Plywood tank for quarantine tank

[steveo9043]

So browsing the forum and reading about plywood tanks I have decided to experiment with a small scale plywood tank. Have a lot more research to do but doesn't seem that hard at all.

Anyone around here have one?

Any input would be great.

 

[TheReefNinja]

I believe reefwise uses a wood tank for that massive system he has... Go take a look he did a geat job

 

[jrpark22000]

I believe reefwise uses a wood tank for that massive system he has... Go take a look he did a geat job

Yes, Brian at reefwise has 2 in the store. I believe he calls them inside out boats and has been building them for years.

 

[steveo9043]

I didn't even notice they were wood tanks when I was there.

I am having some hard time finding supplies in small amounts so I don't have to over spend.

 

[Doughball]

I didn't even notice they were wood tanks when I was there.

I am having some hard time finding supplies in small amounts so I don't have to over spend.

Is there a benefit to a plywood tank? It doesn't seem like it would be cost effective for something small like a QT with the $1 a gallon sales that run pretty often.

 

[steveo9043]

Is there a benefit to a plywood tank? It doesn't seem like it would be cost effective for something small like a QT with the $1 a gallon sales that run pretty often.

I agree on a smaller scale it wouldn't be as cost effective. However I want to try my luck with a smaller one prior to possibly building a larger one in the future. I do have some extra plywood laying around I may use as well to lower the overall cost.

 

[Caragol]

Then you can make/sell cheap lookdown frag tanks and recoup your costs.

 

[steveo9043]

Then you can make/sell cheap lookdown frag tanks and recoup your costs.

Not a bad idea,

I don't think I will be able to start on it till beginning of December. Then I would like to test at least a month or so.

I have been thinking about equipment. I wonder how suction cups work on wood with liquid rubber or paint or if magnets are strong enough to go through the plywood/liquid rubber/paint.

I noticed a lot of these setups I have read about had a standard glass sump.

 

[Caragol]

Magnets and suction cups would be tough... that's a good question. I don't know what people do.

 

[Caragol]

If you're half decent with wood, you could build the lookdown tank on top of a cabinet and finish it with some nice oak like an all in one. Inside is a nice black epoxy with a PVC overflow that leads down into the cabinet. Sorry, I'm getting too excited and derailing your project.

 

[ct_vol]

Is there a benefit to a plywood tank? It doesn't seem like it would be cost effective for something small like a QT with the $1 a gallon sales that run pretty often.

I have built plywood tanks in the past. They are relatively simple to do so long as you are the slightest bit handy. Trick is to make sure they are sealed proper before they ever see water. If there is the slightest leak, it will be the bane of your existence if it is not thoroughly dried before attempting to reseal. As stated, only cost effective if on a larger scale. Oh, and make sure they are framed and braced well too.

Good luck! :thumbsup:

 

[steveo9043]

I noticed a lot of build use strictly plywood. I was thinking about building a 2x2 frame then attaching the plywood to that.

My thoughts are screws would hold better in a 2x2 frame then they would in 1/2in or 3/4in plywood to plywood.

I would do a couple coats on the edges of the plywood and then on the 2x2 frame. Then secure it all together and do another 40mm worth of coating over the whole inside.

If I do a 2x2 frame I could notch 1in guides the glass could slide into as well.

I don't think a few 2x2's would break the bank.

 

[ct_vol]

A lot of that will depend on the size of the tank and the thickness of the plywood. The larger the volume, the more support you'll need. That can come from thicker plywood, stronger bracing, or both. Just make sure you take into account the flexion of the plywood and the pressure the water will put upon it. For smaller tanks, no worries. Especially if you're using 3/4 board. The longer the runs, the more support you'll need. Just use common sense and you'll be fine. And be efficient with the number of screws you use. Another case where less is more.

 

[jasimek]

They sell magnetic paint.....I'm wondering if you could apply this and wonder if it would be magnetic enough for magnets to stick to for pumps....just a thought

 

[steveo9043]

a lot of good idea's. I am excited to give this a try. I have an old night stand I am thinking about building a tank to fit it perfectly. Maybe 18Tx18Wx10H

I think I am a pretty decent carpenter. we will find out!