Hi all, about 3 years ago, I started planning a plywood build. I researched, debated, procrastinated, thought some more..etc... then finally I was like you know, this has to get done. I purchased the parts I thought I needed so I'd be financially commited so I would start. This did the trick.
I decided on a 300 gallon for approx size. I knew I wanted to go liquid rubber because I wanted a tank that could give a little if it had to (even though I was set to make it quite solid). I also knew I wanted that subdued look so dark walls and not very strong lighting. I also wanted to go wider than longer. So I decided on exterior dimensions of 74.5L x 31H x 35.5W. Once I subtracted wood thicknesses and etc, it comes out to just a bit over 300.
So the tank was built about 18 months ago and knock on wood (hah), all's been well. I have the itch to build something bigger and better but I want to give it a bit more time still. Maybe another year of making sure its holding. Anyway onto the build details below....
Plywood was glued together with Tightbond wood for most. I used 2x2 strips of wood for all seams and for that, I used PL Premium construction adhesive. All wood was screwed, clamped and glued to ensure max strength. I made a place for the glass to drop in and sit (which is probably not necessary) and I used 3M 5200 to bond the glass to the rubber. I used 12 coats of liquid rubber everhwhere on the inside plus an extra 3 coats in all seams, corners and bottom. I also added stainless support rods for the top to prevent bowing. Glass is 70"x24"x1/2"
The stand was made from 2x4 and 2x6. It was glued together with PL Premium, clamped and screwed as well. I tried to go a bit overkill in all places for peace of mind.
I'm going to drop pics here. I know its not going into a lot of detail but hopefully will give ideas for some.
I decided on a 300 gallon for approx size. I knew I wanted to go liquid rubber because I wanted a tank that could give a little if it had to (even though I was set to make it quite solid). I also knew I wanted that subdued look so dark walls and not very strong lighting. I also wanted to go wider than longer. So I decided on exterior dimensions of 74.5L x 31H x 35.5W. Once I subtracted wood thicknesses and etc, it comes out to just a bit over 300.
So the tank was built about 18 months ago and knock on wood (hah), all's been well. I have the itch to build something bigger and better but I want to give it a bit more time still. Maybe another year of making sure its holding. Anyway onto the build details below....
Plywood was glued together with Tightbond wood for most. I used 2x2 strips of wood for all seams and for that, I used PL Premium construction adhesive. All wood was screwed, clamped and glued to ensure max strength. I made a place for the glass to drop in and sit (which is probably not necessary) and I used 3M 5200 to bond the glass to the rubber. I used 12 coats of liquid rubber everhwhere on the inside plus an extra 3 coats in all seams, corners and bottom. I also added stainless support rods for the top to prevent bowing. Glass is 70"x24"x1/2"
The stand was made from 2x4 and 2x6. It was glued together with PL Premium, clamped and screwed as well. I tried to go a bit overkill in all places for peace of mind.
I'm going to drop pics here. I know its not going into a lot of detail but hopefully will give ideas for some.
