My first plywood tank build. ?'s for the experienced.

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tooth517

tooth517

Gambusia
MFK Member
Sep 21, 2009
703
15
18
Eaton Rapids , Michigan
My first ? is do you have to use plywood or is strand (particle) board sufficient? Second ? Since this is my first plywood build I thought I better ask if a 6x3x2 is too big of a project for a first timer? If it is what would be a good starter size for a novice like myself? I plan on doing my homework on this so I do it right the first time. I don't have alot of $ but I have plenty of time to invest in this so I'll take all the advice I can get.
 
I will be following this thread as I may be looking into building one of my own soon.
 
tooth517;3733064; said:
My first ? is do you have to use plywood or is strand (particle) board sufficient? Second ? Since this is my first plywood build I thought I better ask if a 6x3x2 is too big of a project for a first timer? If it is what would be a good starter size for a novice like myself? I plan on doing my homework on this so I do it right the first time. I don't have alot of $ but I have plenty of time to invest in this so I'll take all the advice I can get.
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Use plywood. The most significant problem with OSB and particle board is the difficulty in making a strong corner joint due to weak screw holding capability.

Both also require a lot more sealant due to the textured surfaces.

A big benefit of DIY plywood tanks is money saving, obviously, but saving money on a non-plywood sheet material is not a good idea, IMO.

I don't think 6x3x2 is too big. What I would recommend, however, is starting with a sump if you plan to use one. Try to build and seal that sized box. Worst case scenario is that you use it for something else or just put a liner in and use it as your sump anyways.
 
CJH;3733280; said:
Use plywood. The most significant problem with OSB and particle board is the difficulty in making a strong corner joint due to weak screw holding capability.

Both also require a lot more sealant due to the textured surfaces.

A big benefit of DIY plywood tanks is money saving, obviously, but saving money on a non-plywood sheet material is not a good idea, IMO.

I don't think 6x3x2 is too big. What I would recommend, however, is starting with a sump if you plan to use one. Try to build and seal that sized box. Worst case scenario is that you use it for something else or just put a liner in and use it as your sump anyways.
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That makes sense. Is 3/4" standard? I'm not sure exactly what size I want to build yet but it will be 100gal or bigger. I saw a diy 273gal corner tank on youtube that looked pretty sweet. Said he has no skill at construction but he bought plans from a website. Had the sump and all right underneath the tank. I'm into the big ca cichlids so a corner tank would have to be big to give it ample room to move
 
tooth517;3733400; said:
Is 3/4" standard? I saw a diy 273gal corner tank on youtube that looked pretty sweet. Said he has no skill at construction...
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3/4" is the thickest plywood that is commonly stocked. Anything thicker is almost always special order.

The guy from the mentioned youtube video might not have had any skill but may have had plenty of aptitude for this type of thing. There really is not any part of plywood tank building that requires a huge amount of skill but more like the appropriate patience and common sense understanding to do things right.

With all that said, no doubt a corner tank is going to take a bit more skill than a typical rectangular one.
 
Another reason not to use particle board is it's weakening and warpage issues when exposed to water.
 
Subscribed :popcorn:

I too am getting ready to begin a Plywood build 8x3x2 (LWH) for my ca/sa cichlids. (I know not suposed to mix) I am a semi experienced wood worker and I have to agree with the above statement, patience, and the foritiude to just do it right not cutting corners.

Will be looking forward to seeing the progress.

Bear
 
Good luck tooth, i'll be watching closely as many others will. I think the tank size is ok for a first one & there is heaps of good info as well as tips from others if you look through other ply tank builds. look forward to some pics too.

...Danny...
 
tooth517;3735756; said:
Ok. Definitely going with 3/4" ply. Next ?. What is better, 7 ply or 5 ply? Or does that even matter?
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its not going to make to much of a diff .. i would use which is cheaper or which one is more common ..
 
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