2000-3000 gallon Plywood tank

[Aqua Man]

Ok so my wife has finally given me the permission to build this tank for my sharks which are starting to get too big in my current 375gallon tank.

So to try and upset the cost I will sell my 375gallon tank when this one is complete, but will be taking all the hardware as I have a 4' tall skimmer and 3 x 5000gal/hr pumps that would be benificial for this new monster tank. So far I have got quotes for various aquaium and glass stores and the prices for a tank that is

15' long x 4' deep x 3' high is in the price range of $3200-4200. But if I was to buy one piece of 3/4 glass at 180" x 32" it would be $980.00.... So I am trying to keep the cost low I thought about buying the one piece of glass and building a plywood tank. Now here is a few links on youtube that I really like but they basically show pictures on the build.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGRFLZErAWg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K0o_jFGH68&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j-KRQUr9cY&feature=related

If anyone in the Calgary area has a tank like this that I can come see first hand to physically see, and any info on where to buy those rubber pannels and reef safe paint, would be greatly appreciated.

Any info would as I would hate to flood my house.


Corey 403-422-4663

[Veng68]

Check out SuperFudge's 1000 gallon plywood build.

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=31113

The tanks not running anymore I think.

He also has a build thread on RC.

Cheers,
Vic

[Aqua Man]

Wow that is trully amazing. Thank you.

[Edmonton newbie]

wow superfudge had a pretty awsome system there. i have been reading lots on rc about plywood tanks too as thats the only way im going to get a big tank in the basement. I also looked around on glen l forums to see what they are using for the wood boats. the west system glass epoxy seems to be the best rated by the glen l guys. I found it at a couple places here in edmonton but lee valley tools seems to always have a good selection on hand.

[Edmonton newbie]

most of the tanks i have seen that are painted are done so just before the final coat of the epoxy is spread on the tank.

[Aqua Man]

So the epoxy is over top the paint?

[Edmonton newbie]

yes a clear west system 7 epoxy over the paint and it will never blush or leach into the tank you could have a couple of the local traincar painters over and give you a real interesting backdrop lol

[Edmonton newbie]

here is another good link
http://www.brentsmith-photography.com/800-gallon-plywood-and-fiberglass-build

[sphelps]

Personally if I was to build a plywood tank that large I would cover the wood with a layer of fiberglass and then use a marine 2 part epoxy paint.

[lastlight]

I've seen a few other builds done similarily to the one posted above. That Bote Coat (which comes tinted) seems like a pretty smart choice. These builds look like a lot of fun (and massive amount of work).

[narhay]

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_1700g_tank_1.php

I remember reading this before and it might be perfect for you.

[dsaundry]

I was fortunate enough to see Fudge's tank and set up before it was sold, two words, simply amazing! Make sure you do a build thread on your tank. Good luck on your build.

[KevinK]

tagging along as I'm up for a plywood tank as soon as we soled our house (and the new tank we want bigger)

gust wondering

what is the diferance between the west 7 epoxy at a fairly $$$$

or the 5 gallon pails thy use for decking, as thy are only about $145 for 5 gallon, where west 7 is I think the same for only 1 gallon.

ore could you maybe laminate, so first a few coats with the cheaper for structure and stabillety, and then west 7 to seal it all off