Hey all. im building a plywood tank it will be 8x4x3. i am carpenter by trade so skill isnt an issue. i will be using west marine epoxy for the sealer.the walls will be framed out of 2x4's and skinned with 3/4 inch ply. the front will have 2 windows for viewing. this is my first one so any advice from expirenced tank builders would be great. it will house two oscars , flowerhorn a pike cichlid, blue channel cat and a redtail cat as soon as he comes in at the local shop.Thankslook forward to hearing from everyone.
Plywood tank.
- Thread starter bigcatfan
- Start date
Why the west marine epoxy coating? I ask because most people don't know there are easier to apply and just as durable coatings available. I'm using Permadri's Pond Coat, the US version of Liquid Rubber Zavlar. Rich used Pond Armor on his 1500. Both are viable options and much easier to apply.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=296341 is my other build I'm working on for smaller plywood tanks and my 4300 build link is in my signature.
There's no set way of doing things, just easier ways. Sealing a tank shouldn't take a lot of effort. The outside structure aesthetics is where the craftsmanship matters most.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=296341 is my other build I'm working on for smaller plywood tanks and my 4300 build link is in my signature.
There's no set way of doing things, just easier ways. Sealing a tank shouldn't take a lot of effort. The outside structure aesthetics is where the craftsmanship matters most.
i chose west bc its readily available at my local marina for great prices. ill have to look into the pond armor. well work as slowed way down so my i have made no progress, this sucks! hopefully after tax return comes in ill get going again and post some pics
I want to recommend PC as well. I am just finishing up a 300G build and PC is a wonderful material to work with. If you end up going with an epoxy, your tank cannot shift/expand at all or you rish a hairline crack in the epoxy that equals a leak. PC extands 850% so you dont risk a leak just from moving your tank. There is a PC dealer in NC....not too far!
i decided to use the PC,after looking at other builds i think thats the best choice. BadOleRoss- love the tank build its awesome i hope mine turns out that good. .my project got put on hold as for buying a house and moving costs but hope to get the build started here soon. i would like advice from you guys to help this build go smooth as possible.
I was looking at cost so i was going to use the glass from and old tank, but since then i got in contact with a custom glass co here in town that has killer prices. 8'x2' peice of glass is 160.57 1/2 inch thick. . it will be a single window it will 84"x18" viewing window
From the measurements you gave regarding your glass size and viewing window you are going to have a 6" frame all the way around the window! My glass is about the same size and my frame is 1.5". You sure appear to be giving up a lot of window.