Frag System Project

eddybabyhd

eddybabyhd

.Registered Member
Well I have probably read enough stuff online to wirte a book about building a wood tank. Yes, wood. I have been comtemplating on building a system in my garage for quite some time. I have been making the sump, and have now completed it. So my next project was to build the frag tanks. I recently aquired some Pine panels from a cabinet maker who didnt want them. Gave me 8 of them for 5 bucks. Anyone familar with woodworking knows these things are like 20 bucks a pop at HomeDepot or Lowes. Anyways, i started construction of the tanks today, and am awaiting the fiberglass resin and expoxy paint from AquaticEco. They are both about 110 gallons, 36x36x20. And their sump is 150. I am planning on doing some large scale coral farming from them, and hopefully all goes well. As they complete i will post pictures of them.

There will also be a coral raceway plumbed into this as well, it is being constructed now, its 96x24x12, so hopefully will have a pretty good selection.

6-12-06033.jpg


6-12-06034.jpg
 
Eddy please keep us informed on this project I have been thinking of doing something very close to your idea. Did you buy the sweet water epoxy and if so how much do you think you will need to complete the project?
 
I ordered 1 gallon of it, from what I have read, if you seal the wood enough with the resin, then a little of the epoxy goes a long way. Anyways, i will keep it updated.
 
Sounds great eddybabyhd! I've thought about doing a plywood tank for a LONG time. But, I'm waiting for a house, power tools, and better carpentry skills. Keep us posted as often as possible on your progress.
 
Watch those butt joints. There will be a little pressure on them towards the bottom.

Keep the update going. I like the idea of something like that in my garage also.
 
the joints are dovetailed, and glued. and there will also be a frame around the tanks that will support them against bowing pressure. I have started tjhe resin coating. The resin I chose is kind of a brown tint to it. According to the manufacturer that is so you can see how think you are spreading it. Now I just need to finish the frame and wait for the paint to get here.

I know these new pic dont look much different than the last, but they are drying now

6-12-06037.jpg
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8151105#post8151105 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eddybabyhd
the joints are dovetailed, and glued.
Click to expand...
Oooo, dovetails - fancy! I cut some of those once upon a time...
 
Wooden tank? I'm in the dark as far as those but you got my attention, I can't wait to see what you create!
 
I know, it sounds impossible at first glance. But i assure you that there is alot of steps involved to make sure that it holds water well.
 
it's not the possibility of it that confuses me, is a wooden tank meant for overhead viewing or is there going to be a "window" to look through? I've heard of people making sumps with wood, that makes sense to me, but an actual tank? My overactive imagination is coming up with too many plausable ideas as to what this entails, lol. Reefkeeping is such an educational experience.
 
thats fine, i dont mind sharing. I have watched several threads from start to finish on building a wood tank. And to be honest, have plans on a room divider in the future with viewing on 2 sides and three portholes on the other side. with the other being a huge overflow. I have been pretty excited with the results so far, but i have to be honest if i built a big tank. I would order the pieces pre cut from birch in 3/4 inch. I love the way birch sticks to the resign. Although the pine panels worked really well. this is kinda a test run for the big tank.

BTW, the demensions of the tank i am referring would be 96x48x36 or roughly 720 gallons
 
Ed,

I would very much appreciate a step by step as you go. That sounds like a great idea to use as a sump. Sure would be cheaper than custom glass or acrylic. I know people don't like to post costs, but a breakdown would be nice.

JR
 
The wood will not be cheaper then using glass. By the time you buy you lumber, glue, sealer, epoxy, and various other items to build it, it will cost more to build this way. For coral farming purposes it will probably be worth the little bit of extra work and cost though. Ofcoarse he got his lumber for almost free so it will be lots cheaper for him lol.
 
hence why i am using the wood. And I think it depends on the application. PHreef built his 340 out of plywood for around 400 bucks. I would like to see someone get a glass tank for that

But generally propbably very close to the same price.
 
Depends how big of a tank you build. I mean I've seen threads of 500-600 gallon tanks made of plywood costing 500 bucks in material.
 
Yes, for a large tank it could be cost effective, depending on how long the tank would last as opposed to a glass one. Not many of us have either the space or the money to run a 500 to 600 gallon tank though. I would think that it wouldn't be cost effective under about 200 gallons or so.
 
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