Plywood Tank, how to start?

[Boundava]

So am looking to build a plywood tank, but not sure how to start.
Looking for something along 84" x 48" x 28" which would be about 488 gallons with a filled estimate (according to bulk reef supply) of just under 454 gallons.

Have been looking for ideas and to get a feel for what I should use wood wise, sealant wise, sourcing glass...e.t.


I currently have 2 bumblebee oscars, royal plecos, sailfin pleco and some larger eels; Unicolor, tiretrack, starlight, dayii/leopard: that will be moving to this tank. May also be adding some other cichlids.

Was planning on using canister filtration- have a three FX4 and two FX6. Though I have a couple larger lifeguard pumps if I want to build a sump.


I am just putting out feelers now for more info.
Any advice, links or feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

[jjohnwm]

Tons of threads in the DIY section of MFK that you should read. Many of them detail how to properly construct a strong, durable plywood tank, including tips on various materials, construction methods, techniques, etc. Read each thread all the way through to the end; some of them turn out to be good warnings about how not to do it.

K.I.S.S. Build it strong enough, with lots of safety margin...but many folks overdo it, constructing the things as though they are required to withstand orbital re-entry. A plywood tank is a box, sealed to make it waterproof. That's it. A stand is even simpler; it's a strong table. Construction is straightforward and easy. Assuming you're talking about a 48-inch front-to-back dimension and 28-inch height, that makes it even easier, as you can get away with 1/2-inch glass. The use of fiberglass is even easier...because you don't need any. IMHO, the hardest part of building one of these is dressing the outside to make it pretty.

I'll just make one suggestion: a well-designed, well-constructed sump will be far more effective and efficient, as well as easier and less trouble to maintain, than even one single canister...much less five of the horrid contraptions. Lots of threads comparing the two methods, read those as well.

Good luck, enjoy, and start a thread to document your build.

 

[HUKIT]

I'll just make one suggestion: a well-designed, well-constructed sump will be far more effective and efficient, as well as easier and less trouble to maintain, than even one single canister...much less five of the horrid contraptions. Lots of threads comparing the two methods, read those as well.

Good luck, enjoy, and start a thread to document your build.

A lot of good advice above but I couldn’t agree more about the canisters. I finally got rid my final canister last year and I couldn’t fathom running 5 of them on a single tank. As jjohnwm mentioned a single sump performs the same function with more options for media, less time spent cleaning, less electricity, fewer hoses, and a place to stash things like heaters.

Every time I see a canister filter I think of Office Space but I picture that wretched hunk of Fluval plastic.

 

[Boundava]

Tons of threads in the DIY section of MFK that you should read. Many of them detail how to properly construct a strong, durable plywood tank, including tips on various materials, construction methods, techniques, etc. Read each thread all the way through to the end; some of them turn out to be good warnings about how not to do it.

K.I.S.S. Build it strong enough, with lots of safety margin...but many folks overdo it, constructing the things as though they are required to withstand orbital re-entry. A plywood tank is a box, sealed to make it waterproof. That's it. A stand is even simpler; it's a strong table. Construction is straightforward and easy. Assuming you're talking about a 48-inch front-to-back dimension and 28-inch height, that makes it even easier, as you can get away with 1/2-inch glass. The use of fiberglass is even easier...because you don't need any. IMHO, the hardest part of building one of these is dressing the outside to make it pretty.

I'll just make one suggestion: a well-designed, well-constructed sump will be far more effective and efficient, as well as easier and less trouble to maintain, than even one single canister...much less five of the horrid contraptions. Lots of threads comparing the two methods, read those as well.

Good luck, enjoy, and start a thread to document your build.

Yeah, I'm working my way through them (Plywood tank build-holly cannoli there are a TON). You don't think I need the fiberglass on the joints to waterproof them?
I have been leaning towards a sump as I have a 120 and 125 set up with 2-FX4 and an FX4/FX6 combo and though I can go 6 months, it is still a PITA to pull out from under the tanks to clean them. The 125 ha a number of wood rasping pleco from 3" to 11" so the cleaning involves a scary layer of just sludge.
Will have to look up the best way to build one, an I have heard you can do that out of plywood too?

A lot of good advice above but I couldn’t agree more about the canisters. I finally got rid my final canister last year and I couldn’t fathom running 5 of them on a single tank. As jjohnwm mentioned a single sump performs the same function with more options for media, less time spent cleaning, less electricity, fewer hoses, and a place to stash things like heaters.

Every time I see a canister filter I think of Office Space but I picture that wretched hunk of Fluval plastic.

Lol, that's a good idea, but a costly one. I can't comprehend the prices of these things nowadays...I got mine back when PetSmart did special black Friday deals and you could get a FX4 for under $200 and a FX6 for under $350!
I will be keeping the 125 and may strongly consider building a sump for it . I can sell the FXs to someone not yet aware of their cons.

Seems I have a lot more researching to do, lol maybe it will be a bit of time till I start.

 

[HUKIT]

This is one of the few channels I follow on Boobtube and he has like 30,000 gallons of plywood tanks and sumps. Including quite a few build videos.

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