Ply filters?

[Andyroo]

We see lots of ply tanks, but no plywood canister or sump filters. Is there a reason?
I'm curious as my limiter/annoyance/bug-bear for home-made cans is O'rings, followed quickly by bulkheads. A ply can could be built to suit what's available/replaceable, at a nice max-vol fit to my stand maybe even with multiple sequential chambers & backwash option... dare I dream?

 

[fishhead0103666]

Perhaps because sumps are typically old tanks you already have or ones you find for cheap. It’s a matter of convenience I believe.

Should you make a plywood sump or canister @ me please.

 

[Blakewater]

You can get a large rubbermaid bin for less than the plywood and time would cost and for bigger sumps you really want that "aquarium" assurance

 

[Blakewater]

to add to what I just said, sumps are often kept below aquariums where the air is very humid and warm. humidity and wood do not mix, the wood will rot or warp and eventually give out.

 

[twentyleagues]

to add to what I just said, sumps are often kept below aquariums where the air is very humid and warm. humidity and wood do not mix, the wood will rot or warp and eventually give out.

Mmm not really. Plywood tanks work fine. Why wouldnt a plywood sump or even a plywood canister? I dont understand how the moisture created by a plywood tank isnt the same for a plywood sump or filter.

I dont think cost wise it's such a good idea is all. Like said multiple times above other stuff is cheaper. Larger tanks typically run sumps anyway. The cost of plywood, pond armor, screws and other misc stuff is higher then alot of other options. Now if you were using the leftovers from a tank build would probably be more inline or cost effective.

 

[Blakewater]

Mmm not really. Plywood tanks work fine. Why wouldnt a plywood sump or even a plywood canister? I dont understand how the moisture created by a plywood tank isnt the same for a plywood sump or filter.

I dont think cost wise it's such a good idea is all. Like said multiple times above other stuff is cheaper. Larger tanks typically run sumps anyway. The cost of plywood, pond armor, screws and other misc stuff is higher then alot of other options. Now if you were using the leftovers from a tank build would probably be more inline or cost effective.

Because a tank stands out in the open not trapped under a ceiling and possible walls that trap the rising wet heat. Have you never gone under a tank with a big sump running? Under my 300g I felt like I was in Hawaii and even set up a small fan under it to keep the wood from getting too wet and rot. Pond armor is not cheap, screws are and plywood can be or can be very expensive depending on the quality [marine plywood is def not cheap haha]... Regardless, the time and materials it takes to cure and set up is more expensive than a used and cheap aquarium you can find on craigslist. Not to mention the value of your time. Im all for DIY but I dont build things that arent worth my time. I can find a 75g for $50 on craigslist and even 125g for $50 if you wait long enough. To just strip a old tank and rebuild it would, once again, be more cost inefficient than just patching or resealing a tank you already had. If you are really wanting an excuse to make a plywood sump go for it, you dont need it to be the most efficient option to be able to do it. Id personally also really like to see how it looks and functions long term but all the pros have obviously never used one and I choose to just use the tried and true method

 

[fishhead0103666]

I can find a 75g for $50 on craigslist and even 125g for $50 if you wait long enough.

Where do you live? I can only find them for sale on Craigslist at full price no matter how much I wait.

 

[Blakewater]

Where do you live? I can only find them for sale on Craigslist at full price no matter how much I wait.

I live around the Sf Bay Area, so I have SF, San Jose, and Sacramento that are all pretty big "used tank hubs". If you live a few hours from here and ever need a tank let me know and I can send you ads haha. Theres a lot of medium sized tanks around me and the smaller "large" tanks are only like $150 to 400 unless theyre Rimless or specialty tanks. I got my 300 gallon with stand for $600

 

[fishhead0103666]

I live around the Sf Bay Area, so I have SF, San Jose, and Sacramento that are all pretty big "used tank hubs". If you live a few hours from here and ever need a tank let me know and I can send you ads haha. Theres a lot of medium sized tanks around me and the smaller "large" tanks are only like $150 to 400 unless theyre Rimless or specialty tanks. I got my 300 gallon with stand for $600

Ahh it makes sense now. I’m in Georgia so that’s too far of a drive for a single tank for me at the moment but if I’m ever in the area then I’ll let you know bud.

 

[Tobiassorensen]

Of course you can build an plywood sump. Its easy. Plywood and pondliner and your done. Ive seen an 900L movingbed sump built 150cm above ground on the side of an 10000L plywood tank.