Polyurea tank lining

[epicentyr]

I am looking into a polyurea tank liner for my next project. It will be a 12x5x5 shark tank with a 4x8 acrylic viewing panel. I have read about polyurea coatings for ponds and saltwater aquaculture but there is not much info on using it for a relatively smaller scale. I am also hopeing to find a way to secure and seal the viewing window in place because I am not sure how well silicone will adhere to polyurea. It was suggested by my contractor that I use a urathane recommended for potable water. I need some ideas.

 

[epicentyr]

Also could someone search "polyurea" on here and link to anything that might come up?

thanks

 

[Treeman]

I was going to use polyurea also. I couldn't find anybody to install it.

 

[BeanAnimal]

You will need to look at "chemcial grout" installers, Polyurethane roofing installers and similar industries to find an installer.

Both MI and FL should have somebody that can do the work. Sourcing the product is another story.

You may want to look into LINEX truck bed liners. They are hot sprayed 2 component polyurethane and will almost certainly be suitable for your project. Most areas have a LINEX dealer.

This is not a DIY project, as the raw materials come in 55 gal drums, are a health hazard and environmental hazard. It takes about $30,000 worth of equipment to spray the product. You couldnt touch a setup for less than $15,000 used. The raw materials are about $2.00 a pound in quantities of 100,000 pounds. Your project will take 100-200 pounds at the most but you will likely have to pay for 1000 (a drum set). But then again nobody will sell you the raw materials becuase most blends are patented or protected.

This leaves you with finding a large contractor that does nothing but pond liners, and paying them to travel to your site.

I have travelled all other the continent installing dual component polyurethane products (literaly millions of pound of the stuff) and can tell you that your are in for sticker shock unless you find a local contractor that knows the product and can do you a favor.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

You could just use the 2-part marine epoxy the one guy on here used on his huge shark tank?
sorry, no link.

 

[ChemE]

As Bean said this isn't a DIY you can touch. My company www.belzona.com manufactures epoxies and urethanes that you could use instead and the sticker shock wouldn't quite be so bad. You'd need 230 sq ft of coverage which would cost you about $444 in product. PM if you are interested and I'll set you up with your local distributor.

 

[BeanAnimal]

ChemE I didn't know you were a glue guy... I will have to check that out.

 

[epicentyr]

I found a contractor that Quoted me $1650 or less depending on how much prep he needs to do. And I also found another contractor who wants ~2500 for the job but is willing to barter with me for my old tank setup. I have found that the components for a potable water approved aromatic polyurea run about $65/gal. A 80mil coat will use about 11 gal. If this was a longer term tank i would not question the investment but this tank is only temporary (~5-6years) until we move and build a larger tank. At witch point it will be chainsawed and removed for sale of the house.

 

[Justjoe]

Here is what I used on my reef and amazon tank:
http://www.envirolastic.com/

You need to find a local installer. Surface prep is everything.
Just curious, what kind of sharks are you looking to hold in this tank?
Joe

 

[epicentyr]

Looking for 1 bonetthead, 1 atlantic sharpnose, 1 or 2 rescue sharks (non requium), 1 cownose ray, 1 blue dot ray, 1-2 snowflake eels and several filler fish (tangs, damsels, squirrel fish). I am currently working with several contractors trying to find the best match for my situation ( someone expierenced in primary containment of aquatic species).
Justjoe- Envirolastic is just the type of polymer that i am looking for. I have also found Sherwin Willams, and Rhino lining have sutable formulas. Is that what you used for your big tank? This has been a fun project so far and I am looking forward to relaxing in front of my oversized aquarium.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Check into LINEX bed liners. Much better formulation than anything RHINO has. Call the national number and they will locate a local rep for you.

 

[epicentyr]

Thanks Bean, I was mistaken it was Linex not Rhino.

 

[grupper]

www.garf.org has some information on building your own tank out of plywood. You might want to take a look at what they say.