question about plywood tank

[bluefish]

First I would like to say what a terrific website this is. I have been visiting for many months but just finally got registered to post. I am in the planning stages of a plywood tank building project for my downstairs family room. A couple of preliminary questions. The outside tank dimensions will be approximately 80"x30"x30". I want the water column to be 25" high when the tank is full.
1. Is 1/2" tempered plate glass strong enough for this application?
2. I plan to make the front cutout panel where the glass will go 3" wide where it meets the glass, in other words only 3" of overlap between the front wood panel frame and the glass. The glass itself will be the same inside dimension as the inside of the tank--or close. Is 3" of support, actual wood to glass contact, arouind the front glass panel enough for strength and a good watertight seal? It would be 3/4 " exterior plywood. I want the glass area covered by wood to be as small as possible but obviously safe. Thanks.

 

[bluefish]

I am using the basic design Maximus used on his 300 gal tank in a previous thread.

 

[jem454]

1/2" tempered is fine, so is the 3" overlap.

 

[cvermeulen]

3" is lots. I'd be tempted to cut back actually on that to save some $ on glass, I used 1.5" overlap on my 200 gallon ply tank. 1/2" tempered is fine, but remember that tempered glass is funny stuff - one chip and kablooey. I used 5/8" plate, which is actually way cheaper than the tempered glass because it doesn't require polished edges.

 

[bluefish]

Thanks much. I have read a lot about this process but I have never attempted anything like a large plywood tank, even though I have a fair amount of DIY experience. It just seems like many of the determinations in this process are somewhat subjective so thought I would ask. Sorry if I bugged everyone with dumb questions but I appreciate the prompt and friendly replies. It seems like that is they way everyone behaves on this website.

I had not thought about 5/8 plate glass which sounds like it might be the way to go. I was more worried about the length, actually, as I do not want to use a center brace. I did not realize tempered would shatter like that if it was chipped.

I am going to build this tank into my wall between my laundry room and my family room. Wife says I can tear up the wall and have half of her laundry room for a fish room in back, where the tank will actually sit. I also have an idea for a "semi-automatic" water changer for large water changes, since the tank will sit a couple of feet from my water supply pipes and a floor drain. I will send a few pics when I get into the project if anyone is interested, although it will not be much compared to some of the magnificent projects I see here. Thanks again for the replies.

 

[cvermeulen]

Thanks much. I have read a lot about this process but I have never attempted anything like a large plywood tank, even though I have a fair amount of DIY experience. It just seems like many of the determinations in this process are somewhat subjective so thought I would ask. Sorry if I bugged everyone with dumb questions but I appreciate the prompt and friendly replies. It seems like that is they way everyone behaves on this website.

I had not thought about 5/8 plate glass which sounds like it might be the way to go. I was more worried about the length, actually, as I do not want to use a center brace. I did not realize tempered would shatter like that if it was chipped.

I am going to build this tank into my wall between my laundry room and my family room. Wife says I can tear up the wall and have half of her laundry room for a fish room in back, where the tank will actually sit. I also have an idea for a "semi-automatic" water changer for large water changes, since the tank will sit a couple of feet from my water supply pipes and a floor drain. I will send a few pics when I get into the project if anyone is interested, although it will not be much compared to some of the magnificent projects I see here. Thanks again for the replies.

LOL use the washer drain pump to suck water out of the tank, and the supply line to refill

 

[bluefish]

How did you guess! I thought I would use PVC to run a large pipe to the washing machine and then send the Oscars through the permanent pressed cycle to keep them looking spiffy too--just not too much starch.

Thanks also for the tip on the edge seal. I would like to keep it smaller so think I will go with 1.5 to 2". Will be starting in about 2 weeks. Just accumulating supplies.

 

[arl]

I am going to build this tank into my wall between my laundry room and my family room. Wife says I can tear up the wall and have half of her laundry room for a fish room in back, where the tank will actually sit. I also have an idea for a "semi-automatic" water changer for large water changes, since the tank will sit a couple of feet from my water supply pipes and a floor drain. I will send a few pics when I get into the project if anyone is interested, although it will not be much compared to some of the magnificent projects I see here. Thanks again for the replies.

We have the same setup, fronts the family room and back is the laundry room . I also ate 4 X8 of my wifes laundry room and another 4X8 of family room

 

[Dr Joe]

" Wife says I can tear up the wall and have half of her laundry room for a fish room in back, where the tank will actually sit "

Your going to have to take great care in what is sprayed in there now. Discus will keel over at the smell of spray & wash in the water .

Dr Joe

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