Habitat - Indoor :: Plywood Tank

[Mr.Shenanigans]

Havent been on here in a while and my new plans have brought me back. I acquired a 210 a while back for my RES but decided i wanted something different. I currently have two young oscars in my 55 with my turt (yes I know your crazy that's too small a tank yada yada it's only temporary and the oscars are nowhere near adult size. I'm also countering the bioload with plenty of WC's and pothos plants to handle nitrates). Moving on, Anyone on here successfully build a plywood tank? It's becoming more and more desirable to me based on its low cost to build, customizable dimensions (72x36x24), and a healthier happier aquatic environment. I've been wanting to develop a larger basking area and glass tanks make that difficult to do without sacrificing visual appeal. Any insight would be appreciated, pics also!

[Linus]

It's not an easy task. One mistake, and there's hundreds of gallons of water all over your house.

[Mr.Shenanigans]

I'm quite handy and it will definitely one of my bigger leisure products. I figure if I can do my brakes and replace my exhaust system/header work on my car I can tackle this. It seems that the biggest problem for most builds has been their choice of sealant. I'm going with liquid rubber and fiberglass tape on all the seams. My only really concern is sealing the viewing pane of glass. Anyone done this on here yet?

[steve]

I don't think it's be done here, but I've looked at the articles for a few years. This could be a great build thread.

[Mr.Shenanigans]

Thanks for the encouragement. I've been back and forth with plans for a bigger enclosure and glass tanks become obsolete quickly when you want to be creative with a budget. I'd like to plant it as well to make a good nature setup. Keep my oscars, maybe add some smaller catfish. I've got two fx5's and I'm working on a plan for an ATO drip system to eradicate the need for WC's. the only obstacle with that is the tank will be on the basement level so an overflow isn't any help with getting rid of waste water. I think there are units that pump the water in and out but haven't come across one yet. I'm not lucky enough to have a drain in my basement.

[devilduck]

A huge DIY plywood tank is a dream of mine. I just don't have the space. I'd love to see a build thread if you do start on your project!

[VeipaCray]

I've helped build one. They are cool but a lot of work.

We did a plywood tank w/ inside covered in fiberglass resin and flushed it in a wall for a large reef tank.

[Mr.Shenanigans]

Plans update...due to the permanence of the plywood build I have decided to go the glass route. Since I will be potentially getting married in a few years and moving out it isn't worth putting together the plywood tank to only destroy it when I move out. The walls will be glass and a plywood bottom to save money. It will be 6x4x2 @ 1/2 inch thickness. Priced out the glass to around 700 which is a bit much but better than spending 3-5000 on a large display tank brand new. The nice thing about the glass is I can easily take it apart and potentially move it to my future home when necessary. I know why not wait right? I just don't think it's fair to keep my girl caged up in her 55 at 7-8 inches long. Not to mention her growing oscar companions.

[steve]

I wonder if it would be cheaper to locate a used glass tank. They're hard to come by but they are out there and spring cleaning is around the corner.

[Mr.Shenanigans]

I was pondering that as well. I did purchase a 210 a while back for 200 but I told the
guy I was no longer interested but he still has it. But I believe the height of that glass is 28-29 inches high which is bigger than I need and I think requires thicker glass?

[steve]

Yes, I think that's the case. 28/29 is a bit higher than what I would prefer, but it's certainly usable.

[Mr.Shenanigans]

I will have to check the tank again. I don't remember how imperfect the glass was or if it was drilled in the front or back. I'd prefer my plumbing to be done through the plywood of the base of my tank. Ill have to stop by and see it again before I get my money back because 200 for two panes of 6ft glass would be a steal. I'd just be paying for side walls which will stil keep me under 500 for glass. As plans are furthering in motion I'm contemplating a riparium incorporation. I love plants and if I can't have them in the water without getting mangled then ill create a beautiful shoreline. I get more excited about this everyday! Not sure what my substrate will be yet??