Building a plywood aquarium?

[Dwb5]

Hey everybody.
I have been seeing these playwood aquarium builds on here and on you tube. I was thinking about trying one myself but wondering the cost diff. between buying a 250 - 300 gal or building one. Does anybody ahve any experience in this field?

 

[redfishbluefish]

My suggestion is to put together a list of materials and price it out. Where you are located, you could see differences in some material costs. Here are your major expenses:

Plywood
Dimensional Lumber
Glass/Acrylic front
Liquid Rubber
Epoxy
Stainless Screws
Silicone

Also seach this site. There are a few posts that I've seen were folks have built plywood, and included cost details.

 

[Dwb5]

Ok thanks a lot. I have tried searching but have not came across the price list. Thank you for telling me its on her

 

[AlexG]

I am currently building 2 plywood aquariums a 480 gallon and 720 gallon. Cost wise and this is a rough estimate for a 200-300gallon tank. Plywood ~200, Wood for stand ~50-100, Deck screws that are weather proof ~ 50, Pond shield epoxy ~200, Fiberglass 10-20, silicone 50, glass depending on the type and thickness ~500-750. Total cost around ~1300-1500ish. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[CodyRVA]

If your main concern is cost, have you considered buying a used setup? Depending on your area, you may be able to score a nice used setup for far less than a DIY or new. Check your local forums, craigs list, ebay, etc.

 

[glb]

For that size stand, I'd use stainless deck screws. I spent $50 on screws for a 40g stand, so the price estimate might be a little low imo for the screws. Also, do you have waterproof primer for the wood?

 

[Dwb5]

I have look but have not been able to find anything. I kinda like the projects like this to. Just for something to play with

 

[glb]

I have look but have not been able to find anything. I kinda like the projects like this to. Just for something to play with

I'd recommend Kilz waterproofing primer. It dries quickly and then you can paint over it whatever you want.

 

[AlexG]

For the screws I went with deackmate screws as they are coated and self drilling. All of the screw heads exposed have been covered in wood filler and oil base paint. Only my top braces will have screws in an area expected to get lots of direct mosture and those screws will be covered in epoxy. The screws really should not ever be in direct contact with water. If they are then there are more serious issues to worry about.

 

[Dwb5]

I'd recommend Kilz waterproofing primer. It dries quickly and then you can paint over it whatever you want.

Ok cool ill look into that thank u. What kind of glass do I need for the front? I have a steel fram from work that I was making my stand from. It prob about 78"*36" so that's how big I would make the tank.

 

[Dwb5]

For the screws I went with deackmate screws as they are coated and self drilling. All of the screw heads exposed have been covered in wood filler and oil base paint. Only my top braces will have screws in an area expected to get lots of direct mosture and those screws will be covered in epoxy. The screws really should not ever be in direct contact with water. If they are then there are more serious issues to worry about.

What length of screws should I go with?

 

[AlexG]

For putting the sides of the tank together I went with 2" screws spaced a couple inches apart. I would watch the DIY king youtube series on building a plywood aquarium. The additional supports on the corners use 1 1/4" screws when the total thickness of the plywood is 1 1/2" thick corners always use 2" screws. My stands are all made using 2 1/2" screws for main supports.

 

[Dwb5]

Ok. Thank you. It will be the first of the year before I start. I just figured it woukd take 6 months or so of planning and then maybe I won't come home to a flooded house. Lol

 

[AlexG]

Ok. Thank you. It will be the first of the year before I start. I just figured it woukd take 6 months or so of planning and then maybe I won't come home to a flooded house. Lol

Best thing you can do is take your time. I started back in July of 2015 on my project I am thinking by the winter I will be close to being up and running.

 

[Dwb5]

Good I'm glad I'm not the only one that it takes a while. I have 3 kids and sometimes money to blow on a fish tank isn't there. It took me 3 years just to get water in my 125gal. Thank you so much for your help.