Building 1600 Gallon Bioshock Themed Octopus Tank

I showed this to the significant other. He said he's seen grain silos over 60 feet tall done with just cribbing and corner supports so thought this should have no problems holding up. He's good with stuff like that so if he says it will hold, hopefully it will. His only concern were the windows. And was hoping they would be reinforced.
 
This looks amazing. I can't wait to see more updates. Any new pics? When do you think you will be filling it with water? Any general time line you have planned?
 
Finished Round 2 of fiberglassing and still ran out of resin! 6 gallons in and everything but the top of the tank is done. Basement smells like an autobody shop but making progress in any case! Waiting on 3 more gallons to be shipped and then ill finally be able to move on to the epoxy resin then marine paint. Almost done with the hard part! Everything is down hill from here! pictures to follow after i finish fiberglassing.
 
I always enjoyed the story of the Spruce Goose haha We wouldnt be where we are today if risks werent taken and the limits of the possible weren't pushed! The Spruce Goose did fly after all :)
 
krazyk148 said:
Finished Round 2 of fiberglassing and still ran out of resin! 6 gallons in and everything but the top of the tank is done. Basement smells like an autobody shop but making progress in any case! Waiting on 3 more gallons to be shipped and then ill finally be able to move on to the epoxy resin then marine paint. Almost done with the hard part! Everything is down hill from here! pictures to follow after i finish fiberglassing.
Click to expand...


You should look into Color match epoxy resin , resin color or jel cote epoxy color..

they also make power color additive for epoxy resin.. Could save a step from marine paint ... I have used the color match stuff for Clean room applications for pharm. Might be something to look into not sure cost vs marine paint but given the right formula would def stand up longer..
 
krazyk148 said:
Ill check into that, thanks for the suggestion ericarenee!


These are my current choices:

1.5 gallon of Epoxy resin:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221226163438

3 gallons of Marine paint (2green/1black):
http://pentairaes.com/epoxy-paint-kits.html
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The paint for sure will work. I just know i have been to aquariums and there tanks sometimes you can see the paint flaking off.. I do not know how old some of the displays are.

My only thing is can you paint it to the specs you want with the resin.. i would assume so this way the color will be inside the coating not laying on it..
I think the companies sell samples
 
That was one of the reasons i wanted to coat the tank in a layer of epoxy first before painting. Since fiberglass isn't waterproof on its own i figured i would add an extra layer of protection in case any paint decides to be flaky down the road haha
 
I have seen several builds stacked like this that were successful for years, but granted not this deep. Was it VL Design that did a 2600 gallon this way? As for the OSB, if water gets to any if the wood no mater what used it's game over. I wouldn't have picked it myself, but the more I think about it since the outside of this tank will be protected a marine coating I'm coming around to the idea. For my own possible future use I would like to understand how the window openings were reinforced also. How thick is the epoxy coating going to be?
To the OP keep at it despite all the negativity I'm glad you have kept at it! Looking forward to seeing it filled. There may be problems but it seems you are committed to get through them.
 
The truth is water shouldnt touch ANY kind of wood whether it is OSB or plywood. haha OSB just has a more absorbant property when compared to plywood. Terrible if its absorbing water but great when absorbing resin. The window openings were reinforced with 1/4" angle iron and fiberglassed as well. Im sure for most of you the tank will look much more secure once i add the outer 3/4" plywood layer.
 
Do you have a picture that shows me how the angle was used? Planning a 10 foot plywood build and may need to steal the idea!
 
krazyk148 said:
The truth is water shouldnt touch ANY kind of wood whether it is OSB or plywood. haha OSB just has a more absorbant property when compared to plywood. Terrible if its absorbing water but great when absorbing resin. The window openings were reinforced with 1/4" angle iron and fiberglassed as well. Im sure for most of you the tank will look much more secure once i add the outer 3/4" plywood layer.
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This is how laminated beams are created.. RESIN AND HUGE Amounts of pressure...

oops and wood shavings like stand board is made from
 
I am concerned about your fiber glass...where you using polyester resin and then switching to epoxy? It should all be epoxy resin...the fiberglass itself should be woven...the fiberglass is strictly being used to add strength to the resin...it should not be used to create strength ( or I should say not be depended on to create strength) in the structure...it simply keeps the resin from cracking...the marine grade paint will be very helpful in the tanks ability to hold water should the fiberglass resin Crack..personally I would be aiming for a minimum thickness of 1/8" of resin and fiberglass with a bare minimum of 3 layers of fiberglass...I look forward to this filling but I really fear stress cracks ruining your plans...
 
The tank has 4 layers of fiberglass. I did the initial layers in polyester resin but am finishing with epoxy. I appreciate the concern!
 
I hope you sanded very well between layers..as polyester resin cures it releases wax that prevents subsequent layers from adhering properly...
 
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