Hi all,
I am finally getting around to researching plans and ideas for my new DIY Plywood tank build next summer. Dimensions are yet unknown (depends where in new house wife lets me place tank). Will be a Saltwater FOWLR.
I plan on using a timber frame supported design in this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq2Gjmm7zAw. And will be using acrylic front viewing frame. I have looked at so much material and really confused with the sealant options, can anyone give me some advice on what is best.
1) Liquid rubber - heard this stuff is brilliant easy to apply, strong, easy to get hold of and colour. However apparently silicon for the acrylic/glass does not bond will with this and so causes some problems with front panel or you need to get fiberglass on the join section anyway.
2) E-poxy - from what I know you need the resin and the hardener, easy to use, good coverage. If i use this is there a certain grade I need, solvent free/ Marine and do you get this in colours or do you need to add top coat/ pigment? Also some people have suggested using fibreglass matting with Epoxy resin to add additional strength.
3) Fibreglass - now I know a lot of people use fibreglass and its supposedly the strongest but what type of fibreglass would I need and how do you colour it? I have heard some people use polyester but says its likely to crack and some people use a marine grade but is expensive.
Can someone help with what the choices are and also suggest some Products available in UK?
Thanks
I am finally getting around to researching plans and ideas for my new DIY Plywood tank build next summer. Dimensions are yet unknown (depends where in new house wife lets me place tank). Will be a Saltwater FOWLR.
I plan on using a timber frame supported design in this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq2Gjmm7zAw. And will be using acrylic front viewing frame. I have looked at so much material and really confused with the sealant options, can anyone give me some advice on what is best.
1) Liquid rubber - heard this stuff is brilliant easy to apply, strong, easy to get hold of and colour. However apparently silicon for the acrylic/glass does not bond will with this and so causes some problems with front panel or you need to get fiberglass on the join section anyway.
2) E-poxy - from what I know you need the resin and the hardener, easy to use, good coverage. If i use this is there a certain grade I need, solvent free/ Marine and do you get this in colours or do you need to add top coat/ pigment? Also some people have suggested using fibreglass matting with Epoxy resin to add additional strength.
3) Fibreglass - now I know a lot of people use fibreglass and its supposedly the strongest but what type of fibreglass would I need and how do you colour it? I have heard some people use polyester but says its likely to crack and some people use a marine grade but is expensive.
Can someone help with what the choices are and also suggest some Products available in UK?
Thanks
