Plywood tank

[dr_sudz]

Alright, I have seen quite a few ideas for plywood tanks and when I see the finished product it seems to me that the whole thing seems to cut down alot on the actual viewing area. I am considering building my own plywood tank and would like to see what people think of the idea of making a small 1" lip of wood on the bottom that would go around the area of the glass possibly 2 inches max to affix the glass to. But to make sure you have the max strength to hold back all that pressure using dovetail joints and very strong glues in order to provide the most strength possible for the glass.

I await your thoughts on the whole thing. I was also thinking of having 2 viewing sides to this aquarium as well.

 

[Guinness]

It could work if you used slightly thicker glass and 2x4's on end along the 1 or 2" ply in the front to keep them from bowing.
Guinness

 

[Dr Joe]

Ok, apparently my imagination is on a short vacation.

Are you just talking about a frame around the glass or a frame for the whole tank and no plywood?

Dr Joe

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[ALPHABET]

I remember seeing a tank with I believe 3 viewing sides, built in a basement and was 4' deep. I believe it was reefzilla III. All the pics of the build and equipment. I think you can do a search and get some good ideas, hth.

 

[dr_sudz]

Thanks for the replys

 

[thing124]

sudz i just finished my plywood tank 220 gal, the viewing window dosnt seem to bother me i think the fish would feel less stressed cause you can only see them from 1 side, but the way i built mine was i encased all the plywood in steel angle iron it worked out wonderful im going to take pics when the plumbing is done and post them in my thread

 

[Chill-FAN]

the minimum size of the lip you need to hold the pressure of the water on the glass depends on the size more importantley the height of your tank... imo i think it would look great to have the maximum viewing amount on your plywood tank....now only if we could find a way to have the piece of glass inbedded in the plywood and not have a lip at all......like maybe router a slot into the plywood? what ya think? dunno sounds to me like that is what you are trying to acheive? if i was busy with a plywood tank i would router a slot for the glass

 

[dr_sudz]

the minimum size of the lip you need to hold the pressure of the water on the glass depends on the size more importantley the height of your tank... imo i think it would look great to have the maximum viewing amount on your plywood tank....now only if we could find a way to have the piece of glass inbedded in the plywood and not have a lip at all......like maybe router a slot into the plywood? what ya think? dunno sounds to me like that is what you are trying to acheive? if i was busy with a plywood tank i would router a slot for the glass

Dovetailing actually does this type of strength. The two pieces of wood become as one giving the strength where needed.