Idea for Reinforcing Plywood Panels

[Buckdog]

I think there are basically two main ways to reinforce the plywood panels.

1. Frame the outside of the tank with 2 x 4's and then attach the plywood panels. This is the idea similar to how walls for homes are constructed.

2. Put internal bracing inside the plywood tank. I have seen examples where nailers have been used.

Yup on #2.

 

[Buckdog]

I want to build a plywood tank 60x15x30.

According to GARF they do not advise building above 24 height if going longer than 60 inches.I assume this is to do with the wood flexing i have come up with a solution.

2 x 12mm plywood panels.
10mm steel rods.

If you cut out a 5mm groove down the length of each plywwod sheet inserted steel rods at various intervals and glued the 2 panels together you would have 1 panel reinforced with steel.

Good idea? Can anybody see anything wrong with this plan?

In my opinion a lot of extra labor. Two 12mm panels bonded together alone would be extremely strong. That comes to 15/16th inch US which is thicker than 3/4 inch US. My tank is 206 gallon @ 60x26x30 (LHW) and done in 3/4 ply (most 3/4 ply here in the US is not 3/4 but a little under). I have three large viewing windows with very little bowing. Bracing is along and across the top.