I have to agree actually. Even from a function point of view, adding another layer to the outside is another layer that moisture can collect in. The thing looks rustic and beastly right now, and I quite like it. If you were to finish the outside with a thick varnish it would look like an old fashioned hot tub or something.loogielv;2460094; said:
18' x 9' x 3.5' catfish tank build in progress.....
- Thread starter necrocanis
- Start date
i agree too. it looks really good now without an extra layer it would be a shame to cover it upcvermeulen;2460885; said:
Great work!Ive been reading this a bit at a time for a while now and finally got to the end.Terrific dedication to keep up with the work in your changing circumstances.I agree would look cooler w/o the plywood but dont listen to us you know what you are doing just keep going.Cant wait to see it done!
whew. I almost didn't throw that out there. I'm glad i'm not insane. (or more insane than most of you) the rustic beauty really makes it feel....alive. throw plywood on the outside, and it's just a big friggin tank. let it take on a life of its own, in connection with the lives it holds man. without a doubt.
Also, I just dont see how the extra layer on the outside will add any stability or reinforcement. That thing is going NOWHERE. It's a beast. For crying out loud, you connected 2x4's to form the entire outline! You should display a task like that PROUDLY, especially when it looks so beautiful. k, i'll shut up now.
Also, I just dont see how the extra layer on the outside will add any stability or reinforcement. That thing is going NOWHERE. It's a beast. For crying out loud, you connected 2x4's to form the entire outline! You should display a task like that PROUDLY, especially when it looks so beautiful. k, i'll shut up now.
I love the look of the exposed 2x4s as well this tank is incredible. I think it will look awesome no matter what you do but I love the look of the 2x4s it is very unique and so strong
I'll also vote for really liking the look of the exposed 2x4's.greengiant;2462712; said:
But I'll disagree slightly with some of the previous replies about the exterior skin not adding any strength. With plywood skins on the outside, glued and screwed, you'll be creating a type of stressed-skin structure which are very strong. This type of structure relies on skins on both sides, not just one.
Now whether you need it or not is another question. I'm not sure if I completely understand the exact construction method used.
If it's just 2x4's edge-glued and screwed I'd have some concerns. With the vertical orientation of lumber the grain of the wood won't offer much strength.
Think of a martial arts demonstration where boards are broken. The boards are always broken across the face grain, with the grain running parallel with the edge of the hand. If the board were rotated 90* it would be much harder to break. And if it were a quartersawn or edge grain board it would be ever harder to break.
But like I said I'm not completely sure about this tank was constructed.
are you not sure because you didn't read the whole thread, or not sure because the method doesn't make sense? and while there's no doubting that adding a sheet of plywood on the outside will add strength, i seriously doubt it will add any needed strength on this tank. Plus there's going to be plywood on the inside of the tank.
I read the entire thread. There were a few situations where a written description was provided that I could not match up with a picture. I think I have a pretty good idea but sometimes there is no replacement for seeing things in person.loogielv;2462985; said:
Regardless, I believe this tank could always have structure added after the fact if any sort of problems were to arise.
Fortunately the construction of the top is going to put pressure along the length of the grain instead of across it so catostrophic failure is unlikely.
loogielv;2460094; said:
Just stain it and let it ride man. I think with all the 2x4 screw together , cover with plywood in the inside, and then fiberglass over will make it very strong maybe you can use it for a boat if you go bigger. 
