Plywood tank build questions

[Chris Stover]

Hi everyone,
I am currently thinking of building a large plywood tank with 2 viewing panels. The dimensions are still in the air but I'm thinking either 8x4x3 or 7x3x3 [lxwxh](depends on wife). This tank will be a mixed reef tank. My current tank is 5x2x3 all acrylic so this will be a large jump in size. Trying to keep the cost low so I can focus on upgrading equipment. I'm stuck on what sealer to use. I'm thinking either pond armor or max ACR epoxy. Pond armor is more expensive but has a bunch of tutorials to help with the install. Max ACR has a cheap price meaning I could buy a lot more and drastically increase thickness to prevent leaks. Also, does anyone have any idea on something to protect the bottom from the sharp rocks? I want to go BB but I'm woried I could damage the coating on the tank if I do.

 

[Chris Stover]

So i decided to do a 3D model of the 8x4x3 tank. I was toying with using 2X4 for the front and side viewing panels but I'm not sure if the gaps between them would be hard to seal and create potential leak paths. I'm also toying with adding 2x2s around the bottom of the inside to increase my comfort level. The thought of only 3/4" plywood and some screws holding the whole 8ft length together just doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy.

 

[J. H.]

Hi everyone,
I am currently thinking of building a large plywood tank with 2 viewing panels. The dimensions are still in the air but I'm thinking either 8x4x3 or 7x3x3 [lxwxh](depends on wife). This tank will be a mixed reef tank. My current tank is 5x2x3 all acrylic so this will be a large jump in size. Trying to keep the cost low so I can focus on upgrading equipment. I'm stuck on what sealer to use. I'm thinking either pond armor or max ACR epoxy. Pond armor is more expensive but has a bunch of tutorials to help with the install. Max ACR has a cheap price meaning I could buy a lot more and drastically increase thickness to prevent leaks. Also, does anyone have any idea on something to protect the bottom from the sharp rocks? I want to go BB but I'm woried I could damage the coating on the tank if I do.

You could place a thin sheet of glass, acrylic or HDPE across the bottom.