Combining Plywood & Glass Build

[Fishfry14]

Hi everyone,

I've been a big fan of this site for years. I've kept nano aquariums for decades. I recently moved and I now finally have the opportunity to go much larger.

I'm not particularly handy, but I'm trying to learn. Before I attempt to build a large plywood tank I want to take on a smaller project. There is a corner in my house that would be perfect for a riparium. I'm envisioning something 48"L x 18"W x 36"H, but with a water depth of only about 15-18". The tank would be viewable from the front and one side. For the back and other side I envision using pond foam to create a background. The background will have some built in planters, hardscape and potentially a drip wall. A custom tank would be about $1,500. But I'd like to try the DIY route as a learning experience.

Since two sides of the tank will be against a wall, I'm wondering if I can make those out of plywood, and just have the main viewing sides as glass? I've seen a bunch of builds that are all glass or plywood with glass panels, but I've never seen a combination of both. Plywood can be waterproofed and glass can be attached to glass, but it there a problem securing glass and plywood?

Thoughts?

Another simpler option would be to buy a rimless 75 gallon and have two pieces of plywood on each side. They could be secured to the stand and then I could just seal the gap between the glass aquarium and the wood. I've never seen anyone do this, and I'm not sure how it wold look.

Thanks
Tom

 

[TheBigB]

Check out the tank in my signature. I built it years ago. Its not exactly what you are referring to, but its a plywood/glass tank. The bottom is plywood (sealed with pond shield) and the sides are all glass. Maybe you can get some ideas from it. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

 

[fishdance]

For such a shallow water depth tank, the simplest, most relaible and cheapest option is to make an all glass tank. You can still intall the foam backround.

 

[the_deeb]

It’s definitely doable: https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/walnut-paludarium.681486/page-6

 

[freediscus06]

Nice work.

 

[Fishfry14]

Check out the tank in my signature. I built it years ago. Its not exactly what you are referring to, but its a plywood/glass tank. The bottom is plywood (sealed with pond shield) and the sides are all glass. Maybe you can get some ideas from it. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Wow BigB that's an amazing build, especially the electrical and plumbing. That's definitely something I aspire to.

It’s definitely doable

The_deeb, thanks, that's exactly what I had in mind. I really like your idea of building up, it fits the space perfectly.

Thanks everyone. I tend to agree glass might be easier but at least I now know combining both is possible.

Tom