Wooden aquarium life expectancy

[Matthew G]

How long would a correctly build wooden tank last? Could a guy hope to get 8 to 10 years out of it before requiring major maintenance? Thanks

 

[adamsfishes]

Good question. I want to build one some day. I suspect that if it doesn't leak after initial setup then it's probably good to go for a long time.

 

[tlindsey]

Tbh all you will get is assumptions. Everyone who builds there own aquarium with plywood uses different products for sealing and different methods of building.

 

[esoxlucius]

Tom's absolutely right, there are lots of variables to consider before putting an accurate lifespan on a plywood tank.

There are three main areas for me. Structural build of the box itself, sealing and attachment of viewing panel.

I'm a complete overkill type of guy, i'm confident in my building skills, and i'd make the actual carcass stronger than it ever needed to be. I'd have no qualms at all in sticking my neck out and saying the actual box itself could be made to be virtually bomb proof and last for decades. On the other hand I wouldn't be as confident in saying the same about the interior waterproof sealants and/or the longevity of the viewing panel. But that's just my personal take on it.

 

[Matthew G]

Okay thanks guys. It would be easy enough to build the box to withstand the water pressure. I was looking at using pond armor for the sealant and was just wondering if it had a lifespan? Are there any guys that use pond armor and have had a tank more than 10 years? Thanks again

 

[fishdance]

I would use a waterproofing membrane that can accommodate future layers easily. So repairs are simple and won't require removing the existing.

 

[adamsfishes]

I would use a waterproofing membrane that can accommodate future layers easily. So repairs are simple and won't require removing the existing.

Do you prefer epoxy?

 

[Guinness]

Im currently building my second. The first didn't fail, I moved and it wouldn't fit through the door so I had to destroy it to get it out. I think my current build will outlast me. It's 8' x 4' x 29" tall. 29" tall so it fits through the door and I can take it if I move. Used doubled 3/4 baltic birch. I towed it to line x and had the inside and top coated, then it got 4 coats of sweetwater epoxy paint. According to the mythbusters, it is literally bombproof.