so overnight.. the leaking miraculously stopped on its own o_o
i really appreciate all your guys' input on this and i know its going against everything you've advised but im going to leave it for now and see how it goes
the plywood has been coated with a waterproof membrane so i'm not overly worried about it swelling as it should be pretty much sealed..
but you can all say "i told you so" if i come crying back with an exploded tank haha..
thats what insurance is for right? xD