520 gallon plywood tank

Leebtattoos

Polypterus
MFK Member
Jul 18, 2012
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Lampasas, Texas
That sucks about the leak. I know the feeling after all that work then having a set back like that. Hope you are able to get it sealed and good to go soon.
Thanks. Yeah I believe I got it fixed. Had it filled above the "leak range" by a few inches for a day and no leaks. I then drained it and dried it to just double check. I'm letting it set up another few days and probably put water back in Friday.
 

Leebtattoos

Polypterus
MFK Member
Jul 18, 2012
508
338
87
Lampasas, Texas
Well leak isn’t fixed. Slowed down but figured it out. The typical spot is deflecting from pressure. Center bottom. It’s causing the glass seam to gap at the bottom.

I drained it again and am building an overkill exoskeleton around the tank and re-sealing the glass. It will effect the cosmetic a little, but I really don’t care. No leaks is clearly the number 1 concern. You can hide anything with trim they say haha.

It’s very humbling and defeating for this to happen. But oh well. Life isn’t all flowers and perfect non leaking plywood tanks I guess.

Updates will come as they happen. I think I can finish the structure and reseal Glass this weekend since my pops is coming out to help and hunt the last weekend of deer season. So if all goes well, I’ll re test in a week of so.
 
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Leebtattoos

Polypterus
MFK Member
Jul 18, 2012
508
338
87
Lampasas, Texas
It's a lot of work and does get frustrating, but just keep in mind how much enjoyment you're gonna have from it once you can sit back and enjoy the fruits of all the labor.
Thanks for that. Frustrating is an understatement. But I’ve never done this before. So In two months i built an aquarium and an entire room by myself. Could be worse. Pretty thankful my dads still around and able to lend a hand. That’ll be the best part and memory. And yes, it’ll be a cool tank again soon.
 
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Steve_C

Redtail Catfish
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Jan 9, 2017
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www.midwestcustomflyrods.com
Always nice to have family lend a hand in builds. My Dad passed away years ago so isn't able to help me but I can't even begin to count the number of times my Brother In Law has helped me move big tanks around for my projects. It's got to the point now when I call him his first words are "what tank are we moving now?" lol
 

Mark90

Feeder Fish
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Dec 26, 2017
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Always nice to have family lend a hand in builds. My Dad passed away years ago so isn't able to help me but I can't even begin to count the number of times my Brother In Law has helped me move big tanks around for my projects. It's got to the point now when I call him his first words are "what tank are we moving now?" lol
My friend tells me that every time I text him "how busy are you?"
 

Leebtattoos

Polypterus
MFK Member
Jul 18, 2012
508
338
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Lampasas, Texas
All empty. I put way too much sand and gravel in that tank haha. I’m going to be making styrofoam/resin inserts this time to use up a lot of space and only have gravel of any real depth specifically where I want plants.

I have several huge dock floats I use for archery target backdrops I can use. Start with chainsaw carving outside, then I ordered a hot knife/wire kit to finish sculpting.

I’ve watched a lot of videos but have some questions if anyone reads this.


After painting the foam, can I just brush on clear fiberglass resin?
 

twentyleagues

Bronze Tier VIP
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Apr 5, 2017
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Pretty sure fiberglass resin will eat the Styrofoam. I make backgrounds. I coat mine with pond armor. The first one I did I painted it then clear pond armored it. The one in my 180 I black pond armored then painted with krylon fusion. Looks better not shiny. You can use drylock also. I've never used it though I think it's tintable. S Steve_C . I think he uses drylock.
 
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elting44

Piranha
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Oct 8, 2007
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Bummer about the leaks, but keep it up man! I am just get started on finishing a room in my basement to be an office/man-cave/fishroom, will have a 75g in wall and a 135g. You gave some advice on the stand reinforcement and I am thankful

I am not by any means a lumber/contsruction minded person, I am a computer nerd by trade, so I am sure I will have tons of questions in many threads moving forward. Keep up the good work!!
 
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