350 plywood aquarium build

[rudeanduncouth]

I like this build a lot. This is actually the first plywood build I have ever read. Prior to this, I didn't really understand them(but I am not familiar with large tank builds). I agree that something in me screams "no" to a plywood tank, but seeing your adds a lot more confidence to it.

 

[dave.m]

I am curious about the water level. Why wouldn't you run it right above the height of the glass so that the view is totally submerged? Is there some concern about doing this, or do you just not like the look?

Dave.M

 

[mrscheider]

I like this build a lot. This is actually the first plywood build I have ever read. Prior to this, I didn't really understand them(but I am not familiar with large tank builds). I agree that something in me screams "no" to a plywood tank, but seeing your adds a lot more confidence to it.

Thanks rude,

I've actually gained much more confidence in its ability to hold water. As for strength, I do believe it's much stronger than a glass equivillent. When you think about it, a glass aquarium is only held together by silicone while this is held with glue, screws, fiberglass, and the waterproofing. Believe me, 1.25 inch thick plywood is remarkably strong. And I went about all the recommendations regarding the waterproofing. Instead of 6 coats, I went with 8. Instead of firberglass reinforcent on just the seams, I used it on the entire inside surfaces.
I admit, I was pretty shaky the first time i filled it but now, I don't even think about it. It's been flawless so far and quite a fun project!

 

[mrscheider]

I am curious about the water level. Why wouldn't you run it right above the height of the glass so that the view is totally submerged? Is there some concern about doing this, or do you just not like the look?

Dave.M

Actually, the pic that you see the water below the glass is with the pump off Dave. When it's running the water level does cover the glass. That last pic was before I made the changes to the drain designs. I'll take a more recent pic of it and post it this week. I'll include the cutom made skimmer too.

 

[CarlitosReef]

This is pretty awesome, I never knew there was this type of aquariums as well. I did a bit of more research on this on tube and it seems like people have done huge set up this way but with FW which is pretty boring and dumb in my opinion.

If I can build a 500g reef this way under 2K I am all game for a future upgrade just not now lol

Please keep this thread alive with more information and any new update pics?

 

[kevint757]

Very cool. Way to go on putting in the effort to do such an awesome build. Looks to me you will get lots of enjoyment from such a cool tank.

 

[lotusstar]

Awesome build. Where did you do your research on the plywood build? It's a really interesting concept. How difficult was the whole process? After the complete build what would you do differently?

 

[mrscheider]

Thanks guys for the kind comments.

I found quite a bit of info on the internet regarding the plywood build. A simply Google search will yield all the info required to do this project. I would say my biggest motivator (aside from money) was a guy who calls himself UaraJoey. He runs a really cool website called diyfishkeepers.com and has a good video on how he did a plywood build using almost the exact same techniques as my build. Allot of common sense goes a long way when doing a project like this. I was trying to be as cost effective as possible but when it came down to decisions that impacted safety or functionality, I tried to lean towards the "œbetter safe than sorry" methodology.
It wasn't a hard build at all. It was allot of fun and as long as some basics guidelines were followed. For instance, the walls and back of the tank should sit on top of the bottom section. That is likely very obvious to most people but then again, I did read questions posted by people asking if they should attach the bottom inside the walls. There's allot of flexibility on how you can design a plywood build. If (and probably when) I do a plywood build again, there is one thing I would change for sure and that is to use a 2 part epoxy paint to waterproof the plywood. Not because I don't have faith in the liquid rubber but because #1. The epoxy can be the color you want the tank to be. ( I had to add a step and paint the liquid rubber because black for a reef doesn't work for me) #2. Silicone will stick directly to the epoxy making glass installation much easier. #3 the epoxy cures to a hard shell while the liquid rubber remains tacky.
The drawback was that the epoxy is that it was much more expensive in caparison to the equivalent quantity of the liquid rubber and the epoxy gives off very dangerous fumes until cured. Also, if you don't have a local dealer, you have to pay a hazmat fee to get it shipped. In contrast the liquid rubber was about $100 for 2 gallons, more than enough for my build and has virtually no smell.

 

[lotusstar]

Awesome info. I really appreciate the tips. I started googling plywood and have found a good bit of info. Hadn't seen the site you mentioned though so I'll be sure to take a look there. Best of luck on the build. I'll keep watching for sure.

