PintoHawk
May 13th 2008, 10:52 PM
Hey all :wink:
I have been researching DIY plywood tanks for the past few weeks, and one thing I see mentioned again and again is that it is cheaper to make a bigger tank rather than a small one. Now, I don't actually want an enormous tank, I would like another few 20-30 gallon tanks. Someday I would like a nice big tank with a flashy stand and canopy to display in my living room, something Martha Stuart would be proud of, but right now, I just want another couple functional and safe 20-30 gallons for my livebearers (and future gouramis and killifish, possibly - I am becoming smitten with both).
So my question is, do you think it might be cost effective to buy enough supplies as if I were going to make a big 150+ gallon tank, but actually divide the stuff up into 4 or 5 smaller tanks? I am talking about the costs of plywood, epoxy, silicone, with glass only on the front. Or am I going to discover that making one enormous tank was a better idea, cost-wise? I am not worried about the TIME it will all take, I am moreso worried about the costs of supplies.
I would like to have a fish room, or at least half a fish room in the new house (new house estimated around July/August), and want to get started on some things now, in preparation. I am DIY eager/willing, although not experienced, but with good instructions and the patience of my fiance, I am confidant I can figure out alot of different projects.
(note: I have been scouring every garage sale in my town for the past few weeks and all I have gained is alot of accessories and one Betta bowl that I didn't even use, LOL. I am looking for cheap tanks in the meantime, for my future fish room, but I also thought this could be a fun project on the side. Ohhh fish room.... how I dream about you.. MTS, oh yes.) :notworthy:
I have been researching DIY plywood tanks for the past few weeks, and one thing I see mentioned again and again is that it is cheaper to make a bigger tank rather than a small one. Now, I don't actually want an enormous tank, I would like another few 20-30 gallon tanks. Someday I would like a nice big tank with a flashy stand and canopy to display in my living room, something Martha Stuart would be proud of, but right now, I just want another couple functional and safe 20-30 gallons for my livebearers (and future gouramis and killifish, possibly - I am becoming smitten with both).
So my question is, do you think it might be cost effective to buy enough supplies as if I were going to make a big 150+ gallon tank, but actually divide the stuff up into 4 or 5 smaller tanks? I am talking about the costs of plywood, epoxy, silicone, with glass only on the front. Or am I going to discover that making one enormous tank was a better idea, cost-wise? I am not worried about the TIME it will all take, I am moreso worried about the costs of supplies.
I would like to have a fish room, or at least half a fish room in the new house (new house estimated around July/August), and want to get started on some things now, in preparation. I am DIY eager/willing, although not experienced, but with good instructions and the patience of my fiance, I am confidant I can figure out alot of different projects.
(note: I have been scouring every garage sale in my town for the past few weeks and all I have gained is alot of accessories and one Betta bowl that I didn't even use, LOL. I am looking for cheap tanks in the meantime, for my future fish room, but I also thought this could be a fun project on the side. Ohhh fish room.... how I dream about you.. MTS, oh yes.) :notworthy: