Does my outdoor plywood tank.......

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BIGS

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 25, 2007
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Perth WA
Have to be on a concrete pad?

I was initially going to build a concrete pad but as theres no guarantee of staying in the house permanent, I thought it may not be a good idea resale wise. The tank is 13'x6.5'x2.5' although I intend to modify it deeper and put in glass viewing windows. I have a lot of retaining wall bricks which I thought maybe I could lie on their side and make a pad out of after I've compacted and gotten the earth completely level. I realize that if it wasn't for putting in a window than I wouldn't have to worry. A friend of mine who does drafting seems to think its taking to much of a risk but I thought it would be a better idea to put it to those who know for sure so.....

Anyone with experience in this field know if i can get away with it?
 
With that much weight you need a firm foundation that isn't going to move/settle. Concrete or something like it would probably be good insurance. If your doing it because of the glass viewing window just make sure the glass is siliconed in place so it will float, which means....... make sure it can move! Like a picture on a wall! NOT recessed in the wall!!
 
hmm I see yeh the only reason for the pad is due to putting in glass windows. The tank it self will need to be braced for this too as it wasn't designed for one and would have too much flex with out it. I like that idea of the floating glass which was what I was intending but wasn't sure how much flex it could absorb. Maybe going for acrylic too would be better for flex?
 
i dont think you could use glass for viweing windows as by the time you get to that thickness u would need starphire to see through even if u didhnt use starfire it would cost the same to use acrylic.
 
Well I was looking at making the window about 11.5' long and 2.5' high and use 19mm glass. But either way this is only going to happen if I know with out a shadow of doubt I can place my tank on top of compacted ground with retaining wall blocks substituting a pad. Otherwise I might cut my losses and use it as a pond and settle for a smaller aquarium in the house.
 
The foundation design might be a better for a local contractor. They will know more about soil compaction, frost heave, etc. in your area. In some areas you might get by with a pad on compacted sand and pea gravel other areas might need a foundation with a footing depending on the tank size.
 
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