Wood tank sealing?

TommDool · #1 11-06-2003, 08:29 PM

I'm just planning to build my 150g wood + 1/2" Glass Tank. I know everyone is using two part epoxy paint, but I am having a hard time finding any and the ones I do are for cement floors. I have an idea of laminating the plywood with 1/8" Arcylic. Then screw & Glue the tank together, then seal the arcylic inside with arcylic glue and silicone.

Any thoughts on this. will it even work?

Thanks

Tomm

kuatto · #2 11-06-2003, 11:42 PM

I was thinking the same thing for a 300gal.the only prob would be if the wood bowed the plexi might crack.you could do 1 of 2 things,use thicker plywood,or use side bracing(like the ribs on a wood boat)hth

Jim

TommDool · #3 11-07-2003, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuatto

I was thinking the same thing for a 300gal.the only prob would be if the wood bowed the plexi might crack.you could do 1 of 2 things,use thicker plywood,or use side bracing(like the ribs on a wood boat)hth

Jim

Ya I thought of this as well. But I figured that 1/8 arcylic is fairly flexable and also use silicone might give it a little flix too. I would use 1" plywood and I was thinking of using a powder coat rods as cross supports. The supports would give more room to work on the tank then a plywood or arcylic support, and more stable.

Chin_Lee · #4 11-07-2003, 04:19 AM

I don't think 1" plywood will bow with a 150 gal. What dimensions are you planning?
Let me know how it works out - i think its an excellent idea

Buccaneer · #5 11-07-2003, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommDool

Ya I thought of this as well. But I figured that 1/8 arcylic is fairly flexable and also use silicone might give it a little flix too. I would use 1" plywood and I was thinking of using a powder coat rods as cross supports. The supports would give more room to work on the tank then a plywood or arcylic support, and more stable.

Well ... 2 things to consider here is that 1/8 acrylic while being really flexible is also really delicate so a simple rock falling over could put a crack in it and have you running for garbage cans to get all your livestock out so you can repair it ... also silicone does not work very well on acrylic so if you do decide to go this route use something like Weldon16 or similar for the corners and LOTS of silicone for around the front glass ( be sure to sand the edges of the acrylic first ) ... another idea for upper supports would be aircraft cable ... it is very strong and wont cast a shadow under your lights as it is very thin ( Home depot sells it ) ... Good Luck ... HTH

Cheers

TommDool · #6 11-10-2003, 06:17 AM

Thanks guys. I am still thinking about it. If anyone knows of a place on vancouver island or the mainland I can get two-part epoxy for a good price let me know.

Scavenger · #7 11-17-2003, 04:36 PM

You can get away with out epoxy paint by using fiberglass resin.
Here's a link to the 137 gallon freshwater tank I made last spring using 1/4 inch glass, 3/4 inch plywood and fiberglass resin. I have little to no bowing with the crossbrace. It's an early picture, I have finished the stand and have the tank trimmed now.
http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/gru.../Kenstank.html

AJ_77 · #8 11-17-2003, 07:13 PM

That's a nice-looking job, thanks for posting! Do you have construction details posted somewhere on that website as well?

Cheers,

christyf5 · #9 11-17-2003, 07:24 PM

Hey Scavenger! Welcome to Canreef. Good to see some more island people here

TommDool · #10 11-17-2003, 07:42 PM

Good looking tanks. How long have you used it, and where did you get you supplies from in Nanaimo?

Do you find 1/4 glass a little weak, I think I would be scared with that

Tomm