couple questions about DIY builds

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

JDUBCICHLIDS

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 22, 2008
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I guess the first thing that comes to mind is why dont people use fiberglass for there tanks? Is it because lack of knowledge or expereince using fiberglass or is it because of cost?

I used to build fiberglass utility boxes for trucks. We messed one up and threw it outside it rained and that thing held water perfectly. I dont know exactly what it cost to build but it would have been a massive tank 8'x6'x6'.

so ya question is why not fiberglass? I see some people mention it for the corners for extra protection but never a full tank of fiberglass.


thanks
 
The cost can get somewhat high when thinking about the thickness needed vs the materials required. No doubt it would be great for tanks.
 
There is fibreglass stock tanks available off the shelf, they are quite expensive though. And if they're aren't available in the size you want then it's a custom build which'd be even more expensive. I did look at fibreglass tubs before doing mine but there's also the problem of how would a tub with a cross section of 5'x3or4' get into the location it was needed in? I could have got'n someone in to build on site or done it myself, but i don't have those skills and there would have been labour costs for getting someone in. If you're having to build a frame in location anyway for your giant monster tank whether it's to be fibreglassed or not, then it's much cheaper and easier to throw a liner in.
 
JDUBCICHLIDS;3853188; said:
I guess the first thing that comes to mind is why dont people use fiberglass for there tanks? Is it because lack of knowledge or expereince using fiberglass or is it because of cost?
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Do you mean a stand alone tank consisting of nothing more than fiberglass and resin? If so, I'd guess it's knowledge, experience and time. But I have heard of a few tanks built this way. I've worked with just enough fiberglass and polyester to know I wouldn't want to try it.

I would also guess it would cost a lot more than a resin sealed plywood tank. But I'm not experienced enough with fiberglass to know how much it would take.

There is some aquaculture company in Texas that sells fiberglass tanks or at least used to. I think they just sprayed the inside of plywood molds with a chopper gun and then either removed the tank from the mold if they were stack and nest style (tapered like a plastic storage box) or they unbolted the mold from around the tank if supporting ridges had to be formed into the tank.
 
I thought about the chopper spray but I hated that stuff. I was thinking about ordering a large mat of fiberglass. I would like to build a couple tanks so I think if i bought a large quanity of the material it would equal itself out or save money over epoxy sealants
 
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