Plywood Tanks

[Buccaneer]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

Its all your fault Rasta, just when I had convinced myself to buy a tank you got me going on this again

questions for ya.

1, is there anyway you could get some one with a camera over to take some pics?

2, I am interewsted in how you did your joints you mentioned 3" screws is that into the end of the particle board? and did you use any other external bracing?

3, how big is your viewing glass and how thick?

I had planned on using two layers of 3/4" plywood if I did this. I don't feel the extra cost of marine grade is warented but I will look into that also.

4, Why did you decide to use fiberglass? (just picking your brain here)

5, what is your feeling on 45 degree joints? I was thinking of making the tank bulge at one end like a bay window.

Any other info you have either by links or in your head would be greatly apreaceated.

Steve

Guilty as charged

1) I only have pics of the completed tank as I did not think to document the construction when I built it

2) I basically used the 3" screws and also a construction grade wood glue ... also a 5" perimeter brace around the top ( If I was to do that again I would simply do (3) x 5"x1/2" glass cross braces in the middle and 2 on the ends instead so that I get more light into the tank ... very small shadow at very top )

3) I used 5/8" glass and the viewing area is 90"x29"

as far as plywood goes 2x3/4" would be VERY sturdy

4) as far as fibreglass goes it was the most economical way to seal the wood and provide a more rigid perimeter ... looked at all kinds of different sealers but came back to fibreglass every time.

5) as far as 45 degree joints I did not have the skill to do that so I just reeinforced with screws / glue / fibreglass ( probably overkill ) but I know it is strong )

not sure on the pressure dynamics that a bay would cause so cant comment there ... would be cool though


If I think of anything else I will let you know


Cheers