320 Gallon Plywood Tank

GBRsouth · Aug 20, 2020

3D Reefin' said:
I may use a 75 gallon tank for a sump to save some time, although I'm not sure if I can drill into the side panels, Aqueon lists the 75 gallon as featuring a tempered bottom, but not to sure if they made the sides tempered too. I've come across some threads that show people drilling the side panels successfully and others finding out its tempered. Anyone here drill one for their sump?

You can tell if a glass panel is tempered by placing a smartphone, tablet or laptop screen on one side of the glass panel and view it through polaroid sunglasses on the other side. If it appears with many hairline cracks all over the panel, it's tempered. If not you're all good.

maroun.c · Aug 20, 2020

How about flow in the tank ? Closed loop ?

3D Reefin' · Aug 21, 2020

maroun.c said:
How about flow in the tank ? Closed loop ?

I think this is going to end up being a fish only tank, so not high flow. Probably going to use 2 powerheads and the 2 returns.

3D Reefin' · Aug 25, 2020

Made some progress tonight, tank is still in the early stages, but I can feel that this tank is going to be heavy.

3D Reefin' · Aug 26, 2020

More progress, unfortunately I only have an hour or two to work on the tank each day, so its slowly coming together. I cut out the trim pieces for the glass and was able to build/mock up the overflow.

I wish I had a table saw, would make my life a lot easier and would allow me to make the cuts faster.

I think I have to start building the stand next, before I go any further, I want a flat surface to build from before I start assembling the rest of the tank to avoid any distortion on the panels. Gotta buy some steel tubing, leveling feet, casters, and then start welding.

3D Reefin' · Aug 26, 2020

Plumbing maintenance door is next, then the stand.

Big thanks to @AlexG for taking the time to answer my questions on my plywood build.

mattgsa · Aug 27, 2020

This is going to be a great build. I love all the pictures.

3D Reefin' · Aug 27, 2020

mattgsa said:
This is going to be a great build. I love all the pictures.

Thanks. Slowly chipping away at the build.

chizerbunoi · Oct 17, 2020

Any update? Following along for my own build in the future.

Devaji · Oct 17, 2020

yeah we want updates!

seeing the progress is great. my plans of finishing the basement and adding a large plywood not goona happen anytime in the next cpl years...boo but in the mean time I get to enjoy your thread.

Cabinetman · Oct 17, 2020

looking forward to seeing your plan come to life!

3D Reefin' · Oct 19, 2020

I've been waiting for the glass to get delivered, been over 5 weeks since I ordered it. I'll try and get some pictures of the stand posted.

glagunda · Dec 14, 2020

Following along Nice build so far

McPuff · Dec 15, 2020

Looks very cool. Like to see how others build their plywood tanks. Can't wait to see more.

rayscoralreef · Feb 11, 2021

This is about the size and shape I am looking to do for mine, only difference is it is mirrored the with plumbing in the right side and plumbed to the basement. Really would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see the final product!!