What is the life span of a plywood tank? I have heard that its not more then a few years, but I thought I would ask those of you who have built them and have them running how long has your tank run with out a leak?
Plywood tank life span
- Thread starter dr_sudz
- Start date
Mine didn't last very long, but the person that built it did a few things that screwed it up. It also sat empty for a while and went through some temp. changes which I'm sure played a role in the cracking epoxy. I think they will last a very long time if built and maintained correctly.
From what i have read if you use all plywood it will last longer since there is very minimal warping unlike 2X4 or something. Warping will break the epoxy/fiberglass seal since it is not really flexible. This is the main reason I used plasitic sheets to seal my plywood tank. The wood and plywood can warp as much as it wants, the plastic sheet will just sway along with it. It is not glued to the plywood. My concern will only be the glass but my glass is only glued to the abs plastic sheet and not to the wood, don't know how much that would help.
there was a post around, that one of the garf plans was still in use after 12 years at a lfs. I would think that moving a plywood tank cuts it's life significantly, moving it can put tons of stress in weird areas with out you knowing about it. If it were constructed well and maintained properly, i would think that the silicone seal, or gasket would wear out first, from uv light.