New (??) Plywood tank idea

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

use acrylic sheet to waterproof plywood tank

  • This is the worst idea I've heard

    Votes: 3 17.6%

  • Sounds ok, but I like the other methods better

    Votes: 13 76.5%

  • Great Idea, now we have new and easy way of waterproofing plywood tank

    Votes: 1 5.9%
  • Total voters
    17
jp80911

jp80911

Dovii
MFK Member
Mar 7, 2008
6,030
54
105
NJ
Ok, I just came up with this idea when thinking what would be the best way of sealing off a plywood tank with a viewing window and keep the cost down and make it easy to do, want to hear from you guys to see if it'll work. Doesn't look like anyone had thought about this before.
Instead of using traditional method of water proofing the plywood, how about use 1/8" acrylic sheet for the back, bottom and sides of the tank and 1/2" to whatever proper thickness needed for the front panel where the viewing window will be?
the main issue with acrylic is bowing but with all the plywood behind it for support, even the 1/8" thickness won't be an issue. and the seams should be 100% water tight.
if you all think that's do able, what would be the thickness of the front panel I should use if the internal of the tank is going to be 8'Lx4'Wx3'H?
1/2", 3/4", 1" or thicker?
 
of course you can adjust the thickness of acrylic sheets to whatever you like.
I just based on the acrylic sheet price found on glasscage.com and 1/8" sheet is $4 per square foot.
just thought this way you can take care the viewing window and sealing the tank all in one shot, and should be pretty easy to do.
 
Only problem I see about your design is that the seams on the acrylic won't be strong enough to support the pressure from the water. Would be extremely difficult to have the acrylic and plywood sit perfectly flushed together so there can't be any movement between the acrylic and the plywood.
 
what I have in mind is put styrofoam sheets or some kind of foam insulation sheets between plywood and acrylic sheets. also can add acrylic rods/strips to the seam to help strengthen the seams. thinking that would help.
 
I also gave that idea some thought when i was planning mine but seriously, I think it just over complicates things. Keep it simple. Less can go wrong.

Numerous people have had great success with fairly inexpensive paints etc, rather go that route.
 
Thanks, I'm looking at that build thread right now.
is GOOP safe for fish? or could I use silicone?? not sure if it will bond to ABS sheets
 
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