plywood tank
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swannyson7
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Not sure on how much bracing you'll need, but you may want to consider building a plywood tank for that size unless you're just looking for a project. From everything I've read, it doesnn't save any money until you get up to the 350g+ range. That may be innaccurate, but once you factor in all the supplies it will get expensive quick!
swannyson7
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Is it going to be a look-down only tank or will there be a front pane? If it's a top down only tank, that will cut the costs quite a bit, but the marine epoxy gets expensive from what I understand.
So im looking at doing 2x10 walls on a plywood bottom. Just cut a sheet of plywood in half and epoxy and screw them together. I think with a run of 80" that I'll prob ha to put a brace across the middle. Any comments or suggestions?
swannyson7
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To determine whether or not a center brace will be needed, you'll probably need to give a bit more information including the depth of the tank and the thickness of the plywood that you plan on using.
The idea is to take a 4'x8' sheet of 3/4 inch ply, saw it in half length wise. Then take the 2-24"x 8' sheets and cut them to an 80" length and epoxy the 2 sheets together. So you have 1 sheet that is 24"x80" at 1 1/2" thick. Then to take 2 2x10s and cut them to 80". Here is where my first question comes in. do I set the 2x10 on the plywood and screw up through the ply into the edge of the 2x10 or do i set the 2x10 beside the ply and screw through the 2x10 into the ply. When the walls are attached and its all solid I plan on epoxying a 1"x1" all the way around the perimeter of the inside of the tank. I thought that would give some more support to the bottom seem and give me a ledge to set the egg crate on.
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watty89
New Member
i would reccomend putting a brace in and also if your going to just screw through the plwood to its self you will need to build a banding system to go around it bc water weighs roughly 8lbs per gal and that adds up fast a lil overkill is better than filling it up and bam having a big mess
redtop03
Well-Known Member
not sure of your question here but the walls of the tank need to be on top of the bottom ply and the screws go up into the walls,the doubled plywood walls are not necessary though they would be extremely strong and a center brace may not be needed,3/4" is plenty though with a center brace,especially with the inside corner 1x1's you're planning,even with the 1.5" thick walls,I would still add an euro around the perimeter just for safety sake
Mr bigolsworth
Active Member
6 Quart Epoxy Kit
99$ for this and I know someone who has used it on a 550 gallon plywood tank. No leaks and it's the second one he has used.
99$ for this and I know someone who has used it on a 550 gallon plywood tank. No leaks and it's the second one he has used.
Bry
Well-Known Member
Definitely set the 2x10 on top and screw up through the plywood. The screws won't hold well at all if you screw through the 2x into the edge of he plywood!
chort55
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He only needed 6 quarts for a 550??? Or you saying that is enough for the OP's build? Curious because I've been thinking about building a ply tank too.... prolly not for quite a while tho.
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NaplesAquatics
Community Member
What plywood thickness? And what depth? Those are the two most important specs to tell you about bracing. And no, it won't be cheaper. Marine plywood, epoxy sealer or fiberglass, labor...
It may be more manageable though. And more easily modified. And you may have a reason why this is the best method. Though six or eight foot raceway tanks are available pretty easily.
Jeff
NaplesAquatics
Community Member
Skip the 1x1. No bracing needed, you'll have about 8-8.5" of useable water level. Screws never go into the edge of plywood, for anything. Construction adhesive, not epoxy. You will need to epoxy the entire tank anyway.
Jeff
