Tank and Stand help.

[jrpsaros]

That's a defenite idea I didn't think of.

No ones answered my two main questions. Do i need to use 3/4 ply or can i get away with 1/2 ply. And could i buy a 55 gallon off craigslist, and canabalize it, and use that glass in my tank?

 

[GermanRam]

That's a defenite idea I didn't think of.

No ones answered my two main questions. Do i need to use 3/4 ply or can i get away with 1/2 ply. And could i buy a 55 gallon off craigslist, and canabalize it, and use that glass in my tank?

I am no expert on tank builds, but I am a carpenter of 30 years and I would have to say that if you go with 1/2 to save bucks then no on 1/2.
If you are wanting to do it for weight and wanted to go with a 5 ply cabinet grade 1/2, then you could do it.
The cheap three ply 1/2 cdx is weak, warps easy and is full of open knot holes (junk for most things)
You might get by good with a nice sheet of 5/8" cdx but bc would be much better.
I have see on this site that the height of the tank makes allot for difference in how thick your glass has to be. So I would think that if you built the strength into the frame then the 55's glass would make you a good build for that size tank. But then like I said, I am know expert. Just a carpenter. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jrpsaros]

Thanks for the information, I'm a Marine Corps Officer Candidate, so i'm going to have to be moving alot in the next couple of years. So I really wanted the plywood tank bc I feel it will be alot easier to move than a big glass or acrylic tank. BUt i guess i better just do it right the first time and use 3/4". I really hope I can get away using a 55 gallon tank for the glass, bc the size sheets i need for the two tanks is expensive.

 

[GermanRam]

I would hang on for a day or two to let others give you some info. Their are a lot of smart people on here as you my know and with a lot of great ideas. Some times it just takes a little time to get the best answer.
Thank YOU for serving our country and keeping us safe and strong!!!!!!

 

[jrpsaros]

Here is an Isometric view of my tank/sump idea. You can see my cutout on the right side of the center divider to act as the overflow. Then the three chambers. The divider to the far right has the opening at the bottom for the water to enter the next chamber. Then the middle divider is x height, and the far left is x-2" this allows the water to overflow into the next chamber as they fill up. Then you can see the hole on the left to return the water to the front tank.

Hopefully this clears things up so ya'll can help me out better.

 

[GermanRam]

bump

 

[Burko]

"Then the three chambers. The divider to the far right has the opening at the bottom for the water to enter the next chamber. Then the middle divider is x height, and the far left is x-2" this allows the water to overflow into the next chamber as they fill up."

From that discription...

The water flow in the first chamber is down, the second chamber is up and the third is...across.

I'd raise the hieght of the 3rd baffle to above the 2nd and let it flow out the bottom to the pump.

Remember to allow room for overflow if the media becomes clogged.