repair dream tank or build new?

[topdog78]

i was planning on starting my 380 gallon plwood tank build next weekend but my cousin recently got an awesome 500 gallon tank and stand for free. he will give it to me for a dirtbike ive been trying to get rid of. it needs alot of work but idk if i could do it or if it would be worth it. its split in a few places from moving it. id love to have this tank. the shape is perfect but it weighs so much it will take at least 5 guys to move it and it will split for sure while being moved. it is going in the basement but i will be moving out within the next few years so id have to either leave it or pay to move and fix it again. i might want to hire someone to fix it up just to be safe but i dont know who could do it. heres some pics of the tank and the stand. what do u think, fix it myself, hire someone, or go with my original idea for a plywood build?

EEEEEK!!!, sorry to sound negative but to me that looks like the most unsafe built tank ive ever seen, i.e i) the glass looks about 10mm thick (not good with all that water pressure)
ii) The base on the tank is made of individual bits of glass joined together with a silcone bead (not good when the glass is parallel to each other because it offers no structural strength, and will move apart again over time).

Stick with the plywood build, imo its safer

 

[The1and only]

Just because of the weird shape and that the bottom pane is individual pieces of glass I would modify it a bit. i would take the tank apart labeling every piece for transport then do a plywood bottom and back sealed with epoxy. That way you can keep the stand and not have to worry about the bottom giving out, and you can get rid of awkward back making it more stable.

 

[rotccapt]

i agree with "the1and only" about ditching the bottom and back and replace it with plywood. this would give you more room inside the tank by getting rid of that bulge in the center and you will get your plywood tank too

 

[taninsama]

You could always take it and put it in storage. Once you've done a plywood, maybe you'll feel more confident about this one. Such an odd shape. Amazing, tho. Definitely a keeper.

 

[john73738]

Just because of the weird shape and that the bottom pane is individual pieces of glass I would modify it a bit. i would take the tank apart labeling every piece for transport then do a plywood bottom and back sealed with epoxy. That way you can keep the stand and not have to worry about the bottom giving out, and you can get rid of awkward back making it more stable.

There you go... this is a good idea! +1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A bit of tricky cutting though, and IMO I would keep the bulge. Great place for a sump without the head loss.

 

[zigg]

Just because of the weird shape and that the bottom pane is individual pieces of glass I would modify it a bit. i would take the tank apart labeling every piece for transport then do a plywood bottom and back sealed with epoxy. That way you can keep the stand and not have to worry about the bottom giving out, and you can get rid of awkward back making it more stable.

i really like this idea, i never thought of that lol. wat would be the best way to do this?

 

[amc67]

you gotta get that tank and figure the rest out later plenty of people on here to help you make it work again

 

[The1and only]

I would most defiantly cut the tank apart for transport. Just label each piece and be very careful when moving the panels. If the edges are not polished they will chip easily. I would also get very comfortable with the fact that because of the size and shape You will be better off cutting it apart every time you move it.

 

[john73738]

you gotta get that tank and figure the rest out later plenty of people on here to help you make it work again

+1

Also,

Before disassembly be sure to sketch the tank and take LOTS of measurements. That will make the cutting much easier.

I am sure everyone here would love to help you build this. That would be a KickA&* project.

 

[MHcblues119]

that is an awesome tank...keeep it!