Our DIY Tank - From dream to reality

[fishmanbob87]

Steel is incredibly strong the only problem I had when I was looking at building a steel tank was the cost of the steel and the cost of the coating. Plus as it was pointed out to me the weight of the thing.

The question is do you plan on moving it. If so go with steel or wood. If not I would build it out of block.

good point...

 

[alpina]

no plan to move it.

never really considered steel. always thought core filled blocks were the way to go.

more to think about

 

[The1and only]

If you are not going to move it I would defiantly go with filled blocks and re bar. It is a very cost effective option. Plus filled block has a high R value so it will retain the heat and lower operating costs.

 

[alpina]

my biggest concern atm will be how to control humidity as its in an indoor environment.
thinking of putting in some extraction fans above the tank which will discharge the humidity outside, activated by some sort of humidity sensor.

any suggestions? i really don't want to cover the tank as you will be able to see down into it from levels above.

 

[MXZ]

This sounds like one hectic build.. Good luck. I hope you see it through without any problems..

 

[pimpercrombie]

good luck i will deff be following

 

[alpina]

quick update guys. steelwork is in and slab getting poured in next 2 weeks

 

[cichlidtank]

are you going with blocks or will you be doing a concrete pour? Im curious on the portion of concrete above the viewing windows as it will have to span across an opening unsupported and keep the viewing panels from bowing at the top. Im assuming it will just be reinforced concrete for these peices but would like to see the details of that section when you get there!

good luck on the build!

 

[alpina]

hi all,

thanks crayfish for your response. it reminded me of this thread and the need to update it

FYI, there is no blockwork above the viewing panels.

progress has been slow guys.

massive slab is now in as is the galvanised steel members.

have run vertical rio bars in the slab pour and plan to use "H" Besser blocks core filled with horizontal rio bars also.

Question - the steel vertical members (one in each corner) are 200mm square and the blockwork will go between these members with horizontal bars welded to the vertical members between the blockwork for added support. Internal walls will all be fibreglassed, but do I need to treat the galvanised steel that butts up to the blockwork before I pour the concrete in or do I just pour the concrete against the galvanised steel?