diy tank longevity

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
i wish everyone posted this thoroughly! thanks ob :)
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My thoughts exactly...
I didn't know that a plywood tank could last that long at 20 years my impression of them is that they had a life span of five to ten years. ]
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Great info OddBall I was under the impression as well ten years was pushing it for even the best built plywood tank. After pricing acrylic tanks in the 500 to 600 gallon range I wanted some input on plywood tanks. I've had a semi major leak of about 30 gallons on carpet and whatever route I take with my next major upgrade I'd like some peace of mind that I can avoid any further leaks.
 
Why should a plywood tank have to have a limited life? If it's built correctly and sealed against water/moisture penetration the wood should last a long time. Buildings made of wood have lasted hundreds of years. With todays technology of waterproofing I would guess that wood could last well past the century mark. If the sealing material is non reactive it shouldn't break down. Even if it does break down over time it should be very slow. Other than that I would imagine a properly built tank should last a lifetime.

As I finish my build I don't anticipate a finite life. The only concern I have is the foundation settling from the weight then the tank would shift. Other than that with epoxy soaked wood and a rubber coating there shouldn't be any moisture penetration. So I'm planning on this tank lasting a long time.
 
Over time all thing wear out. From what I understand the life expectancy of the seals in the TYPICAL glass tank is 15 to 20 years. So I am assuming a plywood tank has a shelf life as well.
 
I have a 4'x30"x2' plywood tank in use that I built about 1983 (27+ years)Another I built at the same time developed a slow drip two years ago. I'm also still using a 110 gallon glass tank I bought in 1975
 
My glass 75 gallon tank is at least over 20 years and has had four owners and nearly been thrown out two times in a row and it running fine. I wounder though would a 500 gallon tank have a shorter life span then a 20 gallon?

I think if I built a plywood tank I would like it to have at least a 10 year life span but it sounds like if a lot good time and know how is spent on building it they could make a run at 25 years. As for a glass or aylic tank I would like one of them to last 20 to 30 years.
 
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