300gal. Plywood Tank

[BC_Kron]

Made my final decision today,to make a plywood tank.:wideeyed:

The dimensions will be 96Widex24Highx30Deep. I'm planning on following the basic design found in Garfs article, with a couple modifications.

First, I'm going to use 3/4 inch, good one side plywood. This eliminates the need to fill imperfections, and will ensure the epoxy dries smooth and even.
I also plan on making my top out of a solid peice of ply, with cutouts for openings to the tank.
All corners and seams will be reinforced with fiberglass. I feel this will greatly reduce the risk of leakage and will also eliminate the need for a bead of sealant along all seams.
I'd like to emulate a river, so I'm planning on using large inlets and outlets plumbed to opposite ends of the tank.

The plywood will be delivered to my work tommorrow, and I've already had a template cut for the top and front of the tank. (benefits of working in a fab shop)

I'll be sure to take lots of photos along the way, and document the steps as I go.

[Melody]

WOW! That will be amazing. I'm gonna come over in the Summer and go swimming! The Mrs. BC_Kron & myself will relax in there while you serve us cocktails with little fishy-shaped icecubes. :laugh:

Always wanted a river tank - will it be a 'long' type of design then? Whatcha putting in there besides your wife and her mermaid buddies?

[blainep]

LOTS AND LOTS of pictures, I've been thinking of a similar project at some point in the future.

[jones]

nice!!! thats a great size for a tank...

im with everyone else... pictures man!!! hahaha

all the best with this projects :)
cheers
jones

[thegrandpoohbah]

What's that? Pool party at BC_Kron's? I'm in!

[BC_Kron]

quick update....


I've got all my wood cut to size, including a second front. I've been kicking around the idea of doing a segmented front,(multiple glass panes) and incorporating a removable divider(s) to allow for up to 3 equal divisions, or one full tank. Our digital camera crapped out and Christmas left me a little tapped out, so I haven't replaced it yet. I'm holding off assembly on the tank till I can document it properly with quality photos.

[CACAdmin]

Now, you see, if the camera had died before Christmas you'd have been able to ask Santa for one... but of course, things never seem to happen that way. :nah: Things always seem to up & die when you can least afford to replace them.

Thanks for having the willpower to hold off on the project until you can document it with photos. Looking forward to seeing the tank in various phases of construction. Don't forget to post it in the DIY section!

[BC_Kron]

Alright..... Its been a bit since I posted my intentions of building a 300g plywood tank so I figured I'd update. In order to house that monster I would need to rearange some tanks within the house. Right now, I have a rack of tanks along a wall in our bedrooms consisting of 2) 33g tanks set above 4) 10g. This rack is framed to allow a 6 drawer dresser to set beneath. To make a long story short, I've decided to build a 150 gallon, plywood tank with stand that will double as a dresser,to replace this structure. This additional tank will give me more room to house the fish that will be temporarily displaced during construction of the 300g.;) (beleive it or not, that was my argument, and she bought it! ......hmmmmmm?)


Here's what I've done so far:

I used exterior grade, good one side, 3/4 inch plywood, and cut it so that the sides, front, and back, all sat on the bottom. I "dry fit" the tank together, using 1 screw in each corner to check the fit.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/tank3.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/tank4.jpg

Once satisfied everything fit right, I pre-drilled pilot holes for the 2 1/4 wood screws, every three inches.

I measured and marked the face of the tank for the glass opening. I left a 2inch band of material around the perimeter and used an 1 1/2 radius for the corners.


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/tank2.jpg

A jigsaw with a fine blade works well for cutting the opening. (Be patient and let the saw do the work. If you try to go to fast, your cut won't be straight, and you'll need to do more sanding to hide it.)

Using exterior grade wood glue, I glued all joints and screwed all six sides together.

