What are the pros and cons to Building your own tank ?

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C

Cakilla

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 2, 2009
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Illinois
I have been checking out blue prints for making my own tank, I am hoping to get it started this coming spring I am wanting to make a 187 gallon
30" x 24" x 60 reef tank and possibly one around the 400 gallon mark as a fresh water tank my only problem I have been running into has been finding a glass supplier. I will be making my own filtration for the freshwater tank I found video on you tube that makes it really simple really and alot more affordable then buying one for a tank that big .

I really like the idea of being able to make it myself I am good at making alsorts of things and with hving the blueprints it shuld be a cinch

how much cheaper to make your tank versus buying one already made ?
 
Well, in terms of durability and longevity, diy tanks (plywood ones) tend to last around 20 years on average (so i've heard) but that is if you make them perfectly and make sure to completely water seal it. Also in terms of costs, DIY is always cheaper.... But I've personally never DIY'd a tank or filter before simply because I see it as this: "You pay for quality" DIY items don't have warranties. DIY items don't have lots of past consumer feedback. And DIY items don't always have that professional factory made look that I personally like. But if you are willing to sacrifice these things, I've seen some beautiful looking tanks that have convinced me to try DIY at least one point in the future.
 
It's all about the DIY...I am like 1 step ahead of you with building my own tank. I called and emailed like 15 glass companies here in MN to get the best price on glass. Go to www.dexknow.com and search "glass" and find companies near you.
 
pros- price. and you can build exactly what you need/want

cons- that's a lot of water to have something fail ;)
 
That is a very good point, but I am sure as long as I take all the precations and follow all the guide lines of the blue prints and make sure it is sealed nice and proper it should be fine
 
i agree. i'm not knocking it at all. just saying. i will give it a go one of these days i'm sure, just not yet.
 
I know I am nervous about taking on such a project I might put it off some and get some more info and sit down and try and design the rights stands that I want I have some good ideas on how I want the set up to look , I think by stepping back and researching some more is the best thing I can do right now
 
Have a look at greenterAs build 794 gallon that's the best way to make a plywood
 
You should always research until you are sick of reading about it, then research for two more hours. Especially since its something that has the potential to explode hundreds of gallons of water on your floor!
 
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