Plastic sheet for DIY pond/tank hybrid?

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rallysman

Polypterus
MFK Member
Aug 7, 2005
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I want to make an indoor pond with a glass front, but I don't want to use a "paint on" sealer. I can't figure out how to use a pond liner since I want a window, so would it work to use plastic sheeting as a liner and weld the joints?

I could see a few benefits to it. It would be more reliable since it could flex a little, and it would be easily repaired. Plastic sheets aren't that expensive, so there must be a reason that I'm missing. What are your thoughts?

I want to make a 8x4x3 "pond" with a glass front ( I already have the glass).
My thoughts were to frame it out of 2x6s, line that with 3/4" plywood, and then line the inside of all of it with 1/8" plastic (ABS) and seal the glass to the plastic. I could even weld a frame onto the liner to support the glass if I glued the liner to the plywood.
 
Sounds good in theory but both sides of the ply would still have to be sealed with epoxy to stop damage long term from water and moisture.Personally I would fibreglass the inside and epoxy the rest with a good system like West Systems epoxy.http://www.westsystem.com.au/west_system/

I am currently researching other types of panelling myself so I can do away with plywood altogether as this is usually the first let down of all ply tanks..Something like this

http://www.guardianbuilding.com.au/site-content-section-02-vr-board.htm

I will still use a timber frame that is coated with West Systems epoxy.That being a solid structure itself, I then plan to sickaflex the panels inside this frame using silicone to seal the joints and glass.I want something that will last for many yrs as the setup I have designed will be outside.:)
 
I didn't think about moisture seeping between the plastic and the plywood from the top. I still don't trust any paint on material because if it flexes it cracks. Even a temperature fluctuation would cause it to crack. I've had it happen to me before. Well, that certainly gives me food for thought! Thanks for your input.
 
the frp from HD or lowes works well...4x8 sheets....silicones nicely together and comes white but i also think black and other colors are for sale.... its in the shower area check it out....
 
i would forget my head.... i dont know about the plexi glass but i thought about that with 1/4" or 3/8ths glass and was told by a few people its not worth the risk.....
 
I'm hoping I can find a decent solution to this. It seems like I could insulate the hell out of the entire thing, and maybe if I welded plastic over the top edge then water wouldn't be an issue. Of course I could coat certain parts of it with epoxy, but I would want to make sure it's just external. Now my gears are turning haha.
 
hey rally
i am in the process of building myself a indoor pond just like this
the only difference is i think i am going to go with hardi backer and drylock paint
for all the walls and i am pouring a new 2" thick slab for the floor
all seams will be sealed with a heavy bead of silicone. i think that this will work!
There will also be a viewing window in front.

hope this helps.
my pond will be about 900 gals when done.

mike
 
eh1421;1909617; said:
hey rally
i am in the process of building myself a indoor pond just like this
the only difference is i think i am going to go with hardi backer and drylock paint
for all the walls and i am pouring a new 2" thick slab for the floor
all seams will be sealed with a heavy bead of silicone. i think that this will work!
There will also be a viewing window in front.

hope this helps.
my pond will be about 900 gals when done.

mike
Click to expand...
keep me updated as the process goes. I may be calling you to trade ideas!
 
well i am in the early planning of a set up and was thinking about a pond liner glued to ply. but have it wrap the top like a pool. then seal my glass to the liner.
sounds like it should work .... i think.
 
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