Brian's 520 gal. Plywood Build + Fish Room

Very interesting build to watch. Thank you for sharing it with us.

I'm sorry if I missed it, but why did you choose to use an acrylic sump instead of use your process again and build one from plywood?
 
Regarding the sump... given your obvious ability to build some incredible things, why not just build your own sump as well? It's really not hard and you'll be able to get all the pieces you need, cut to order. All you'd have to do is smooth the edges and then weld them all in place. I assume you've got clamps so all you'd need is some small spacers and the weld-on to seal it all together. You can make the sump EXACTLY how you want and it would end up being much cheaper as well. Since it's a sump you wouldn't need it to look super professional but based on what else I've seen from you, it would look pretty amazing. Anyway, give that a thought. You'd have fun with it.
 
If you can build in plywood you can build in acrylic. There's lots of how-to vids on YT from the manufacturers, and you obviously have the necessary tools and skills.

Maybe it's time for you to take the next step. ;)

Dave.M
 
79chopperdr said:
Very interesting build to watch. Thank you for sharing it with us.

I'm sorry if I missed it, but why did you choose to use an acrylic sump instead of use your process again and build one from plywood?
Click to expand...

I really like the professional look of acrylic sumps, plus I only purchased enough epoxy to build the display tank anyways so it would be very costly to obtain more. Although I think the display tank turned out to be pretty nice looking, I think it would be difficult to make a "nice looking" sump/fuge/frag tank out of plywood especially when compared to acrylic.

McPuff said:
Regarding the sump... given your obvious ability to build some incredible things, why not just build your own sump as well? It's really not hard and you'll be able to get all the pieces you need, cut to order. All you'd have to do is smooth the edges and then weld them all in place. I assume you've got clamps so all you'd need is some small spacers and the weld-on to seal it all together. You can make the sump EXACTLY how you want and it would end up being much cheaper as well. Since it's a sump you wouldn't need it to look super professional but based on what else I've seen from you, it would look pretty amazing. Anyway, give that a thought. You'd have fun with it.
Click to expand...

dave.m said:
If you can build in plywood you can build in acrylic. There's lots of how-to vids on YT from the manufacturers, and you obviously have the necessary tools and skills.

Maybe it's time for you to take the next step. ;)

Dave.M
Click to expand...

I'm sensing a theme here. You guys are probably right, and to be honest I hadn't given it much thought and assumed working with acrylic was very difficult. I do however know exactly what I want and you're right in saying that it probably isn't harder than building a tank out of plywood haha...

I'll investigate this idea and see if the acrylic itself can be purchased with relative ease and at a good price compared to having another company perform this work. So... No promises, but I'll consider the idea.
 
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Beautiful bar top! The first cold one on it when the tank is running will be a special one! Incredible. Everything so far is beyond incredible.

I agree with everyone. Building your own sump and frag tank would be best from what I have seen from you! Your attention to detail, and patience, would be needed, but then you get exactly what you want, for a price that would be easier to swallow.

Great job. I am anxiously awaiting your next step!
 
You should have no problem finding a good source of acrylic that can be pre-cut to your specifications. I assume it'll also be much easier than plywood because you'll have minimal prep work... basically just finishing the edges. King of DIY on youtube has a whole series of acrylic tank building and it's very helpful. You'll have fun with it and it'll definitely be cheaper than buying a custom design.
 
Done (more-or-less)! The bar ledge is mounted, the trim is up, and the front access cabinets are installed. There's a tiny bit left to do... namely some quarter-round (in black) to butt up against the aquarium on top of the bar ledge, and a little touch-up paint here and there.

The cabinets open up very easily and the support arms keep them open (and prevent them from slamming closed). Light bleed is virtually non-existant, but in a couple spots I'll probably add some fabric/foam or other filler material.

Haven't yet heard back from the aquarium company I contacted regarding the sump, so I'm losing a bit of hope there. I did watch those "King of DIY" YT videos regarding how to make your own acrylic tank and it isn't as difficult as I assumed it was.

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Thanks a lot everyone.

ForeverNoob said:
This tank build is incredible. Subscribed!

After applying the epoxy, can you still see the grain of the plywood?
Click to expand...

No, but that's only because of the black pigment that was added. Without the pigment the epoxy would cure clear (just like the bar top) and you'd be able to see the wood through it. In some of the other builds on here people have not pigmented certain areas just as a reminder that the tank is indeed made of wood.. hah
 
Really impressed with all you've accomplished so far, Brain. I hope you keep on this path through to the actual building of your reef.

I'm not sure exactly where you are on the Bruce Peninsula, but if you're not too far from London you could contact Sealife Central. They build custom tanks and sumps in acrylic and glass.

Dave.M
 
dave.m said:
Really impressed with all you've accomplished so far, Brain. I hope you keep on this path through to the actual building of your reef.

I'm not sure exactly where you are on the Bruce Peninsula, but if you're not too far from London you could contact Sealife Central. They build custom tanks and sumps in acrylic and glass.

Dave.M
Click to expand...

Thanks I sent them a message.
 
Very impressive build and excellent craftsmanship. Very nice and thanks for sharing.
 
Brian Crook said:
Thanks for the recommendation rbarn, I will consider it (and have in the past when I was researching plywood tanks). I'll be keeping an eye on deflection when I fill the tank with water. Based on my own reading on plywood tank builds, I do not anticipate any more deflection than what would be expected (read: not visible and hardly measureable). That being said, I'll keep an eye on it and will make an addition of some type after the fact if need be (though begrudgingly, as it would likely detract from the simple "piano black" quality of the tank).
Click to expand...


I finally found the artcl that talks about the stresses being put on a plywood tank and how Pond Armor recommends they be constructed

Food for thought
http://www.pondarmor.com/building-a-wooden-pond-or-tank/

Cliff notes: Reinforce the heck out of it !
 
Well, after much shopping around and considering different ideas, I have gone ahead and placed an order with Advanced Acrylics for a full support system consisting of a custom hybrid PVC / Acylic sump, refugium, and frag tank!

They will all be made to fit my space and provide all the features I am looking for. They will match each other with white construction and red welds. If you haven't heard of Advanced Acrylics, I suggest you check them out on their website or Facebook as their products and craftsmanship are both top notch.

Anyways, it'll take a little over two months to manufacture and ship these products, so there will be a bit of a break before the next big update. I'll be sure to take lots of photos upon their arrival!
 
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