Plywood Build - Info Search

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James0816

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Oct 1, 2007
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Inching ever so closer to beginning the build of the tank. I have the stand materials and its construction will begin shortly.

So while I'm thinking of it, I came up with a couple of question I know the experts here can assist with:

1) Type of plywood? Regular 3/4 ply or do I need marine grade?

2) Glass off set? How much of an overlap do I need to allow for the viewing window of the tank? (I.e. 2" around all sides)

3) Notching out for the glass? Not sure really how to describe this other than notching out the plywood ~ 1/4" to lay the glass into or just lay it "as is" flat on the plywood. Would notching compromise the integrity of the tank? If laying flat, should a 1"x1" be used for added support for the bottom of the glass to lay on?

I may have some other questions over time but I think these will do me for now in the material procurement part of it.

Thx kindly
 
You didn't state the size of the tank but generally,

1a) 3/4" - 1" or double 1/2" Marine grade is a plus, otherwise just seal the plywood (including edges).

2a) 1/2" - 1" depending on size.

3a) You have to notch to the size of the overlap (a router with a panel bit will make quick work of it). On a smaller tank this will not compromise the integrity of the plywood. If a large tank you can double the front thickness and inset the glass by just cutting the inside layer to slightly over the size of the glass

I suggest bottom braces on most installs.

Dr Joe

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1a) 3/4" - 1" or double 1/2" Marine grade is a plus, otherwise just seal the plywood (including edges). - Not sure what you are reffering to when you said other just seal the plywood. Doesn't the plywood have to be sealed regardless if it's marine grade or regular exterior grade?

2a) 1/2" - 1" depending on size. - Original plans call for 8'x2'x2'. Looking into modifying it to 10'x2'x2' at the moment.


Let me throw one more question out there. Would one of these tanks be suitable for a salt water conversion? Was just thinking that after it is built and for some strange reason I toy with the idea of converting it from FW to SW.
 
No replies to those eh...

well let me ask another question if I may....ventilation

would one just get a coupe to four of the small PC fans to ventilate. two would bring air from the room and two would circulate it back out into the room?

I think this may be a key point to drive home. basement walls are wood finished (or will be) and tank will be built into the wall.
 
1. Just go with 3/4 -1" regular plywood. It will all need to be sealed. I think the difference would lie in the saling of the outside of the wood due to humidity.
2. You arre probably looking at 3/4" glass, although I couldn't be 100% on that.
3. The ventilation fan is not a bad idea, but be careful when moving humid wood around wooden walls. Some tanks tend to get very hot when closed tight.
 
Pharaoh;2010765; said:
3. The ventilation fan is not a bad idea, but be careful when moving humid wood around wooden walls. Some tanks tend to get very hot when closed tight.
Click to expand...

Can you elaborate a little on this?
 
Original plans call for 8'x2'x2'. Looking into modifying it to 10'x2'x2' at the moment.

You may want to stay away from the 10' length because standard ply wood comes in 8'. So you will either have an extra seem witch equals leaks or a special order on wood witch means more money than its worth.
 
I was able to find 10x4x3/4 sheets through 84 lumber. It is regular A/C grade ply not exterior though. Well...let me change that. They can get exterior too but the cost difference is dramatic. It was something like $64/sheet for exterior as opposed to $25/sheet for regular ply.

Going with 1/2" glass as well.
 
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