My new 2600 gallon plywood tank project

[VLDesign]

Used black ABS pipe for the bar. Except for the end cap. That is regular PVC painted black.

Had to paint the egg crate black as well because I can't get black around here for any reasonable price.

Used the Krylon plastic paint from Walmart to coat the plastic.

Did you end up painting the underwater spray bar black or did you find a vendor for black pvc?

Also, on the left side you have the light diffuser grid, were you able to purchase it in black or did you paint it as well?

 

[nolapete]

How's the PEX heating working out? Is that like Jonathan's design or more like the one I spec'd out? How often is it having to come on to keep the tank at temp? What's the cycle duration?

You're going to have to hook me up with your turtle connection once I get my tank done.

It's great to see that the stacked dimensional lumber worked for you. I was ecstatic that you were using it and when I saw the sections for the bulkheads in the PDF it brought a big grin to my face. Everyone thought I was crazy to do both. Glad to see one of the most respected tank builders adopt the ideas. Definitely motivation to get mine done.

It seems that waterproof coatings are the nemesis for wooden tanks. It seems that the coating's seal is only as good as how stable the underlying tank structure is. You and I found that out just like Jonathan had when he put the addition on his tank.

I'm finally giving in to the idea of having fiberglass chopped in just to get it done and over with. With the little one on the way, I'll have enough sleepless nights. I don't need to be losing sleep over a possible flood.

Thanks for the motivation.

 

[nolapete]

Another question, If I have the fiberglass chopped in, the only thing I need is the epoxy resin that it's applied with? I don't need to coat it with something else do I? I asked on JohnG's as well to see what you fiberglass/epoxy smart guys say. I'm fiberglass stupid.

 

[plecostic]

Those Leporinus are going to have fun shredding the ID sharks tails. I had to take my Lepor out because my ID tail was all messed up.

 

[Ramesh]

Shouldn't be any issues using these together at all.

What I would do is use the thick epoxy in the corners to make a fillet joint, then a layer of ACR, a layer of fiberglass cloth, then 2-3 more layers of ACR and you should be done.

After that apply the pond armor before the ACR fully cures and you should be able to apply the PA directly on top of the ACR without sanding to rough up the surface.

Thanks VL, but what do you mean by "the thick epoxy" and what type and weight cloth did you use?

 

[VLDesign]

How's the PEX heating working out? Is that like Jonathan's design or more like the one I spec'd out? How often is it having to come on to keep the tank at temp? What's the cycle duration?

Pex is working out great. It's pretty much just like Jonathan's design. This one has a bronze pump. And I have no idea how often it's on. I guess I should try to find out. It's a good question.

It's great to see that the stacked dimensional lumber worked for you. I was ecstatic that you were using it and when I saw the sections for the bulkheads in the PDF it brought a big grin to my face. Everyone thought I was crazy to do both. Glad to see one of the most respected tank builders adopt the ideas. Definitely motivation to get mine done.

It's a good solid design idea. Thanks for sharing it so we could use it.

Thanks for the motivation.

Hang in there. I know it's tough.

 

[VLDesign]

Another question, If I have the fiberglass chopped in, the only thing I need is the epoxy resin that it's applied with? I don't need to coat it with something else do I? I asked on JohnG's as well to see what you fiberglass/epoxy smart guys say. I'm fiberglass stupid.

Well, this was my first time with fiberglass so I am not a good source for info.

But, what I found is that with the combo of Max ACR epoxy (Fish safe) and fiberglass cloth there was nothing more needed and the max ACR is the final coat on my tank. Also ACR doesn't have an epoxy odor either so it's ok to use inside.

If your epoxy is food grade then you shouldn't need to coat it with anything else. But the ACR is somthing like $80 for 1.5 gallons and is thin enough that a foam HD roller makes application super easy.

 

[VLDesign]

They have been pretty well behaved. Good to know though as I will be keeping an eye on them for sure.

Those Leporinus are going to have fun shredding the ID sharks tails. I had to take my Lepor out because my ID tail was all messed up.

 

[VLDesign]

Thanks VL, but what do you mean by "the thick epoxy" and what type and weight cloth did you use?

The thick epoxy is from the same company as Max ACR and it's called Thixotropic Epoxy and is super thick and great for corner joints for added strength.

The fiberglass cloth I used was the 9 ounce satin weave.

 

[nolapete]

How much coverage do you get per kit (1.5 gallon) with Max ACR? I'm at around 425 sq. ft without deducting the window. I didn't deduct the 32 sq. ft. for it to allow me some extra.