Concern about rocks hitting Plywood/Fibreglass Build

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
M

MariusMarinusAddictus

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 9, 2015
8
0
0
Ireland
Hi new here. Got inspired by VL's 2700 gallon build :)

Looking to build my first 150gallon ply tank.
Planning a native marine reef (Rock/Tidepool habitat). Want to have the whole back wall piled up with rocks basically building a reef.

Tank inner dimensions 4'x2'x2.5'(tall) thats 1300x660x750mm

All the reef structure will be placed on styrofoam sitting on the sealed bottom of the tank. Probably styrofoam the backwall as well.

Thinking about using 200gr(6.5oz) satin weave fibre glass.

The question is how many layers of fibregalss would you guys advise for bottom, sides and back given the heavy rock structure and possibility that some rocks might tumble down or fairly big pressures from pointy rocks into back wall etc.

Was thinking four layers should be enough?
Any thoughts and advise is highly appreciated

Cheers
Marius




www.irishrockpoolaquarium.com
 
Regarding the floor protection, I used the sides cut from those large jerry can type cat litter containers. The plastic is super tough but flexible while still impact resistant. I put them under rocks to protect the floor of the tank and they worked pretty well so far. I think styrofoam could eventually collapse, especially where sharp corners are concerned.
 
Okay thanks very good point about very sharp corners cutting through that would be a big issue.
I just like to use something very soft and giving directly in contact with the fibregalss to spread the load rather than something hard. I am worried under immense loads even small particals causing concentarted pressure on the fibre/epoxy coat.
Might use both as a combo. Rock>hard plastic>thin styro(to make sure edges of hard plastic or impurities under it are not putting concentrated pressures anywhere)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom