Ok guys, I'm getting ready to start piecing this thing together! I'm hoping to get the opinion of the experienced builders on here before I pull the trigger though!
Ok. The basis for my plan is building on a 96" by 48" footprint of cabinet grade 3/4" hardwood oak plywood. In intend to have an outer frame on the bottom with high grade 2/4's laid flat on the bottom piece of ply to act as a holder for the sides and back. I would place the 3/4" hardwood ply sides and back on the inside of the frame to help hold them in place. I would then add a top that would be framed with 2x4s like the bottom, again used to hold the walls in place. Once the tank is pieced together, I would add risers around the outside to help brace the tank. These risers would go from the bottom framing to the top framing. For the bottom frame, I would add one or maybe two additional layers of 2x4s laid flat on top of one another to strengthen the bottom joints. All joints would be screwed and glued.
Once I have a box with one open end, where the window will go, I would frame the part that would hold the window with 2x4s that are laid flat against the inside of the plywood. This would give an opening that will support the window from all sides, and which is anchored to the walls and the joists on the outside of the frame.
Once that is complete, I would fiberglass the inside of the tank. I would first lay down a coat of resin, then a layer of thick glass in the corners and edges, then two layers of glass and then one final layer of resin. Once that is dry, I will cut the openings in the top of the tank. I will cut in three 18" by 36" holes, which will allow the plywood and fiberglass on the roof to act as a substantial crossbrace.
Next, I will add the glass. This is the part that is stumping me. I would like to go 36 inches high on this tank, but I'm not sure if I can. The problem I have is my local supplier can only get 1/2 inch glass, so that's kinda what I'm stuck with. From what I gather reading here and elsewhere, I should probably be ok with 1/2 inch glass for 30 inches. Do you all agree with this? Would I be able to get away with a 36 inch height? I know I'd be better off with 3/4 inch glass either way, but I don't know anywhere local that could get it for me.
It sucks living in the middle of nowhere! lol
After the glass is in and siliconed in place, I will CAREFULLY coat the entire inside with wetsuit as a final just-in-case measure.
And a final question... Would the risers really be neccessary for this size of a tank? Could I get away with just screwing and gluing the ply together and fiberglassing it all? I'd love to free up the extra room, but at the same time I want this thing stout as I'm military and I WILL have to move it.
Thanks all!
Oh- here's a top-down drawing I did of the floorplan. Sorry I don't have the fancy CAD stuff like a lot of you guys! lol For clarity, I didn't bother drawing the risers that would go all around the outside. They would be reminiscent of risers in a wall with drywall only on one side.
Ok. The basis for my plan is building on a 96" by 48" footprint of cabinet grade 3/4" hardwood oak plywood. In intend to have an outer frame on the bottom with high grade 2/4's laid flat on the bottom piece of ply to act as a holder for the sides and back. I would place the 3/4" hardwood ply sides and back on the inside of the frame to help hold them in place. I would then add a top that would be framed with 2x4s like the bottom, again used to hold the walls in place. Once the tank is pieced together, I would add risers around the outside to help brace the tank. These risers would go from the bottom framing to the top framing. For the bottom frame, I would add one or maybe two additional layers of 2x4s laid flat on top of one another to strengthen the bottom joints. All joints would be screwed and glued.
Once I have a box with one open end, where the window will go, I would frame the part that would hold the window with 2x4s that are laid flat against the inside of the plywood. This would give an opening that will support the window from all sides, and which is anchored to the walls and the joists on the outside of the frame.
Once that is complete, I would fiberglass the inside of the tank. I would first lay down a coat of resin, then a layer of thick glass in the corners and edges, then two layers of glass and then one final layer of resin. Once that is dry, I will cut the openings in the top of the tank. I will cut in three 18" by 36" holes, which will allow the plywood and fiberglass on the roof to act as a substantial crossbrace.
Next, I will add the glass. This is the part that is stumping me. I would like to go 36 inches high on this tank, but I'm not sure if I can. The problem I have is my local supplier can only get 1/2 inch glass, so that's kinda what I'm stuck with. From what I gather reading here and elsewhere, I should probably be ok with 1/2 inch glass for 30 inches. Do you all agree with this? Would I be able to get away with a 36 inch height? I know I'd be better off with 3/4 inch glass either way, but I don't know anywhere local that could get it for me.
It sucks living in the middle of nowhere! lolAfter the glass is in and siliconed in place, I will CAREFULLY coat the entire inside with wetsuit as a final just-in-case measure.
And a final question... Would the risers really be neccessary for this size of a tank? Could I get away with just screwing and gluing the ply together and fiberglassing it all? I'd love to free up the extra room, but at the same time I want this thing stout as I'm military and I WILL have to move it.
Thanks all!
Oh- here's a top-down drawing I did of the floorplan. Sorry I don't have the fancy CAD stuff like a lot of you guys! lol For clarity, I didn't bother drawing the risers that would go all around the outside. They would be reminiscent of risers in a wall with drywall only on one side.
and exellent craftsminship i'd def read though his build for info.