Large Plywood tank

[waynesworld]

I need some help I am building a new addition onto my house and am planning a new tank. After looking at some of the different options I was wanting to know if my idea would work. I am looking for structure and sealing advice on this large of a tank. It will be framed out of 3/4 birch plywood and reinforced with probably 2x6 stud walls. The floor is on a slab that will be reinforced footers on the footprint. I am going to try and put a pdf ruff print of my Idea and welcome some input.

 

[waynesworld]

Try this again.

 

[waynesworld]

I Was wondering if to use 1/2 inch safety glass or 3/4 plane glass.

 

[sullyfish]

here is a good thread to look at

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=674932

 

[waynesworld]

I looked at the link and that looked good some of the other links are what I have been looking at but I have not seen anyone building one over 1000 gal and with multiple sheets of wood on the sides and bottom. I was thinking of dovetails on the sides for extra strength. Also how far apart should the side braces be and what span of glass can be done.

 

[eastcoaster1]

I wouldn't think that you would need too go crazy on the 2x6 bracing, as there really isn't that much pressure exerted on the tank walls - maybe something like a 2x6 every 36 inches. Incorporating some euro bracing on the top would provide lots of stiffness to the walls as well.
Rather than dovetailing the sheets of ply, a scarf joint might be easier.
Also you might look around your area for a lumber dealer that sells longer sheets of plywood. Sometimes you can find 4x10 or 4x12 foot sheets.

 

[VikeBron]

bump

 

[Shoestring Reefer]

I'd put the seams over the studs, with closer stud spacing, to reduce stress on the seams. But that's just my 0.02.

 

[dajum]

I built a tank out of plywood. Not anywhere near as big as yours. I sealed mine with 2 part epoxy paint. Food grade stuff used for water towers. But yours will have a lot of different stresses on it. I would probably think about doing something that is more stable for a long period of time. Like a fiberglass lining. There are a lot of options. I'd be happy to show you mine or talk about it. Pm me for my number.

Dave

 

[sweetdreamfiji]

Search for the thread on Zilla 3, which is a 5,000 gallon plywood system. The owner built another tank, zilla2, which was also of plywood. His tank was roughly square.

Mike

 

[alien9168]

agree with sweet dream.

That guys system is sick!!

-alien

 

[scchase]

I would have to say that in order to overcome a length of 96" I would rip a second set and laminate it over the top of the seams from the first set that is just me though I would also go with a fiberglass shell then an 2 part epoxy coat for maximum lifespan and durability.