Questions about a plywood aquarium

[XXajellydonutXX]

Hi, im new here and saw the interesting forum about DIYing tanks, I'd like to make a 200 gallon American Cichlid tank. I was just wondering what the measurments should be for each singular piece of wood.I will just be using one piece of acrylic sheet,how thick should it be for the recommended measurements?
thanks

 

[john73738]

From experience I would either go bigger unless you are just practicing (like myself) for the dream monster tank. You can get a used 240 for cheaper on CL or even on glass cages. My 240 ply cost me nearly $1000 to build. Though I would not give it up for anything.

Now to answer your question 8x2x2 will give you appx. 240 gallons and can be cut from 2 sheets of 3/4" ply. Good thing is that you can keep your glass down to 3/8" safely. ( I prefer glass rather than acrylic... Just my preference because it easier to seal.)

Your cuts will be 8'x2' for the front, back and bottom. and 24" x 22.5" for the sides.


Hope this helps, and check out my thread in my sig line. My give you some ideas and insights.


Good luck.

Bear

 

[XXajellydonutXX]

the problem i have is that not many people areound my area work in this field so large tanks are NEVER in local classifieds, i live in Waterloo, Iowa

 

[XXajellydonutXX]

and when i see them they are usually overpriced, or i cant afford them right away, plywood let me set the pace, im 14 makig 150 a month, soon to make a thousand, and all i have are the commercial petstores(petsmart,petco)and they dont usually sell over 125's

 

[john73738]

Makes sense. Above are the main cuts I made to assemble the actual tank. I was able to seal mine with one gallon of Sweetwater epoxy. Order online for around $100 per gallon. Very worth it, easy to work with, and extremely strong. Sealing in the glass is a breeze. I loved building mine and want to do it again in the 700 gallon range.


Good Luck, will keep an eye out for progress.

Bear