plywood 600 though, and I think that's what he was thinking about building. Personally, I would not touch fabricating a plexi 600 with a 10ft pole. a plywood/acrylic one though I'd be on it like stink on ****.
I think, however, if you want to build a plywood 600 that is of a similar caliber to an all acrylic, prefab 600, in terms of beauty, reliability, and the fact that it's clear all around, you might have trouble doing it on a shoestring budget. Materials are not that cheap, and if you use budget materials, you often get a budget looking tank. I also think that if you don't have 2200 to spend on your 600 gallon tank, you aren't gonna be able to heat, decorate, stock, or filter it, even if you build it for 1000.
I think, however, if you want to build a plywood 600 that is of a similar caliber to an all acrylic, prefab 600, in terms of beauty, reliability, and the fact that it's clear all around, you might have trouble doing it on a shoestring budget. Materials are not that cheap, and if you use budget materials, you often get a budget looking tank. I also think that if you don't have 2200 to spend on your 600 gallon tank, you aren't gonna be able to heat, decorate, stock, or filter it, even if you build it for 1000.
Not much of a debate really... But Cool Bottom line is that it's up to richardhmc to do as he's comfortable with.
We all have risk in what we build and it's our dreams that keep us taking the chances we do...
Bottom line is that it's up to richardhmc to do as he's comfortable with. We all have risk in what we build and it's our dreams that keep us taking the chances we do...
basslover34;1254349; said:8X4X30" = 598 Gallons.... 2 full sheets and some of a 3rd for bracing $921 vs 2200.... mmmmmm I think I would build my own LMAO and have enough left over to build a sump
You would have to buy 4 full sheets to build a tank with those dimensions. Not bad though if you can get for that cost and you could also build some smaller tanks with the leftovers. Can you have them custom cut sheets to the sizes you want?
Yeh... there is always that little voice in the back of my head saying if you screw up, you wasted ALOT of money. haha.
Im not sure If i can get custom sizes but thats what Im going to look for
Ill try to a draw a little plan out during school or something when Im bored haha
Im not sure If i can get custom sizes but thats what Im going to look for
Ill try to a draw a little plan out during school or something when Im bored haha
