two quick ply questions

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Z

Zari

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 9, 2011
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Aurora,Colorado
1. Would a 6'x'2'x2' tank need external bracing, I plan on bracing the top but will the sides need some bracing or should they be ok.

2. Second do I need to use ply wood for the frame of the window or can I just make a frame outta 2x4's set it in screw it and use that as my frame for my window? not sure if this is a clear enough description or not lol
 
its the height which determines the need for bracing, at 2ft high you should be fine without the bracing if you screw and glue the ply properly. having said that after adding bracing to mine(3ft high) i gotta admit it has put my mind at rest.

as for the window framing, ive spent the last month trawling through build threads and have seen both 2 by 4s and ply used with success. im using 2 by 4 with a 2 by 3 lip for mine as its cheaper.
 
brace it man !!! when you fill that 6x2x2 tank and the sides swell out, you're going to wish you did. as for the window frame, both methods work when done properly. the 2x4's are definately sturdier than the plywood. also, if you use 2x4 take into account that you will be losing that much more room on the inside of the tank.
 
could you be more specific on how your sealing your tank e.g. if your fibreglassing the tank (not just the seams) then i wouldnt bother bracing, where as if your using using an epoxy paint it may be worth it as any flex in the ply could cause problems
 
Not sure how I'd be sealing it yet, I was thinking sweetwater epoxy or pond armor just because I know nothing at all about fiberglassing but whatever is most cost effective is probably the route I'd go.
 
up to you. ply can handle 2' high no problem. what is the placement going to be? what thickness and kind of ply would you be using. are you going for cost effectiveness or looks or ease of construction? i have built a tank braced with 2x4's on the outside and a tank out of just ply. i guarantee the next tank i build, no matter the dimensions, will be all ply, including the window frame.
 
just brace the top anything else is a waste use a good glue i like the titebond 3 it's great screw well even if it bowed and it won't if you brace the top good a seam would never bust.
 
MyFishEatYourFish;5149257; said:
cost effective, ply and fiberglass. fiberglassing really isnt hard at all. just a pain in the @$$
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Alright so do I still need to put a coat of epoxy or pond armor/etc. over the fiberglass? Sorry for the noob questions >.>
 
Zari;5156903; said:
Alright so do I still need to put a coat of epoxy or pond armor/etc. over the fiberglass? Sorry for the noob questions >.>
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Sand it, then yes, I personally would put another coat over the fiberglass..
 
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