Looking for REALLY cheap method of waterproofing the inside.

[Matt724]

Just an idea stage, but I found some unused glass in the garage and figured plywood will be cheap, but my only problem is waterproofing the thing. I've seen people use everything from pondliner to pool paint to liquid rubber. Budget that I'm setting aside for this project will be $50 and every weekend (minus holidays) until the end of spring break. Also, if anyone would like to donate an old can of pool paint or any extra pondliner they have, I'll gladly accept anything. Thank you. Also, if anyone has any tips to share about building a plywood glass tank, I welcome it with open arms! Thanks.

 

[john73738]

First what size is the glass, and how thick??

Second, Sorry to be a party pooper but $50 is not gonna happen. Unless you get really lucky (like me ) your are gonna spend more than that for the plywood alone.

Just an estimate from what I have seen,
Plywood $30 - $40 +/- a sheet Gonna need most likely 2
Screws $20 large box
Glue $10 for the good stuff
Sealant $50/gal for the cheap stuff and no guarentee $100/gal for the good stuff still no guarentee Gonna need 2 gal most likely
just to mention a few....
-------------------------------------------
on the cheap $200 and up
doing it right $320 and up

This is not mentioning the incidentals like a stand, deco, gravel or filtration

I am doing an 8x2x2 250 gallon tank and am spending around $500 +/- and from what I have read I am getting off cheap.

Read around, and save your pennies, I am looking forward to building my ply tank. I and most here will be glad to share knowledge and advice, just dont rush in cause it could be disasterous and end your interest in this aspect of the hobby.

Good Luck

 

[kallmond]

I bet you could ceramic tile the inside for less than $50 depending on how big you go. Heavy though..

 

[dawnmarie]

I bet you could ceramic tile the inside for less than $50 depending on how big you go. Heavy though..

Unless someone donates the materials this is unlikely. You still need to waterproof under the tile. Google "building a tile shower". I'm with John73738, $50 is not a realistic budget.

 

[Matt724]

okay, thanks for the heads up. Yea i've been looking around this will definitely not happen with that budget. haha thanks for the reality check you guys

 

[fishman646]

I h ave used garage floor epoxy on my budget build and it worked great!!!

 

[john73738]

Matt,

Look at some independant LFS. One near me has 84g glass tanks for under $100.

If you want to DIY, save, research, then do it!