hello all I am looking into building a plywood tank and I have a few questions about the build. I am probably going to build something in the 200 to 250 gal range. I guess that I'm going to fiberglass the inside but I dont know where to start. I've seen like the self adhesive glass mats and the non adhesive. Would it be ok to use the self adhesive kind like in the corners first and then on the flat sides so that they overlap, then paint with something like pond armor. Or would that not be strong enough? If I use 3/4" plywood would it be strong enough without bracing the outsides if I used the method previously talked about?Also If I do build this and it holds how soon will I know if it will last? Any info or help would be great thanks
plywood tank questions
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LOTS of info on plywood tanks...
garf.org
and look at The Fish Guy's thread on cichlidforum.com (it's a long one, but worth the read)
we're also making one right now...
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95821
I wouldn't say anything is going to make it strong enough to not have to brace the top, so you should certainly do that. Also, as we found out the hard way, fiberglass is a pita, and if you've never done it before IMO you shouldn't waste your money on it.
When done right (and there are a lot of "right" ways to do it) they last a long time, but from my understanding, every time you move them it is a good idea to reseal the bulkheads at the very least. Some plywood tanks on here have been running 20 some years though...
garf.org
and look at The Fish Guy's thread on cichlidforum.com (it's a long one, but worth the read)
we're also making one right now...
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95821
I wouldn't say anything is going to make it strong enough to not have to brace the top, so you should certainly do that. Also, as we found out the hard way, fiberglass is a pita, and if you've never done it before IMO you shouldn't waste your money on it.
When done right (and there are a lot of "right" ways to do it) they last a long time, but from my understanding, every time you move them it is a good idea to reseal the bulkheads at the very least. Some plywood tanks on here have been running 20 some years though...
You're on the right track. Lot of information available, just URL it. Dont even think about self adhesive anything. A lot here in the archives too.
If you havent done fiberglass layups before see if you can at least find someone to show you (boat builders, surfboards, etc). And make sure you wear a respirator.
I like this one. It's world famous:http://www.jonolavsakvarium.com/eng_diy/2200litre/2200litres.html