My wood tank build

[rppvt]

I like the idea of finishing each panel with glas and one coat before assembling... heck if you're going to glue it together with epoxy anyway... it'll sure hold. You could even finish the uncut sheets before running them threough the table saw for that clean edge thing. Also a flat piece of ply would be easier to spread on if you're adding color. imho--

 

[AcroSteve]

You really don't have to flop and flop the tank. I do understand it can make things a little easier, but when they do glass work on large boats, they don't do any flipping or flopping.

Just a thought.


Now, you should have got a big vacuume bag. Now that would be the way to go.

 

[dsandfort]

I tried layup on vertical surfaces and quickly found out I am not very good at it. Turning the tank makes my product actually look like I know what I'm doing. Much easier to get uniform coats with no runs or sags.

Second glass coat is starting tomorrow. Yipee.

I am lucky to have 2 beams in the shop from which I can rig a block and tackle.

It looks extra large standing on end. Here is my 5'6" daughter for perspective.

 

[rppvt]

Oh man, now the whole fishy world knows you've got a cute daughter.
she probably thinks her dad is some sort of crazy nutty professor guy in the garage...

 

[KW-Reefer]

Looking good!!


Thanks for the updates.

KW

 

[dsandfort]

Hey!!!! That's a crazy nutty professor guy in the basement

Too cold to be in the garage.

 

[jman77]

good lord that tank is going to be big..... great job so far !

 

[masharp1126]

Just started researching fiberglass cloth. Which did you go with? Noticed there are several different types and strengths (4oz, 6oz, etc.). Did you get it online or local?

 

[dsandfort]

Mark-
Cloth is 6oz and I get it here from a plastic/epoxy/acrylic specialty shop. It's a cool shop. We have large Federal and State research facilities here in town and it's not unusual to walk in to this shop and see him fabricating 50-100 tanks to be used in some research project. "Effects of mine tailing leachate on Greenback trout", that sort of thing.

Where are you on your build? Sounds like a similar size.

Del

 

[lpkirby]

Del what is the total gallons of that MONSTER?

 

[dsandfort]

Actual water volume is 540 gallons.

 

[cnordstrom]

How does the cost of building a wood tank compare to buying a custom glass or acrylic setup? Even if you don't count your time as money, are you saving a significant amount, or is this more just a labor of love?

And by the way, I'll definitely be tagging along on this one... I really want to see the end result!

 

[dsandfort]

cnordstrom-

I think it's a little of both. We have been snowbound here (literally for several days) and I needed a project to keep me occupied. My last custom acrylic (first photo in thread) cost me $2200 for 270 gallons. This tank will be twice the size and not even reach $2000, I think. I did not price a custom 540 in the configuration I am making but I bet it would be at least $4000. Someone can confirm this if they know. There seems to be a 300 gallon rule-of-thumb with wood tanks. Above this size you save money, below, don't waste your time. Not really sure if this is true or not.

So far, I've had much enjoyment and my friends are very skeptical, which adds to the enjoyment. Someone asked my wife (another wife) if we have saltwater flood insurance. Non-believers. Luckily, I've build a couple of drift boats and they still float. Same deal here, only backwards.

Del

 

[KW-Reefer]

I can confirm that a 96x36x30 with external coast to coast was in excess of 5500 Canadian. I figure that I can build a 581 or better tank for less then I was quoted for a 180g with external coast to coast.

Worth it if you have the skills and space. The epoxy and glass are the most expensive things. I just have to figure out if I need to use 1/2" or 3/4". I think if I go 36" tall glass I need 3/4". What do you guys think?

KW

 

[cnordstrom]

Del, that makes perfect sense. Personally, I'd probably have to go out and buy one, simply because I don't have the tools or the skill sets needed to build something like that. I'm working on a radiator cover right now, which is a hell of a lot simpler to do, and it's not looking anywhere near as nice as your tank!

It would be fun trying to build a 550 gallon tank in my fourth floor condo, though... I'm sure my wife, neighbors, and insurance company would love me!

 

[rppvt]

just imagine if he'd doubled up and over-lapped the ply; extending the length to 10 or 12 feet...

 

[masharp1126]

Del, thanks for the info on the fiberglass. Got the 1st and 2nd coat of paint on the tank room and all the trim installed. Laying the linoleum this weekend. Thought I'd have that done already, but too many other things going on. Should start cutting my plywood right after the floor is in.

FWIW, called a couple of places this week on the glass and so far the cheapest price I've gotten for 1/2" thick, 70" by 33", starphire is $600. I had checked a few months ago, when I thought I was going to have the room to go bigger on a 84" by 30" and it was like $500. Don't know why it's more expensive now, for a smaller piece. They did quote tempered glass this time and I don't remember if that's what they quoted the first time or not. Don't know much about glass, maybe it's more expensive.

Are you using tempered? and for those of you that have done this before, or are getting ready to, did you use tempered?

 

[slandis3]

FWIW, called a couple of places this week on the glass and so far the cheapest price I've gotten for 1/2" thick, 70" by 33", starphire is $600


IMO if your going to go this tall you might want to go with 3/4" glass. Although tempered is stronger i , not going to use it on our new tank. If something falls into it, tempered is more likely to shatter than non tempered.

 

[KW-Reefer]

@slandis3

Good tip! Thanks.


I was debating on the Tempered glass myself. For 1/2" Starphire 96x30 Tempered was 650 Canadian. It is my understanding that glass is cheaper in Canada though. FWIW regular float glass in the same dimensions Un-Tempered was 300. I am shure that in 3/4" the price will go up a fair amount, Plus Starphire will require laminating two 1/2" pieces as it is not made in 3/4" I've been told/read.

KW

 

[slandis3]

i was actually going to order my glass from canada because 10' sheets are so much cheaper there