(1 week later) Time to seal the inside.
I used a two part, industrial sealant,(obtained through a collegue) that once cured is potable water safe. Because it is not available to the public, there's no point mentioning the product name. I wanted to used two part epoxy,(thinking it was readilly available to public) but because I'm not a licensed applicator, nobody would sell me any. Anyways, whatever product you use, all surfaces that will come in contact with water should be coated, as with any cut ends of plywood that will be exposed to moisture.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/tank5.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/tank6.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/tank8.jpg

Pay particular attention to all seams, especially the corners.

Here's what it looks like so far:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/tank7.jpg

[Melody]

Indulge me here - the plywood structure itself will be filled with water? I thought you were just framing it all with Plywood, so did I miss something or a lot of somethings? This would not surprise me. :rolleyes:

[BC_Kron]

Indulge me here - the plywood structure itself will be filled with water? I thought you were just framing it all with Plywood, so did I miss something or a lot of somethings? This would not surprise me. :rolleyes:


The plywood itself, will house the water.:D

[Corbin]

excellent. im gonna have to make myself something like it :yes:

[Melody]

I didn't think that was possible! Now I'm really intrigued. This is done all the time I suppose, and I missed it?

I will stop asking stupid girly questions now...lol.

[BC_Kron]

I didn't think that was possible! Now I'm really intrigued. This is done all the time I suppose, and I missed it?

I will stop asking stupid girly questions now...lol.


No worries.:laugh: No such thing as "girly" questions.

It's not all that common. The wood itself will not hold water, but when coated with an epoxy coating, it is completely water tight. The epoxy forms a hard, smooth surface, similar to the enamel coatings used in your sinks and bathtubs, and performs much the same function. I recommend using a "potable water safe" epoxy coating. It is used to reseal the insides of large water storage containers, and resevoirs. It is easy to get in rural areas, but I had an extremely hard time getting it in the city without an applicators licence. As for the viewing area, the glass front is siliconed in from the inside of the plywood structure. The silicone provides the water seal between the epoxy-coated plywood and the glass. I have put two coats of the sealant in already and will apply a couple more tommorow. It needs to cure for a couple days then I'll install the glass.

[CACAdmin]

Looking great! And hey, you'll never run out of space for tanks at your place... simple solution, rebuild all furniture to incorporate a tank! ;)

[BC_Kron]

Looking great! And hey, you'll never run out of space for tanks at your place... simple solution, rebuild all furniture to incorporate a tank! ;)

Funny you say that..... I've been daydreaming of turning one of those old cabinet Tv's into a tank. All I need is to find an old tv to gut.....LOL


but seriously, I am looking.

[Melody]

Well I have one but its plastic and I assume you want one of those nice wood tv's.

[Melody]

Something else that would look cool is a porthole type design, even if it was one big one. So you feel like you're in a ship looking out at the fish. Doing my latest avatar of that sexy Valentine fish is what made me think of it :laugh: .

[AquaScaper]

Wow! Now that's impressive

I'll take a 200gal please :D

[blainep]

So, has there been a water test yet BC_Kron ? :D

[BC_Kron]

So, has there been a water test yet BC_Kron ? :D I've been allowing the coating to fully cure. The curing process of this particular product is 21 days, at 10 degrees. The tank sat for the first week and a half in an unheated building during that cold snap we had. I've moved it into the house since and it's almost ready. I was inspecting it lastnight and noticed a small "blob" of dried sealant on the inside face where the glass will rest, so I'm going to attemp to sand it down flush. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I wont sand it to thin, and that extra silicone sealant will help me avoid resealing the front. I'm hopeing to be installing the glass this weekend. I should be doing a fill test around March 10th.


I've been avoiding the impulsive urges to rush the project. (the wife will KILL me if I flood the house);)

[CACAdmin]

No flooding... not good!:nah: But we all eagerly await news of the progress. Remember to keep us updated.

[Melody]

Yeah, keep us updated. I have to make the couch up for Mrs. BC_Kron if you flood the house. Something tells me she won't be bringing you :laugh: .

