My impression so far on best plywood tank setup

[Oscarum monstruoso]

It seems theres a lot of different ways to build and seal a plywood tank. From deciding on the inner coating between liners, liquid rubber, or epoxy , to the choice of glass or plexiglas, silicone vs butyl caulk and a few others. Ive kind of put together a formula that seems to be the optimal blend to make the most solid, secure and durable tank.

Disclaimer: this is strictly based on what I have read and studied from other peoples experiences.

The way Im reading it, the sweetwater, plexiglass silicone combo is pretty much the simplest most straightforward and reliable way to do it. The downsides being possible scratching or cost, but to me these are negatives I can live with. It seems theres not so many issues of compatibility, those three pieces just work well together better than other combinations.

Am I close to the mark, or am I missing something?

 

[BadOleRoss]

Silicone, well, most silicone does not bond well with acrylics. If you really want the simplest formula I'd switch out the acrylic and replace it with plate glass.

 

[I<3fish]

I would have to disagree and say that pond armor is a much better alternative than sweetwater. Seems thicker and stronger. Sure you could still add fiberglass, but no need to. And silicon is more or less to act like a rubber gasket for the glass/acrylic to the plywood/epoxy.

 

[BadOleRoss]

I agree, pond armor over sweetwater.

 

[sashimimaster]

Where does that put Blue Max in the rubber coating comparison? I looked at all three in terms of cost and Blue Max came out the least expensive.

 

[BadOleRoss]

I have never used BM nor have I seen many builds on here where I feel comfortable forming an opinion. Anyone?

 

[wtf]

Does pond armor bond well to wood? Does it work well with fiberglass?

 

[john73738]

Sorry gonna disagree with the pond armor vs sweetwater. Now I have not used pond armor but the sweetwater is a fine product. Five coats and my tank is holding like a champ. No problems with silicone and when dry at five coats it is smooth as glass. Sweetwater is a aquaculture epoxy being that it is made for this. It is very strong, and quite flexable.

There are constant debates on what is the best product for coating ply tanks. Liners, Pond Armor, Liquid Rubber, Sweetwater, West Systems, Etc..... Everyone has an opinion on the subject, and most are right.

So take advice from those here, there are a lot of smart people here, take advantage of that, and then take that advice and do a lot of research to figure out what is going to work best for you.

Good luck and cant wait to see the project started.

 

[john73738]

Where does that put Blue Max in the rubber coating comparison? I looked at all three in terms of cost and Blue Max came out the least expensive.

I have never used BM nor have I seen many builds on here where I feel comfortable forming an opinion. Anyone?

I emailed ames and they replied that the blue max is not recomended for this application.

 

[BadOleRoss]

Hmmm, didnt know Sweetwater was flexible! Can I change my vote?