My First All DIY Tank Build

C_mo97 · Nov 9, 2019

Hey Guys,

So maybe you can tell from the title but I am building a complete system from scratch (Tank, Stand, Sump, and plumbing).

I will post my progress on this thread so stay tuned. Here are some pics from the stand.

Peace River · Nov 9, 2019

C_mo97 said:
Hey Guys,

So maybe you can tell from the title but I am building a complete system from scratch (Tank, Stand, Sump, and pluming).

I will post my progress on this thread so stay tuned. Here are some pics from the stand.

So far so good! Cheering for you - good luck!

Mastiffsrule · Nov 9, 2019

It’s looking great. Can’t wait to watch the tank. If the tank is like the garage floor it will be well done.

Give the guy on the ladder a sandwich , he’s nothing but bones. ;Happy

lapin · Nov 9, 2019

Kewl
Its fun stuff.
A bit scary when you first put water in the tank but that passes with time.

Lazydayz · Nov 9, 2019

Following along, great start!

C_mo97 · Nov 11, 2019

So guys here is my first update!! I finally fixed all of the kinks with the doors on the stand and pretty much have it ready for painting. Let me know what color you think I should do? Also I DIYed a 10 gallon starter sump I had on hand (I will probably upgrade to a 20-25 gallon later on).

Here are the pics:

C_mo97 · Nov 15, 2019

Alright here is update number two! I have now primed the stand and started building the plywood tank. I also was able to get a hold of a 20 gallon tank for my sump instead of the 10 I previously planned on using.

Here are some update pictures:

I also had a little mishap with tempered glass lol. I thought it was plate but apparently not.

Well thanks for following!! I should have another updated by the end of the weekend.

C_mo97 · Nov 28, 2019

Update number 3!!! I still have no glass but the plywood tank is water proofed and the tank and stand is painted. I still need to put Vinyl stripping around the doors so I haven’t put them back on yet.

Also I finished the 20 gallon sump that I am using instead of the 10.

For my next steps I will be getting glass and test if the tank holds water. After that I am going to start drilling holes for the plumbing and create the overflow!!!

C_mo97 · Dec 6, 2019

So new update the doors are on and I started cycling my rock!!! I figure after I get all the plumbing done, put the glass panel on and make sure everything is working properly my rock should be cycled. I also found a good price on some 1/2 inch thick glass for my front panel $170 brand new.

Here are some pics of my progress and kind of what I had in mind for my scape:

I could use extra ideas for my scape so let me know what you guys think I should do!!!

Marlon C · Dec 6, 2019

I've never understood plywood tanks or the longevity of them. Looks good though

C_mo97 · Dec 6, 2019

Marlon C said:
I've never understood plywood tanks or the longevity of them. Looks good though

The price is the real selling point for me and thanks!

C_mo97 · Jan 16, 2020

All righty it’s been awhile since I posted anything about this build. That is because I was purchasing probably the most expensive piece to this whole build the “glass viewing panel.” It took me awhile to find a place that was selling it for the right price but, I finally picked it up for only $145.

Here are some pics of the tank and the silicone I used

C_mo97 · Jan 17, 2020

Here’s another pic 24 hours after putting on the silicone. Sorry the lighting is bad in the storage unit.

C_mo97 · Jan 22, 2020

Alright so I moved the tank back home instead of working on it in the storage unit. I started plumbing the tank yesterday, I almost have it all the way planned and mocked up. All I need to do now is add some final touches and than glue it all together!!

Pretty fun stuff! Here are the pics:

S.Pepper · Jan 22, 2020

Not for me, but very interesting. What's the purpose of doing it this way? Saving $$? And are you really saving any $$? Or something different and seeing if you could actually do it for the personal satisfaction? It's all good, and if it makes you happy... let it be.

GL

C_mo97 · Jan 22, 2020

S.Pepper said:
Not for me, but very interesting. What's the purpose of doing it this way? Saving $$? And are you really saving any $$? Or something different and seeing if you could actually do it for the personal satisfaction? It's all good, and if it makes you happy... let it be. GL

Kind of an experiment and I love doing this type of stuff. I am seeing if it will save me money in the long run. It is better for me in the short term because I can buy the different parts piece by piece and spread out the amount I have to pay.

At the end of the build I am going to calculate how much I spent so stay tuned!!

C_mo97 · Jan 24, 2020

Plumbing done. Now I just need to add the weir and we are ready for water testing.

Do you guys think I should test it before or after I put the weir on?

Here are the pics of the completed plumbing!!