[BC_Kron]

Yeah, keep us updated. I have to make the couch up for Mrs. BC_Kron if you flood the house. Something tells me she won't be bringing you :laugh: .


She'll rub my nose in the mess like a puppy!:yes:

[Melody]

ROFL As long as she lets you sit on her lap later, all is well.

[BC_Kron]

I installed the front pane of glass this past week end, and in my excitement, I was already commited to setting the glass in place, when I remembered the camera. Sorry.

Anyways, I used Nuflex 333 Aquarium Sealant, and applied a generous amount to the inside face of the aquarium, then spread it arount to form an even layer about 1/4 inch thick. The glass was then installed and pressed into the sealant. I smoothed out any sealant that oozed from under the glass, then applied weight to the glass, while it dried. After 24hrs, I applied a continuous bead of sealant around the glass, and along all seams inside the tank. I tooled the sealant smooth, and allowed to cure 48hrs.

Then.... the test.:thumbup:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/104_0431.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/104_0430.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/104_0436.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/104_0438.jpg


check out how the water beads on the "epoxy" surface.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/104_0434.jpg


After a couple days outside, I'll move it inside and start cycling.:red_dance:


cheers; Bill

[CACAdmin]

Cool! I'm impressed! I don't think I'd have the patience to undertake a project like that. Great job. :Applaud: :Applaud: :Applaud:How long do you think it will take to cycle?

[blainep]

Looks Fantastic, Great Job !

Probably a good idea to apply sealant around all the seams as well. A good 'Just in case' idea.

Keep us updated. This is a great project !

[Melody]

Methinks you need to go into business, my friend. Wonderful job!

[thegrandpoohbah]

Looks good Bill! Wanna build me one? :laugh:

[Melody]

Right after he builds me one. I'm prettier than you so I win. :laugh: You get the tanks built by girls.

[Danzig]

looks great, congrats and good job.

[Pamelajo]

Excellent job! Can't wait for my pics of it with fish.

[BC_Kron]

Thanks for the compliments guys. I gotta warn anyone thinking of doing a project such as this, PATIENCE is definately a virtue. Waiting is the absolute hardest thing about this project. If you rush, well, get your swimming gear on!!!!

[BC_Kron]

Cool! I'm impressed! I don't think I'd have the patience to undertake a project like that. Great job. :Applaud: :Applaud: :Applaud:How long do you think it will take to cycle?

Good question, but the only answer I have is, "not quick enough!" LOL

I'm going to use new sand, an "experienced" Filter, and 50% used water, (from waterchanges) hopefully that speeds the cycle up!.

[CACAdmin]

I think you have the key there in using an 'experienced filter'.;) We'll all be impatiently waiting for you to add the very first fish. :yes: (And make sure you have the camera ready to record the event!

[BC_Kron]

:Celebrate: here's some new pics.

decorated before water.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/March%2007/104_0485.jpg

water and fish. 4 Satanaperca Daemon, 6 Geophagus Surinemensis
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/March%2007/104_0577.jpg

A little stressed from the move. Color will return quickly.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/March%2007/104_0544.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/March%2007/104_0566.jpg

My wild Satanaperca Daemon love it!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/March%2007/104_0532.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/March%2007/104_0529.jpg


I'll be adding a Rapheal Cat, and possible Featherfin Synodontis. http://aquariafreaks.com/Private/images/smilies/dancin.gif

cheers:Bill

[Melody]

Not only a knack for woodworking, but also a knack for tank deco. Simply amazing job - very impressive!

[CACAdmin]

Wow! An awesome job! :Applaud:Very impressive or the tank and the aquascaping too! Lucky fish! (Maybe you should give up your day job & start building tanks. :;): )

[WaterPond]

:mad: A little too nice if you ask me. :Think: Are you sure you didn't buy that tank and somehow forgot you bought it then maybe thought you made it yourself? :laugh:

Great job.

[thegrandpoohbah]

Very cool! I love the aquascaping. Are those real rocks or are they made of styrofoam and concrete?

