Plywood/Glass Rebuild With Bracing

[KeepingItGill]

Hi, I'm Erick, been on here for a while and finally posting a build.

I need a little help.

I got a used 150-gallon tank for free with a stand, the problem is it has a crack down the back panel of glass.

My idea is to strip the back panel and replace it with a fiberglass resin piece of plywood. Along with the new panel, I would also build a new frame around the top and bottom of the tank wich would bring the wood tight against the glass and add for extra bracing. To help with support, I was thinking about running a few strips of 1x1 down the back to help keep the plywood from flexing. r

Also to note, I would like to drill 3 two inch holes to use for overflows. Drilling glass is a pain in the butt, this is why I am thinking of going with plywood.

I would love to hear some thoughts and suggestions.

 

[stempy]

Or, build a large plywood box and use the front panel for a viewing window and turn that 150 gallon into a xxx gallon

 

[Niners4952]

Or, build a large plywood box and use the front panel for a viewing window and turn that 150 gallon into a xxx gallon

my thought as well, how thick is the glass

 

[zerolf]

my thought as well, how thick is the glass

 

[KeepingItGill]

Good call stempy
The glass is a 1/2 inch thick. N Niners4952

I wanted to keep it relatively inexpensive and easy since this is my first time around.

I'm sure I'll regret not going bigger.

 

[KeepingItGill]

I have started working on the back panel. I figure I'll need 3 holes for water movement, so I drilled 3 2.5-inch holes to fit 1.5-inch bulkheads, one for overflow, one for return, and one for drainage. I also drilled a 1.5-inch hole for an airline fitting.

I then sanded the holes down and did a quick scuff sand on the edges and entire water facing side.
It's raining here or else I would throw the resin on, I guess ill have to wait.

 

[Niners4952]

I would really consider a plywood tank with the front of your tank as a viewing panel. Less then $500 you could have a good size tank if you have the glass

 

[KeepingItGill]

I was thinking it might be better to put the resin on the wood after I reinforced it, so last night I framed the panel with 2x3's.

I had to screw from the water facing side and now have a few holes to fill where the screws sunk into the plywood.

Any recommendations on the best way to fill the holes before applying the resin, or can I fill the holes with the resin?

 

[stempy]

I painted the inside of the holes as well as around the outside of the back as well with epoxy. If you have a leak odds are its always in the plumbing and you do not want water getting to the middle part of the plywood as it will warp and then you have a far bigger issue on your hands.

 

[KeepingItGill]

Thanks stempy I'll definitely be very generous with the resin.

What about the actual screw holes from where I secured the plywood to the studs, any ideas on that?