My first DIY tank.

[rallysman]

I bought a plywood tank second hand. I loved the tank, it was very very well built, and it looked great.

Having said that, Reinforce the hell out of it and avoid temperature fluctuations. If the pond armor/ epoxy / fiberglass / whatever cracks, then you're screwed. I got a tiny crack in the bottom of my tank from either a flex of from expansion/contraction, and that was all it took to ruin the tank. Once you get a little water into the wood it's toast.

I think the idea of a plywood tank is fantastic, but you need to consider anything that might make it's lining leak.

 

[nuno landeck]

very nice project i'd like to see more shots..

 

[salty joe]

I would definitely brace it. 20 some inches of water on a 45" span- I just could not trust plywood alone. With a 16" opening, there is not a lot of room for a euro-brace, but maybe a 2" euro-brace would do the trick. Otherwise the bracing will have to be on the outside, If you use bracing that is.

Thanks for pointing me here.

Joe

 

[Niisan9178]

I bought a plywood tank second hand. I loved the tank, it was very very well built, and it looked great.

Having said that, Reinforce the hell out of it and avoid temperature fluctuations. If the pond armor/ epoxy / fiberglass / whatever cracks, then you're screwed. I got a tiny crack in the bottom of my tank from either a flex of from expansion/contraction, and that was all it took to ruin the tank. Once you get a little water into the wood it's toast.

I think the idea of a plywood tank is fantastic, but you need to consider anything that might make it's lining leak.

Well like I said this is my practice one, and if anything goes wrong, my bearded dragon would love an upgrade from his 55 gallon.

I plan to put the window in Wednesday after letting all the touch-ups dry, after which I will post more pictures.

 

[Niisan9178]

Here is my (tentative) plan for the bracing on the outside. Colour key underneath picture. And no, it's definitely not drawn to scale.

Black is 2x4 bracing
Red is 2x4 glued to plywood for looks
Green is the top/cover that will house the light.
I didn't draw it, but I will add two cross braces (one on either side of the return)

Sorry for the poor Microsoft Paint editing.

 

[rallysman]

Well like I said this is my practice one, and if anything goes wrong, my bearded dragon would love an upgrade from his 55 gallon.

I plan to put the window in Wednesday after letting all the touch-ups dry, after which I will post more pictures.

It's great to have a practice model. Yours looks like it will work out well. I'm just letting you know what happened to me. If you think you have enough bracing, add more. Don't make the mistake I did and let the temp. fluctuate much. Goodluck, good job, and keep us updated!

 

[Niisan9178]

What was the temperature fluctuation range of your tank?
I know all of my tanks fluctuate, but never more than about five degrees through out the day.

 

[rallysman]

What was the temperature fluctuation range of your tank?
I know all of my tanks fluctuate, but never more than about five degrees through out the day.

This one was stored empty over a winter in indiana, so probably 100 degrees total fluctuation lol. Once it's full it's not that big of a deal to have temperature fluctuations because the water will keep it basically the same temp. Just avoid having it somewhere empty that could cause it to expand/contract.

 

[noiesmo]

Looking good

I found the same thing with the pond shield soaking into some of the plywood, I ended up doing the extra coat, I also made a small mistake in not putting some putty over any screws, I had used to hold the plywood to the timber frame on the inside.

When it came to putting in the fiber glass matting I paint the PS onto the corners then laid the unpainted matting and then painted it in, making sure it was soaked with PS.

I have just finished my 10footer and am waiting for some more PS to arrive so I can go over and do a couple of touch ups and also ensure all the pin holes I have found are sealed.

Here's a link to a picture of my frame work that I enclosed the plywood in.

 

[loach43]

Great looking project. I think that you're being very wise to start with a smaller prototype. You guys have some cool pooches btw!