Dismantling a 135 and make a plywood or two?

[CatfishLuver]

Hi guys, so my old (really old like 9 years) 135gal seals are getting really bad. So I had and idea, why not take it apart completly and use the panes of glass to build a couple plywood tanks. Not quite sure on the sizes yet but probably another 135 (beacuse i have to stand) to go in my bedroom (on third floor so cant go any bigger) and something else using the six foot pane but maybe make it 3 feet deep or so for the basement. It is also possible (but unlikely) to just make one huge dual window 12footer for the basement. My questions are:
1. is this possible to acheive with this used glass (the height would be the same, so i think im good)?
2.Anyone care to estimate the cost of this build, taking the glass out of the equation since its free? (only going to do this if its quite cheap, thats why i am using the old glass)
3.Are there any obvious reasons not to do this?
4.What is your personal opionon reseal old 135, make one plywood 135 and one plywood tank bigger (maybe 500 or so) or a huge dual window 12 footer?
5. Finally why are not more people doing this, it seems so much easier and cheaper than making it out of new glass?
Thanks guys, let you know if I have any more questions.

 

[12 Volt Man]

you could reseal it if the seals look bad. you have many more years of life left in that tank if you want. 9 years isn't that old for a tank. its still a 'teen'

many of us have had tanks pushing 20 years without ever being resealed.

but, if the seals are looking shabby, its not hard to do.

Personally, I prefer the look of an all glass tank over a plywood setup with one or two viewing sides. but thats just me.

its up to you.

 

[Burko]

1. is this possible to acheive with this used glass (the height would be the same, so i think im good)?

Yes

2.Anyone care to estimate the cost of this build, taking the glass out of the equation since its free? (only going to do this if its quite cheap, thats why i am using the old glass)

$369.45...

3.Are there any obvious reasons not to do this?

No

4.What is your personal opionon reseal old 135, make one plywood 135 and one plywood tank bigger (maybe 500 or so) or a huge dual window 12 footer?

I'd make a practice tank of 200-250g meself.

5. Finally why are not more people doing this, it seems so much easier and cheaper than making it out of new glass?

Well its better than throwing it away...but you are limited by the glass at hand.

 

[CatfishLuver]

Thanks for the fast reply. Could you go into a little more depth of the cost portion? From what i have seen the major cost are from the glass (in this case taken care of), epoxy, and plywood. I have seen the epoxy for around $75 and plywood for $15-$20 a sheet, so unless i am missing something big (which is quite possible), I am a little confused how your estimate is so high. Thank you very much, and if anyone else would chime in that would be great!

 

[Burko]

"and plywood for $15-$20 a sheet, so unless i am missing something big (which is quite possible), I am a little confused how your estimate is so high."

Well it was a bit of a throw away line...

Anyhoot... prices, availability and design will differ greatly build to build. Over here a good sheet of plywood would set me back $80.00.

 

[john73738]

I am in to my 240 $350 tank only. Got another $400 into the stand and other misc goodies.

Worth every penny!

 

[L~C~G]

A plywood build is not an easy task. It is a huge amount of work.

If you have the time and tools available it is a very rewarding thing to do though and i would say go for it.

Do you have a place to store your fish while you are building it? It will take a few weeks to build.

 

[kallmond]

There are always way more costs than we expect. Building the tank to hold water is one thing, you can probably do a 130 gallon for 2 sheets of plywood, plus epoxy, less than $100.

Then there is plumbing, stand, lighting, substrate, decor, background, filtration, hardware (screws, bolts, nuts)

Actually making the water tight vessel is the cheap part.