 

[wilkinkc]

When you first said plywood tank, I was thinking to myself "how is he going to pull that off? I've never heard of such thing". But I must admit that looks awesome! Job well done on the tank

 

[laredo300c]

Any prices apart from glass (which you already covered) that you can dish out for us thinking of such a project. If glass is the most expensive part, then I'm very happy right now.

I father in law is an awesome wood craftsman and he is just itching for a challenge.

Pm me if u feel like you can't post some total costs

Ps hrs of labor don't count, I'm glad how you've mentioned several times you had fun during this build

 

[mrscheider]

Hey guys,

As I mentioned I was going to take some follow up shots of the tank showing the changes to the filtration I made. First off, to answer Dave's question about the water level, here is a PIC showing the running water level. It is JUST above the glass line to hide the glare from the lights and the surface.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14713622@N02/6958486534/" title="2012-04-22_19-03-15_138 by mrscheider, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/6958486534_46c92f429e.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="2012-04-22_19-03-15_138"></a>

Here is one showing the changes I made to the returns. At first I simply had 1.5 inch PVC elbows but decided to go with the Flexpipe with adaters to connect right to the PVC-T. Much better control over where I direct the flow.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14713622@N02/6958486976/" title="2012-04-22_19-01-27_225 by mrscheider, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/6958486976_ec175bbd86.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="2012-04-22_19-01-27_225"></a>

Here is one showing the changes I made to the draining system. As I said, I converted one of the 2 inch pipes to a full siphon. If you look closely you can see I glued on a piece of plexiglass to break the horrible vortexing. The other pipe is an unside-down dorso. In the event the water level climbs too high, this emergency drain will kick in and avert a disater. The lip of that upside down dorse is about a half an inch above the water line pictured.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14713622@N02/6958486816/" title="2012-04-22_19-02-02_201 by mrscheider, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7040/6958486816_b9219922df.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="2012-04-22_19-02-02_201"></a>

And lastly, to get the full siphon to match the pumps flow and stabalize the whole flow rate, the 2 inch ball valve I added to that full siphon. This system is running so quiet that I sometimes check just to make sure it's still working okay!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14713622@N02/6958486656/" title="2012-04-22_19-02-30_958 by mrscheider, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/6958486656_b218600dc0.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="2012-04-22_19-02-30_958"></a>

 

[mrscheider]

Any prices apart from glass (which you already covered) that you can dish out for us thinking of such a project. If glass is the most expensive part, then I'm very happy right now.

I father in law is an awesome wood craftsman and he is just itching for a challenge.

Pm me if u feel like you can't post some total costs

Ps hrs of labor don't count, I'm glad how you've mentioned several times you had fun during this build

Hey Laredo,

Sure man.. I kept a list of what the costs were because I had to stay on budget. Here is a short list...

Plywood- $200
Studs - (2X4's and 4X4's) $55
Liquid Rubber - $260 (including shipping)
Glass- $610
PVC plumbing - $47
Bulkheads - $80
Veneers - $40
Screws - $21
Stains, brushes, cements, etc. - $35

That's about it. Odd's and ends here and there.. rubber gloves , plaint trays.. things like that.. otherwise the bulk of the stuff is right there. Roughly $1350 for everything.

 

[JT3069]

looking good

 

[mrscheider]

When you first said plywood tank, I was thinking to myself "how is he going to pull that off? I've never heard of such thing". But I must admit that looks awesome! Job well done on the tank

Thank you sir!

It's actually pretty common now. Lot's of info on the web on these builds. In fact I think you can find a how to with plans on GARF's website.
Definitly a viable alternative for the poor men out there who'd rather spend thier money on the tank contents instead of the tank.

 

[rpjaws74]

nice set up!!!

 

[d3hree]

very nice build! I look forward to watching it progress.

 

[Barebucta]

Wow! Very courageous build....I wouldn't know where to begin. Looks good

 

[Dhunter1231]

awesome awesome build!!!!! Im in the process of planing mine... my question is what type of liquid rubber did you use and where did you get it? My other question is you said you would use a 2 part epoxy next time rather than liquid rubber, any specific information on a certain type/brand that you would use? thanks....

Seeing your build made me rethink mine... I need to go bigger than my little 219 gallon I had originally planed.... :lolspin: My Wife is gonna KILL me!!!! :bounce2::bounce2::bounce1::bounce1:

 

[Dhunter1231]

any response would be awesome... i know its a older thread