[BC_Kron]

Very cool! I love the aquascaping. Are those real rocks or are they made of styrofoam and concrete?

They are real. The large one in the back weighs about 100lbs. We take the dog to the Tswassen ferry terminal to run on the beach. There's always lots of wood/rocks to choose from, That rock was particularly fun to get home.:laugh:

[CACAdmin]

That must have been fun lugging home... especially getting it up from the beach to the car. Also, it's a good thing the tank doesn't have a glass bottom. :wideeyed:

[CACAdmin]

I was just looking at your River Tank again and still am amazed at the fantastic job you did. I can't imagine anyway you could have improved upon this project... an awesome job! :Applaud: However, as we all know hind-sight is 20/20. So I was wondering, if in retrospect, would you have done anything differently in the design or construction of the tank? (or have any additional advice for anyone who decides to tackle a project like this).

Also, now that it has been set up for a while, have you made any changes, fish/aquascaping, etc.... if so we'd love to see pics.:yes:

[Soggybottom]

Beautiful tank, and that stand looks darn fine too!

[BC_Kron]

I was just looking at your River Tank again and still am amazed at the fantastic job you did. I can't imagine anyway you could have improved upon this project... an awesome job! :Applaud: However, as we all know hind-sight is 20/20. So I was wondering, if in retrospect, would you have done anything differently in the design or construction of the tank? (or have any additional advice for anyone who decides to tackle a project like this).

Also, now that it has been set up for a while, have you made any changes, fish/aquascaping, etc.... if so we'd love to see pics.:yes:

Hind sight is indeed always 20/20. I wouldn't do much different. I would finish the outside of the tank before siliconing the glass in. Careful as one is, the silicone has a way of getting onto the lip of the plywood face, that holds the glass in, and affects the paintability of the wood.

also, I think I will go bigger!::D: next time.

As for changes in aquascaping/fish, I've added a lot of peat to the substrate, in order to counter act the effects of the large amount of rock. My ph kept rebounding and climbing up, untill I added the peat to the substate. My ph is now a steady 6.2
Other than that, everything has been great with the tank.


I'm considering building another tank or two, to sell, to raise some money to help build my racecar, so if your interested in a monster tank, but don't feel you can build your own, lets talk!:;):


cheers;Bill

[jordonsmum]

WOW!!! What a project!!! And I was proud of myself for making a stand this week!!! *choke, gag*....LOL WAY TO GO!! I can't wait to see photos. I've always wondered what a plywood tank looked like.

I wish you luck with the project:yes:

[Melody]

Great to hear from you Bill, hope you & the lovely Mrs. BCKron are having a great Summer. Don't be strangers!

And stop tempting ladies like me with your talk of sharing your oversized hardware, or I'm tellin' Jackie!

[CACAdmin]

also, I think I will go bigger!::D: next time.


Bigger??? OK, so what haven't you told me... I know, you're moving into a bigger place, right? No? Well I guess that means you're just going to have to give up some furniture to find a place for the next tank.:DevilGrin:

Good to hear from you, Bill. Hope all is well with both of you. As Melody said, don't be strangers.

[jordonsmum]

Sorry the photos didn't load for me last time. It's one of those "my pc is junk" problems. Way to go... amazing!!! Looks like you have your hobby job for retirement some day

[BC_Kron]

Great to hear from you Bill, hope you & the lovely Mrs. BCKron are having a great Summer. Don't be strangers!.

Good to hear from you, Bill. Hope all is well with both of you. As Melody said, don't be strangers.

Good to be heard from!:laugh: we've been held hostage at various job sites across the lower mainland for a couple months now!

It's our busy season at work, so spare time is rare. We do find time to spend on the tanks, ( I call it wind down time) but not as much as I'd like.

See ya soon!
Bill

[Melody]

Glad to hear all is well, if being busier than a rooster in a three-story henhouse is your definition of 'well'...lol. Say hi to the missus for me!